Her eyes flew open. Adrian Cabrera stood in front of her, shoulders thrown back and hands casually resting in his pockets.
Everleigh swallowed quickly, her mouth drying out under the intense scrutiny of his hooded gaze.
“Um...yes.” She smiled slightly. “Possibly the best cookie I’ve ever tasted.” She gestured toward the sign. “And I think this is great. To honor your grandmother like that.”
Something dark flickered in his eyes, but disappeared too quickly for her to discern what it was.
“You were looking for me.”
“Mind your manners, Everleigh.”
Dad’s voice echoed in her mind. She mentally forced herself to relax and not point out that it was polite to thank someone when they gave you a compliment.
“Was I?”
“Yes.”
Arrogant jerk.She bit down on her tongue. Her first inclination was to cut this sexy but maddening man down to size, but she wouldn’t let her temper get the better of her again. This second chance to speak to him was a blessing, and not one to be taken lightly.
“I want to apologize for my harsh words,” she forced out.
He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. “Really?”
She clenched her hands together and looked down. “I’m not normally so rude. Dad’s health has...” A lump rose in her throat and she swallowed hard. Now was not the time for tears, and Adrian Cabrera did not seem like the type of man who would tolerate weakness. “I reacted hastily and made some horrible accusations.”
Silence stretched between them. She looked back up and maintained eye contact. She might have forced out an apology, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of letting him intimidate her.
For what seemed like forever, but was probably only ten seconds or so, they stared at each other. The energy between them changed, nearly causing her to totter back on her heels. The strength of the attraction that crackled between them was like lightning. Carnal thoughts rose in her mind, accompanied by vivid images of his bronze skin pressed against her body as they rolled across a bed, tangled in the sheets.
Her cheeks grew hot. One hand flew up to her face before she could stop it, as if she could hide her response.
Judging by the slow smile spreading across his face, he knew exactly what was going through her mind.
The band finished their song to a round of hearty applause. A beat later they struck up another tune. The sultry notes of the slow song floated on the air as the ballroom lights dimmed.
“Dance with me.”
Her mouth dropped open. “What?”
“We’re at a party. It’s a practical invitation.”
“As I previously stated, Mr. Cabrera, I’m here to discuss business. I have no interest in pleasure of any kind.”
His eyes darkened. “That’s too bad.”
Oh, no.That damned heat spread down her neck, into her chest and then lower. Her heart kicked into high gear and drummed a frantic beat against her ribs. She’d experienced desire before, but never like this.
“Mr. Cabrera, I—”
“No, Miss Bradford,” he said, his voice low and husky.
She knew it was to prevent eavesdroppers from listening in, but that didn’t stop the fluttering sensation spreading from her stomach to her fingertips.
“I’m celebrating a momentous achievement. You crashed my party. You insulted me. I’m a busy man, with hundreds of guests who would like to speak with me tonight.” He took a step closer, his gaze pinning her to the spot. “So you may dance with me, and we will discuss business, or you may schedule an appointment with my secretary.” The corner of his mouth tilted up. Confidence and power were rolling off him in waves. “I leave tomorrow for Spain and will be back in five weeks. The day Fox becomes a part of Cabrera, in fact.”
He had her, and they both knew it.
“Fine,” she ground out. “Let’s dance.”