The taste is exquisite. Sweet and bubbly, and tickles my tongue. It’s honestly the best sparkling wine I’ve ever tasted.
Ivy untangles from my arm, and I want to grab her and ask her where the hell she’s going when she gives me a reassuring smile. “Relax. Have fun. Drink, dance, make the most of your night off work. You deserve it.”
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“I’m going to see if I can find me a hot guy. You should do the same. There are plenty of hotties at the party. Most of them are older too. Yum!”
“Okay,” I say. I don’t feel the least bit all right or comfortable picking up a random stranger. I’ve never been a girl to do a one-night stand. But my life isn’t exactly conducive to having a relationship either.
I work a lot, including overtime.
The last boyfriend complained that I didn’t spend enough time with him and focused too much on my career. He was four years younger than me and acted like he just graduated high school.
Exhaling a heavy sigh, I’m glad that Ivy at least convinced me to dress up for tonight. I wasn’t sure the party was that extravagant, but I barely fit in with my long black dress with spaghetti straps.
My outfit is simple but elegant. Hopefully I don’t stand out.
I grab another flute of champagne as a woman wanders by, and I accidentally bump into a gentleman behind me.
“I’m sorry.” I’m quick to apologize, and it hasn’t helped that I’ve spilled the flute on my gown.
“It’s no trouble,” he says. He excuses himself from them and grabs a handkerchief from his coat pocket, offering it to me.
“Thank you,” I say, dabbing at the spilled remnants of my drink on my wrist and gown. Most of the liquid beads up against my dress, making it easy to clean.
After I finish wiping up my mess, I return his handkerchief to him.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Aurielo,” he says and holds out his hand.
He’s handsome, but there’s a dangerousness that exudes from his cool exterior. It’s probably because he could have me arrested for crashing the party.
Aurielo is several inches taller than me, his hair short but thick and dark. His eyes are a deep brown with flecks of amber and gold.
One glance at him and he’s stolen my breath.
I can’t help but wonder what’s beneath his suit. He stands tall, thick, muscular.
He’s better looking than any guy I’ve ever dated, not that it matters.
“Etta Bianchi,” I lie, giving the name of the guest that we used to sneak into the party. I offer him my hand, expecting him to shake it. Instead, he brings my hand to his lips.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Etta.” His eyes twinkle as he stares right through me.
The gesture makes me giddy. Maybe it’s the champagne that I’ve had too.
No man has ever paid that type of attention to me. I smile, certain that I’m blushing. The room is several degrees warmer, and one glance past Aurielo and I catch sight of Ivy dancing with another gentleman who is practically twice her age.
Ivy gives me a thumbs-up sign, pleased that I’m mingling.
Goodness, could she be any less obvious?
Thankfully, his back is to her.
“Did you come with a date?” Aurielo asks.
“No,” I say. My sister doesn’t count. I’m not sure what he’s getting at. “Why?”
“Dance with me.” He doesn’t wait for my answer.