The Weekend Proposition - Ella Jade Page 0,11
for a moment. “I didn’t want to ask anyone I knew to escort me. A woman like Kendal would have taken my invitation the wrong way. Most of the women I know would have agreed hoping for more.”
“Arrogant much?” She arched a brow at him.
“Not at all.” He retrieved his toiletry bag from his luggage. “I’ve been with Ava most of my adult life. I’ve had casual relationships when she and I weren’t together but nothing serious. When Ava and I broke up a few months ago I found I had no trouble finding a date.”
“That bothers you?” She wanted to understand him.
“I’m not looking to be the next Bachelor.”
“I’m sure that show would love you. Rich, successful, and totally hot.”
“You think I’m hot?” He smirked all smug-like and sexy.
“Like you didn’t already know?”
“That I’m hot or that you thought I was hot?”
“You are arrogant.”
“I don’t have time for a relationship. My job is very demanding.”
“You still need a social life.” She shrugged. “Not that I have time for one.”
“You see, that’s why my proposition is perfect.”
When he turned to leave the room she reached out and touched his tattoo. She couldn’t stop herself. His muscles tightened under her fingers. He looked over his shoulder and into her eyes.
“I didn’t expect this.” She traced over the keys. “Do you play?”
He nodded as he held her gaze.
“It’s really good.” She moved closer to get a better look. She wasn’t sure where her boldness came from but she couldn’t stop touching his heated skin. “Did you have it done in the city?”
“Um, yes.” He spoke so low she almost missed it.
“Old Souls Tattoo Parlor?” She saw a date written underneath the picture. She wondered what it symbolized.
“How did you know that?”
“I’m friends with Jake. He’s a remarkable artist. His tats almost pop off the skin. I could tell by the color scheme this was his work. It looks like you could almost play this miniature piano.” She continued to run her fingers over the image. “He’s done all of mine.”
“You have more?” He turned to face her. “I saw the one at the nape of your neck.”
“I have a few more.”
“Where?” She felt his breath on her lips.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She gave him a flirty smile. “You better get ready for dinner.”
“Only if you’ll promise to tell me later.”
“Maybe I’ll show you.”
“You like to tease me, don’t you? That could be dangerous.”
“I’ll take my chances.” She winked. “Now go before my towel falls.”
He shot her that sexy, crooked smile before shaking his head and making his way to the bathroom.
She watched as he strode out of the room with boardroom confidence and sexy charisma that made him the most desirable man she’d ever met. Could she ever have a man like him? She was more than determined to find out.
A HALF AN HOUR LATER, Coda walked down the staircase and to the banquet room with Spencer by her side. The hint of his spice-scented shaving cream lingered in the air between them. His clean, manly aroma made her body tingle in all the right places.
How had she become so attracted to him in such a short time? She had never been one to obsess or fall head over heels for anyone. She’d only had two boyfriends in her twenty-three years. She really didn’t count Joey, her high school sweetheart, as serious but she did lose her virginity to him, so he made the list of two. The other, Frankie, was from the neighborhood. Coda had passed the time with him while in college. He lacked ambition. When he went to prison for stealing a car, she decided to swear off men and finish her education. Being in close proximity to a man like Spencer made her realize how long of a dry spell she’d experienced. Who wouldn’t be drawn in by a man like him?
“Spencer,” a stunning copper-haired woman said as she approached them. “There you are. Why didn’t you find me when you arrived?”
“Sorry, Mom.” He leaned in a kissed her cheek. “I had some work to do.”
Mom? This woman didn’t look old enough to be Spencer’s mom. Her tall, toned form and flawless skin made her appear much younger than a mom to an almost thirty year old man.
“You’re not supposed to be working, especially since you brought a guest.” His mother smiled at Coda. “Tyler told me you brought a friend. I’m Jenna.”
“Mom, this is Coda Vercelli.” Spencer put his hand on the small of Coda’s back