Chapter 1
I swallowed, clenching my fist to my side as I marched through the hotel lobby.
"Mr North! We have some messages for you."
I halted, taking a deep breath before I approached the reception desk. My bad mood had intensified, but I wasn't an ass who took it out on the staff.
"Thank you." I said, taking the pieces of paper.
The young woman smiled, her cheeks flushing.
"You're welcome. I know we aren't to put any calls through to your room."
I nodded, gifting her with a grin.
"Very good, Lucy. I appreciate it."
She leaned forward, her cleavage suddenly visible.
"Anything I can do to make your stay comfortable, sir. You just have to ask."
I nodded, my cock stirring. She was attractive, and so far I'd been screwing my way through my heartbreak.
"I'll bear that in mind."
I could feel her eyes on me as I walked away, scrunching up the pieces of paper. Anyone I wanted to hear from had my new UK cellphone number. I headed straight for the bar, throwing them in the trash can as I walked in.
"Scotch on the rocks." I said, coming to a stop at the bar.
I took a deep breath, glancing around the room.
Fuck.
The woman to my left was gorgeous.
I swallowed, shaking my head. Tonight was supposed to be a quiet and chilled one. How could it be that way now? She was stunning. Her long blonde hair looked as smooth as silk, and the features of her face were perfect.
Only an idiot wouldn’t approach her.
"Is this seat taken?" I asked, holding out my hand to her.
She shook her head and I felt like my entire body was floating. Fuck. She was seriously hot.
"I'm Dean." I said, silently cursing at how desperate I probably appeared.
"Paloma."
Paloma.
It suited her perfectly.
"A beautiful name for a woman as captivating as you." I replied, sitting beside her.
Her expression heated, but I could tell she was trying to hide her attraction to me. It was a different approach to what I was used too. Women usually made it obvious they found me attractive.
"So, what are you doing on this side of the pond?" She asked, her voice quivering.
I turned, purposefully brushing my leg against hers. I needed to test out this crazy chemistry I was feeling. She exhaled sharply, her cheeks flushing. I smiled, pleased by her reaction.
"Business. What are you doing alone in this bar? Surely someone hasn't stood you up?"
I could tell I had caught her off guard, but then she completely shocked me with her reply.
"I was planning on having a drink, and finding someone to share a bed with for the night. I get so lonely by myself."
Her eyes travelled over my body before meeting mine.
Fuck.
This woman could make my dick hard just by looking at me. I swallowed, studying her intently as she flicked her hair over her shoulder.
"I prefer it that way." I whispered, leaning over and moving it back.
Her eyes closed as my fingers traced over her cheek.
"My room is upstairs."
She opened her eyes, her voice soft.
"I'd like to see it."
I felt like I'd hit the jackpot. She was completely gorgeous and the sparks were flying between us. It wasn’t the first time I'd picked a woman up in a bar, but it was the only time I felt like I was losing control.
She was mesmerizing. I was under her spell.
I gestured to the guy behind the bar that I wanted to settle the bill. He frowned as he took my money. Paloma didn't show any kind of reaction, but I could tell he was jealous. Maybe he thought he'd be the one taking her home tonight.
I wrapped my arm around her as we left, aware of the eyes watching us walk out.
I'd never been around a woman who made me so turned on. I heard her breath falter as I pressed the elevator button. The fire in me was ferocious. I knew that if I kissed her now I wouldn't be able to stop.
"Patience, Paloma." I whispered, teasing her ear with my tongue.
She moaned quietly as the doors sprung open. I was struggling to hold back, but the elderly couple behind us stopped me from chucking her against the wall.
"What floor would you like?" I asked, clearing my throat.
"Oh, floor 10." The woman replied, her cheeks turning pink.
I felt strangely comfortable as I held Paloma's hand. She'd clocked that I'd hit the button for the penthouse, but nothing about her demeanor changed. I wondered what it would take to impress her.
Once the couple had left I typed in the override code.
"It won't stop on any other floors now."
She nodded, moving closer to me. It felt like electricity was flowing through every part of me as she approached, and I struggled to keep an impassive look on my face.
She pressed against me and I moaned, my hands springing to her hips. I was completely at her mercy, but I didn't want her knowing that. I brushed my lips over her face, lingering against her mouth.
"Kiss me."
I smirked at the pleading tone in her voice. I wanted her on edge, her body expectant of what was to come next.
"Not till we are in my room."
She frowned, her arms crossing her chest as she stepped back. Her body was on display as she leaned back against the wall, and I couldn't help but admire it.
"I take it you aren’t used to hearing no?" I said, grabbing her hand as the elevator doors opened.
She didn't reply as I tugged her along the corridor, my heart racing. I backed her against the wall as I reached for my keycard.
"Once we're in that room I won't stop kissing every inch of your body."
The room was dark as the door opened and I dragged her inside. She stumbled and I scooped her into my arms, our lips crashing together.
Yep. There was no way I was going to be able to stop. Every touch obliterated my awareness of anything but her. What the hell was this? I'd never experienced energy like this with anyone. To think I was going to get married-
Don't go there, North.
I heard her jacket and purse hit the floor as I headed towards the bedroom. Yep, this was going to be a night to remember...
