Just one look, p.1
Just One Look, page 1
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New Concepts Publishing
www.newconceptspublishing.com
Copyright ©2004 by P.J. Womack
First published by New Concepts Publishing, October 2004
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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JUST ONE LOOK
By
P.J. Womack
© copyright October 2004, P.J. Womack
Cover art by Kat Richards, © copyright October 2004
New Concepts Publishing
ISBN 1-58608-146-2
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.
Chapter One
Lauren liked him. He wore his male persona with casual proficiency, nothing flashy, just plenty of smoldering seduction. She liked his looks and the fact he didn't bother hiding his gaze, which lingered on her like a deep kiss, touching her almost intimately.
She hadn't expected to see someone like ‘Mister Sexy’ her first night back in New York. But there he stood, looking at her from across the room. His warm gaze torched her libido. Funny how a gorgeous man could make her forget jet lag, cigar smoke and being dragged here by her sister.
Raini insisted she attend the weekly cocktail party without giving Lauren a chance to recover from her coast-to-coast flight. Get her back in the swim, Raini said. Some swim. I'm on the edge of a tidal wave thanks to Mister Sexy.
He looked familiar, but no. A woman wouldn't forget him. All other males were relegated to the title of ‘poor seconds’ after seeing him. He stood head and shoulders taller than the collection of men gathered near him. Her curiosity was piqued.
He made direct eye contact with her and made it clear she interested him with a lift of his head. Maybe she shouldn't encourage him. She smothered a sarcastic laugh, admitting to herself she was intrigued with him. But no need to let him know I'm swallowing my tongue. If she didn't get herself under control soon, she was going to do something tacky—like drool.
Caught up in flirting with him, she was unaware of the absence of her ex-fiancé Justin at the gathering. It must have been a hard choice for the host to make. This crowd loved her ex-fiancé. Justin was a rising star in the medical profession, a top flight surgeon. She remembered him as a low-down cheat.
Until the moment he'd suggested they see other people, she'd thought she loved him. He'd left three days after her father's funeral exactly one year ago.
Already past the post phases of being dumped: hurt, anger, sorrow, her only current feeling toward her ex-fiancé was intense disgust. The fine looking guy across the room looked capable of soothing any pain she felt.
Did he know she was out-and-out ogling him? He'd have to be completely blind not to know.
There was no way to be sure, but from across the room his eyes appeared to be stormy-blue. Perfect. Her gaze touched his dark hair, which he wore a bit longer than that of his companions. The difference suited him, emphasizing his masculinity.
Mister Sexy flashed her a warm smile. Her staring had been officially recognized, and he was probably trying to figure out just how far his newest admirer would go. That's all he did, smile at her and then resume his conversation with his friends. She wanted more, to hear his voice and touch that muscular frame. Take your time. You'll scare him off.
"I've been without a man too long,” she mumbled to herself. Her snide inner voice had been taunting her a lot on that very subject lately.
She openly assessed the collective group of attorneys, writers and doctors. Which was he? Alpha wolf out hunting alone? Whatever his occupation, the man was the Chief of the clan. She was deeply curious about him. Damn, you're beginning to think like someone with a fatal attraction. You're just window-shopping remember.
Lauren made a face of distaste after taking a sip of her warm martini and then looked for a place to discard the drink. At the front of the room she caught sight of her sister and brother-in-law, Adam. They were waving, a signal for her to join the crowd around the piano and listen to one of Broadway's darlings belt out his latest song. She touched her temple to indicate she had a headache, a ruse she used occasionally to get out of something she considered unpleasant. Her sister hurried through the crowd to offer first aid.
Raini's smile of sympathy hit Lauren with a twinge of guilt for her deceit.
The look of motherly concern vanished from Raini's face. She had apparently figured out the recipient of her sister's undivided attention. “I see why you didn't budge from this corner.” She looked across the room. “You've noticed Victor Raven."
Lauren's mouth opened slightly in genuine surprise. “That's Victor Raven?” Her sister's expression said she had been caught doing something tasteless.
"Yes it is.” Raini gave Lauren an arch look. “You met him at father's funeral."
"Oh, I don't think so.” Lauren tried to place a time she would have met this man. “That can't be the same Victor Raven you and your girl friends used to giggle about."
"We were comparing notes.” Raini looked at her watch as if she were anxious to change the subject. “Actually, there's no reason for you to remember him. He was in college when you were in high school."
"Your age, huh?” Lauren teased. “You didn't have an affair with him, did you?” Her gaze sped back to him and a hint of a smile tilted her lips. “He looks just about the perfect age to me."
"Lauren. He's a lot older than you in a lot of ways."
"What's wrong with him?” Lauren handed her drink to a passing waiter. “Why hasn't some woman got him on a leash?"
"If you mean, is he married, no. Involved, probably.” Raini lowered her voice and glanced at Victor. “His marriage ended in a bitter divorce and now he's sharing custody of his little girl with his ex-wife."
"That doesn't make him untouchable.” Lauren grinned at her serious-minded sister. “Victor and I have something in common. We've both been dumped. Maybe we can help each other over the rough spots."
