A Reckless Note (Brilliance Trilogy #1) - Lisa Renee Jones Page 0,7
one other bidder who really wants this wine.”
“Of course there is. Then go the four hundred thousand without regret.”
Relief washes over me. “Okay. I’ll let you know.” I disconnect and walk around to the flower display to find Kace a few feet away on the other side, talking on his phone. And I now know that his navy blue T-shirt and blazer are paired with dark jeans that hug his deliciously muscular body.
That I shouldn’t be noticing.
I pause, hating the idea of interrupting him at all, but if I stay where I’m at, it might seem as if I’m listening in. Decision made, I start walking. “Not this holiday. No. I need a break. I told you that.” His eyes lift and find me. “I’m not going to do this right now. Call me tomorrow.” He ends the call.
“Small world,” he says, and at the prod I pause, turning to face him, those stunning eyes of his fixed on me. Instantly, I feel the energy between us, the push and pull, the charge. I tell myself it’s my imagination. I tell myself I don’t want this, but it’s a lie, and while I hate lies, it’s one of many I tell to survive.
“It is a small world,” I reply, managing to sound impressively cool, but the energy is still pulsing in the air, consuming me, dragging me closer to him when I haven’t taken a step. I start trying to reason it away. He’s talented. I admire him. I fear him. The energy is all mine. But yet, I don’t know. I do not believe I’ve ever felt anything like this with anyone else, ever. Not that I’ve let many men into my life. Unlike my brother, who whores around to cope with our situation, I shut myself off. I protect myself.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I add.
“You are far more interesting than that call.” He says the words as if they’re obvious rather than flirtation, though there’s that energy between us. I think. I’m confused. “You met Crystal?” he asks.
“I did,” I say. “You were right. She was helpful. She’s going to get me into the VIP auction.”
“I knew she would.” He motions his hand. “She jumps right past Mark’s bullshit.”
I’m awkwardly staring at his hand, the hand that holds his bow. I wonder which bow he prefers and I jerk my gaze to his. Which I will never know because I won’t ask. “I can’t decide if you and Mark are friends or enemies.”
He laughs a low, sexy rumble that sings like a rough note of his violin. “Most people can’t.”
“I’m not sure what that means.”
“Ask me again,” he replies, “another time.”
Another time. As if there will be another time, and I suppose there could be, considering the VIP auction that is still weeks away. Weeks too long when Gio is missing.
An announcement sounds over the intercom. “The auction will begin in five minutes. Please take your seats.”
“They’re calling us,” he says. “Why don’t I show you the way around?”
No, I think. Yes, I think. Please, I think. “Thank you,” I say.
“You’re very polite,” he teases and motions me forward.
“Shouldn’t I be?” I ask, as we fall into step and I realize now that he’s tall, well over six feet to my five feet four inches.
“Please has appropriate uses,” he says softly, and the look in his eyes is pure suggestion. He is flirting with me. Isn’t he?
We’ve just passed the doors to the cocktail room again when Mark steps into our path and motions to Kace to join him. Kace doesn’t fight him this time. His jaw flexes and he glances over at me. “I need to-”
“No problem,” I say. “I’m good.” I quickly dart away, because the truth is, I’m treading in dark waters with Kace. I need to bid on this wine and get out of here before I walk through the Valley of Death, so to speak. Though I am doubtful that’s what any moment with Kace would feel like, and that’s the problem.
I’m directed into a room that is set up with a stage and rows of chairs in front of it, and an usher in a tuxedo greets me. He then leads me to an assigned seat which is near the rear of many rows of white foldable chairs, which is a location that I claim with mixed feelings. I need to blend and fade in the crowd, but I also need to win this auction to pay the bills, and for