I swallow a couple of times before remembering to nurse my drink and trying to kill my nerves with the alcohol entering my bloodstream.
He climbs out, indeed.
I can only see his profile as he talks and gestures at the valet. The man slides behind the wheel before Kai veers this way.
My lips part slightly, my surroundings fading while I take in the man striding to the entrance.
He doesn’t look at me, yet his blue-gray eyes glint with a smile as if he knows I’m looking at him.
His tuxedo looks fantastic, falling over his body with great distinction, showcasing his figure.
He looks like someone’s future husband, a naughty voice murmurs in my head, and I shush it, dismissing it as nonsense.
What is wrong with my head?
I don’t know what’s going on. I can’t tell whether the host is still talking, and if I’m still smiling or just making a funny face while staring at Kai.
His smile broadens as he pulls closer to his friends. I wonder where they’ve been and why they’ve arrived separately.
I can’t assign that task to my brain since my entire focus is on the view in front of me.
They chat, and check their phones, not once looking at me, but I know that they know that I’m here. Not only because Alejandro and Francisco have acknowledged me, but because I see it in their stance. The way they talk, pump out their chests and flash their million-dollar smiles.
I’m not new to this. I know how they react, and I like what I see.
Grinning, I move my eyes away and signal to a server to bring me another glass of wine.
The toast comes to an end, and the party resumes. Live music plays, and people chat around the tables.
“Hey.”
The man’s voice makes me lift my eyes.
Kai’s gaze meets my eyes, making my heart tumble.
What is it about that mix of ash, stardust, and heat flowing from his eyes that has such a potent effect on me?
They pull out their chairs and sit with me at the table. Kai occupies a seat next to me.
“Hey,” I say, grinning and moving my eyes from one to another.
They all flash secret smiles, prompting my next question.
“Have I missed something?” I murmur, setting my drink down.
“You look beautiful, cariño,” Alejandro rasps, gesturing to the server for drinks.
Francisco tips his chin down in agreement, his bottom lip rolled between his teeth.
I shift my gaze to Kai, whose eyes absorb the glow of crystal chandeliers.
“Was this you?” I ask under my breath, pointing to my dress.
We share a stare for a few moments before he looks down and up to lock my eyes again.
“It was you,” I say, charmed by his smile.
Without waiting for confirmation, I lean closer to him, touch his thigh and bring my lips to his ear.