"I didn't say he was unhappy, Lauren.” Glancing over at the man in question, Raini sighed. “Women haven't been too kind to him. He just doesn't get deeply involved in relationships."
"Is this some kind of warning?” Lauren wanted to know everything about Victor. “I suppose the divorce made a pauper of him.” Her eyes widened in mock horror. “Please don't tell me he's a doctor."
"He's hardly a pauper, Lauren. He's made the millions he inherited look like pocket change with his business savvy.” Raini smiled at her curious sister. “And no, he's not a doctor. And I wasn't issuing a warning."
"Sounded like it.” Lauren tilted her head from side to side, looking at Victor from every angle. She liked him more with every passing second. “Well, since he's not a doctor, I think I'll go introduce myself."
"Lauren.” There was no playfulness in Raini's voice. “Victor has his own set of rules. Be warned he is a charmer and a nice guy, but he is immunized against the long term relationships you enjoy."
The urge to remind Raini to stop lecturing her battered against her teeth. But Lauren kept the remark to herself. She didn't remember her mother and Raini had stepped in to keep her in line since their father had given them free reign to explore. Grudgingly, she admitted that if not for her socially conscious sister, she might be living in a commune in the mountains. On the other hand, she was twenty-six and it was time Raini realized it.
"I suppose you know that statement made him absolutely irresistible.” Lauren squeezed Raini's hand. “You worry too much, sis. Anyway, aren't you the one who said I needed to find a new love interest?"
Draping her arm about Lauren's shoulder, Raini seemed to be in a quandary. After a moment, she lifted her hands in a small show of defeat. “I did say that, didn't I?” She started to walk away, pausing to add a last comment. “But does it have to be Victor? I'm not meddling, Lauren. It's just that you seem vulnerable right now."
"I might have been a year ago, but I've learned never to believe a man, no matter how great looking he is.” Lauren turned her head to search the group of men for Victor, but he was no longer there. She shrugged then winked at Raini. “See. Nothing to worry yourself about. Seems he's already lost interest."
"Your eyes tell me you're plotting something, Lauren.” Sighing, Raini looked at the noisy group that had begun singing again. “After you've found out what you have to know, come join Adam and me at the piano."
"Promise."
Lauren was disappointed that Victor had left. She had enjoyed their brief game of silent flirting—a first for her. Justin hadn't liked flirting. Too childish, he'd said. Childish was scarcely what she'd call the art of flirting in relation to Victor; it was more like a prelude to spontaneous combustion. That would be a first for her too.
Taking a minute to scan the crowd on the chance of catching another glimpse of Victor, she laughed at her sudden infatuation with a stranger. Coming back down to earth, she checked her appearance in the bank of mirrors lining the wall, smoothing the short skirt of her slip dress and brushing
"Everything looks perfect from here."
Lauren couldn't help the little smile of delight that lifted the corners of her mouth. Like some quiet hunter, Victor Raven had found her. His rich voice stoked her ear, exciting her. She didn't turn to face him but observed him in the mirror. She liked the way he had let her know he was behind her.
"Everything's exactly where it should be.” He moved effortlessly and stopped just short of touching her. His gaze traveled the length of her body in a leisurely fashion.
He stood so near that his jacket brushed against her body. She didn't move but involuntarily arched her back slightly in delicious expectation. Heat bloomed through her blood, the power of what was happening too pleasant to describe. He was seducing her without a touch, without speaking.
Victor took a long, unhurried look at her hair and caught a few strands in his fingers. “You have incredible hair. Dark mahogany and silk."
She gave him a wry smile and turned her head slightly. “Are you saying I'm a block head?"
"Hardly. I'm saying you're beautiful.” He chuckled and leaned over until his cheek brushed hers. “You're an intriguing woman. Sexy and exotic.” He drew his fingertip across her nape. “You make me think of warm beaches and soft night trade winds.” His touch teased light as a feather when he traced the line of her jaw. “What are you thinking?"
Lauren shivered under his light touch. A tiny but powerful little flame skittered down her spine. This was way beyond flirting, bordering on foreplay. She should end the encounter. But why? The way he made her body sing was too wonderful not to experience. Stay, her woman's voice crooned. Breathe in his male scent of wild heather and warm moss. She blinked when her hair swung free of the heavy silver clasp that had held it. Wake up, ninny. He's undressing you.
She tried to sound unconcerned while pushing her hair behind her ear. “And I worked so hard to get it that way."
"It wanted to be free.” His fingertips were at the neckline of her dress, branding her skin with his touch. He leaned nearer. “You're unsnapped."
She felt his fingers brush her skin and her pulse raced dangerously. “You have very good hands, Mister Raven."
"Mister Raven?” He arched a dark eyebrow at her comment, not bothering to ask how she knew his name. “And what is your name? I can't just keep calling you fantastic.” His finger skated intimately over her wrist. Somehow his hand slid to her waist with the unhurried ease of a man bent on seduction.
