CHAPTERFOUR
DANA
Dana sat on a bench between classes the day after she met Rux. She didn’t want to show it, but her heart had been sent aflutter when he had kissed her hand. She had reacted sarcastically, but she didn’t want him to see how much the gesture had made her swoon.
She was a strong, intelligent, and independent woman. She truly didn’t rely on any man and didn’t want one that would distract her from her audition for the Orchestra or her full-time job. But she had to admit, he was dashingly handsome.
She played with Rux’s business card as she went inside for her lunch break, meditating on some other planet. Yes, he was attractive, and yes, she had imagined several times what his mouth would have felt like between her legs. But that could have just been her horniness talking, right?
Dana had enjoyed toying with him, intentionally swaying her hips back and forth like she didn’t have a single care in the world. But she couldn’t lie to herself. It felt nice to be looked at and desired by Rux. It made her feel lavish and sexy.
He’s still some wealthy, handsome guy, though. I’ve interacted with a lot of those in my life, so why would Rux be any different?
Dana took her lunch out of the staff fridge and then sat at an empty table. Ms. Anderson walked in a few minutes later, flashing Dana with a cocked eyebrow.
“You’re looking dreamy,” Ms. Anderson commented.
Dana had been lost in the abyss of her mind and hadn’t even noticed when Ms. Anderson had entered. She shook her head, making Ms. Anderson smile.
“I guess that means the date went well then?” Ms. Anderson said, sitting with Dana.
Dana was holding the sandwich to her lips and had yet to take a bite. A smile grew on her face when she thought about Rux and how nervous he had looked.
The fact that she could even make someone nervous was ridiculously flattering.
“I think so,” Dana said, trying to remain indifferent.
Ms. Anderson opened a container full of lettuce and accouterments. She continued to prod Dana about her date with an amused look on her face.
“You sure aren’t one to give details, are you?” Ms. Anderson said.
Dana stared at her sandwich, feeling weakness in her legs as she thought about Rux. He had only placed his hands on her once that evening, and it was enough to light a flame inside her.
Respecting a woman’s boundaries is incredibly sensual.
Dana opened her mouth to speak, but the words stuck in her throat when she saw a flash of green and black enter her field of vision.
For a second, she thought she had somehow conjured an image of Rux through thinking about him, dressing him in a tight, forest-green knitted sweater and pants that showed off his plump ass.
She blinked hard, then realized that it wasn’t some enchantment. Rux was indeed standing in the doorway, holding a bouquet of velvety soft roses.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” Rux said.
Ms. Anderson turned and saw Rux. She stood immediately, which made Dana do the same. Then she accidentally hit her knee on the table and felt it throb but stood there coolly, hoping no one had noticed.
“Good afternoon, Rux,” Dana said, adjusting her blouse. “What a surprise to see you here.”
Rux stepped into the room and then held out his hand to Ms. Anderson. She stood with a shocked look on her face but remained amused.
“Hello, there, I’m Rux Cohen,” he said, shaking Ms. Anderson’s hand. “Do you work with Dana?”
Ms. Anderson nodded slowly.
“I’m the principal here, actually,” she said, still staring. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
Rux’s smile was as bright as the sun, almost blinding both the women. He stepped closer to Dana, and she could smell his natural musk, making her a little dizzy.
“I wanted to let you know that I loved meeting you last night,” Rux said, holding out the roses, “and I wanted to invite you to another event tomorrow night. An art exhibition at the museum.”