But when he held her, when he pulled her into his arms and his hand took hers while the other held her waist, Naomi knew she lied. As she rested her head on his chest, her eyes drifted to the band, and silently pleaded that this dance never end.
He felt the warmth of her skin through the fabric and his palm resisted the urge to drift a fraction lower.
It was Abe who, for the first time, had to focus on his breathing. Who had to stare beyond the fragrant curls and out into the corporate world and remember his vow to himself to be a perfect gentleman tonight.
Then she moved in his arms and her heavy breasts squashed into his chest, and he recalled them naked against his skin on the night she had denied him.
And she felt her heartbeat quicken at the heat from his palm and desire took hold and she closed her eyes in an attempt to resist it.
‘Naomi?’
‘Yes?’
‘I’m going to have to do the rounds soon...’
She nodded and reminded herself that this was work to him. ‘That’s fine,’ she said, and pulled her head back and looked up.
A dangerous mistake.
One only ever read about Abe’s scandals.
For all the trysts he’d been caught up in there had never been as much as one single public display of affection.
That ended tonight.
His mouth found hers so easily and both took their fill.
And the band must have read her earlier plea for they played on as the whispers chased each other around the room.
Abe Devereux andthatwoman.
Who no one knew by name.
One thing was certain, though, and both tongues and cameras were clicking tonight.
This kiss may have started on the dance floor but it would end in bed.
Tonight.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
ITWASNAOMI’Snight of nights and, quite simply, she wished it would never end.
Even when they left the dance floor as Abe had to go and work the room Naomi felt as if she floated from his arms. She spoke with Felicia, with Khalid and even with strangers, and every now and then he would look over, checking that she was okay.
Naomi felt shielded from the whispers and stares that had plagued her since she had walked in, and in that ballroom indeed she was. There was Abe looking out for her, Khalid and, unbeknown to her, Felicia was too.
The night was starting to wind down and couples were starting to leave, the women still clutching their rose. ‘I might nip to the loo,’ Naomi said, and Felicia frowned. ‘The restroom,’ she clarified.
‘Good idea.’ Felicia nodded. ‘I might come with you, there’ll be a rush on soon.’
But as they picked their way through the ballroom, Felicia turned to the sound of her name.
‘Felicia?’
Naomi also turned at the sound of the voice and saw a very handsome man walking towards them, a curious look on his face. ‘Itisyou,’ he said.
‘Leander...’