"Lauren. Lauren Rose.” Gripping his wrist, she moved his hand from her waist. The heavily seductive expression on his handsome face had changed to one of deep interest. She liked that. Flirting wasn't something she did on a regular basis, but Victor made it so easy.
"Lauren. A beautiful name.” He leaned forward again, inhaling her scent like a jungle cat seeking a prospective mate. “Of course you would have a sexy name."
Lauren's knees threatened to buckle. Everything about him made her remember the long ignored yearning to be desired and touched in a sensual way. She had to say something that wasn't suggestive or her blood pressure would send her to the hospital.
"I don't remember seeing you at one of these parties before. Did you crash this one?"
"Maybe.” An incredibly soft growl tumbled over his lips. “I'm glad as hell I decided to drop in here tonight. Otherwise, I might never have found you."
She let him turn her to face him. Captivating, midnight blue eyes were gazing into hers and she knew it would be easy to become lost in their warm depths. And yes he was tall, but not too tall for her to fit comfortably in his arms. There was a scar at the corner of his mouth, an inch long lightning bolt that looked terrific on him. Damn, she wanted to touch it. Oh dear, what was he doing to her now?
He moved her hair aside to brush a kiss against her earlobe, smiling easily at her. “There isn't a lover lurking about is there, Lauren?"
"Not yet.” She felt her nipples tense and become painfully sensitive. What was wrong with her? That was a singles bar invitation for sure.
"That sounds promising.” He tilted his dark head to an angle that would have been perfect for a slow, deep kiss, but his mouth only hovered above hers. “Do you keep promises, Lauren?"
The way he said her name stroked the most secret parts of her body. Somehow, she had expected there to be a soft burr to his words. It didn't matter. She liked everything about him and the feeling of being melting wax in his warm hands. She didn't know if she liked his ability to bring out the vixen in her. Why lie to yourself. You love it.
"I don't believe I know you well enough to answer that.” Her fingers slid over the silk of his tie.
"I hope to change that,” he said. He took her hand, lightly squeezing her fingertips. “After we have dinner, we'll satisfy our mutual curiosity about each other."
She wasn't surprised by his suggestion and let her senses enjoy the maleness of him. His presence was overwhelming, and the power of his sexuality pushed her into a satin bed of erotic fantasy. An indescribable flare of desire quickened in her body, ending up in her tense thighs. “Are you asking me to leave with you?” Lord. This was going way beyond flirting.
"Of course.” He took a moment to study the hair clasp in his hand. “I thought we were in agreement."
Lauren knew her lips were forming a quivering O while she tried to think of something to say to him. “What would we tell our hostess?"
"Goodnight.” He laughed, the sound rich, warm and all male.
He was confidant and she was enthralled. But not so much that she had completely lost her head. At least not yet. How was she going to refuse without sounding like a frightened mouse? The word slipped out of her mouth in a whisper.
"No."
"No?"
She smiled sweetly up at him. “Raven, how would it look if I waltzed out of here with no reasonable excuse?” Was he as strong as he appeared? The breadth of his shoulders said he was.
"You need to know more about me,” he coaxed. “I have to know everything about you.” His thumb brushed her lower lip.
"Have to?” She leaned against the surface of the cool mirror, breathing in the heady aroma of the sexiest man alive. “Are you sure you want to?"
"I can't believe you're asking me that after I plowed through a hostile crowd getting to you.” He braced one hand against the mirror, leaving her enough room to walk away if she chose to. He ran his thumb over her knuckles. “We need to be together on a steady basis. You can question me night and day."
"Night and day?” Not snapping up the idea went against everything she was feeling. It would have been heaven to escape to whatever exciting and sensual place he would take her. Stop it. You're suffering temporary insanity. Show some class if you're still able. Say something sensible. “Aren't you employed?” She had managed to regain some decorum.
"Self-employed,” he said. Cupping her chin in his fingers, he leveled a warm gaze on her lips.
She blurted out her reply without thinking. “Gigolo?"
Victor seemed to delight in her resistance and playful wit. He renewed his effort to keep her with him as long as possible.
"Lauren. Of course Laurens always have cherry lips and mysterious dark eyes.” He drew back a fraction to smile at her. “What does someone as incredible as you do with her time?"
At last, she thought. Something to talk about that wouldn't make her sound like a complete pick-up. “I dream up horribly expensive fashions."
He pressed the hair clasp back into her palm. “That sounds interesting.” He watched her replace it in her hair, grinning when he noticed she had missed several strands. “Have lunch with me tomorrow."
Lauren hesitated, unsure if he was serious or simply looking for a way to leave. “Will this be a power lunch?” She hadn't said yes or no. It was up to him now. Oh damn. He eyed the small points of her nipples, and she wanted to rub them into a respectable flatness. He smiled at her as if he wanted to assist her.
His gaze lifted to her mouth. “It will be whatever you want it to be.” He caressed her wrist with his thumb. “Anywhere you want it to be."
Lauren hadn't meant for their banter to drag a luncheon date out of him. Or had she? Did she really want to share any part of her life or put her emotions at risk yet? Of course she did. He made her feel what she hadn't for a very long time. Sexy. She plunged ahead.
