Deadly Deception - By Andrea Johnson Beck Page 0,4
as everyone followed suit.
Anne was getting down from the chair when she noticed a dashing man standing at the edge of the room, grinning at her. Anne politely returned the gesture and walked over to Casey. The sequins from her silver dress were enough to singe people’s retinas.
“I love you Anne, thank you!” Casey wrapped her arms around her neck, squeezing her tight.
“I think it’s time to refill everyone’s glasses.” Anne tapped her wine glass, smirking. “I’m going to head over to the bar area and see what I can find.”
“Good idea.”
Anne made her way through the barrage of friends and out the gold rococo scrolls-covered room. Her crimson heels clacked against the hardwood floors, sounding more like a Clydesdale than a petite woman. She reached the lounge which was blanketed in darkness, creating a quixotic ambience.
The sexy atmosphere was induced by a woman’s sultry jazz voice that entangled the moving bodies in the room. Anne adjusted her little black dress and glanced down at the end of the bar. The man that had been standing in the threshold while she was giving her toast was walking in her direction. The bartender approached her, breaking her gaze.
“May I help you, mademoiselle?”
“Yes, the Alder private party is running low on wine. Could we please get a few more bottles?”
Anne shifted her stare and saw that Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome was now standing right beside her. Instantly, she felt a twinge shuffle across her hips.
“Yes mademoiselle, right away.”
She peered up at the man, who gave her a stunning wicked smile. Anne thought his lips looked delicious. He was under-dressed for the venue but didn’t appear sloppy either. The dark stranger was outfitted in a black short-sleeve polo shirt, tucked perfectly into fitted dark wash jeans and paired with white on black Skechers.
“Are you checking me out?” he asked with a smug look on his face.
“No! I am just simply waiting for the bartender to come back.”
Anne was quite taken back by his accusation even though she was checking him out, but he didn’t need to know that. She took a slight step away from him and then began twisting the stem of the empty wine glass, keeping her hands busy.
“Well, that was quite a toast. Hop up on various pieces of furniture often?”
He lessened the space between them. Anne could feel his body heat prickle her bare arm.
“What is this? Twenty questions?”
“Actually that was only two questions but I’m sure I can find eighteen more.”
“Super.”
His stance towered over her but she would not reveal her feelings of intimidation.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
Anne noticed how his eyes twinkled, reflecting the soft pendant lighting that hung above them.
“Anne. And yours?” She raised her voice over the music that had changed into more of an upbeat jazz melody.
“Carter. Nice to meet you Anne.”
He extended his hand to her. It was warm and enveloped hers, causing that twinge to sprint not only through her hips but also through her arms, legs, and spine. She couldn’t help but notice how he soured his tone when he said her name.
“Why did you say Anne like that?”
“Usually when a person says her name is Anne or Sue or Beth, that’s just the short-stick version of her proper name.”
She yanked her hand from his.
“Okay, well, I don’t feel it’s the short-stick version of my name, but if you must know, my proper name, as you call it, is Anneliese.”
“Now that’s an exquisite name,” he said, donning a come-hither grin and leaning toward her. “Anneliese.”
The second he unearthed her name she required oxygen immediately. Quickly, she perched herself on the leather stool; all the blood began encapsulating her cheeks and neck. He held her gaze with ease as he sat beside her. The attraction was instant and intense.
After an hour of conversation, she had completely forgotten about the wine she had requested and about the birthday festivities across the room.
“Shit.”
She looked over her shoulder and saw Casey standing in the cove of the dining room, shooting her a smirk.
“Will you excuse me for a moment?” Anne asked. She placed her hand atop his. It was smooth and magnetic.
“I should really let you get back to your party. I’ve held you hostage long enough.”
Carter stood.
“No…really…don’t leave yet.”
Anne hurried over to Casey.
“I am so sorry, I met this guy and we started talking….”
“Don’t you dare worry about it.” Casey peaked over her shoulder. “He’s hot, Anne.”
Carter was now talking with the bartender.
“His name is Carter, and there is just something about him—I