Bachelor Swap, Lacey Black [best short novels txt] 📗

“It just turned out to be a lovely night,” I tell him, as we snatch glasses of champagne from a passing waiter.

“It did,” he replies, clicking my glass with his own in toast. “I’m happy to be here with you, Kyla.”

“I’m glad you’re here too.”

Something must flash across my face. “Did you not think I would?”

I shrug, turning my attention for a moment to someone greeting Matthew as he passes. My date doesn’t pay the man any attention, however; just keeps his eyes on me. “I guess I was prepared for you to have to work. You’re so close to closing another business deal.”

He swallows hard and cuts his gaze across the room to where my father and his team are still sitting and laughing. “The deal is almost done, and even if it weren’t, even if there were delays and renegotiations that required my time, I’d still be here with you tonight,” he says, stepping forward and sliding his thumb across my cheek. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than by your side, Kyla.”

His words are barely above a whisper, but ring loud and clear. I almost open my mouth right there and tell him I’m falling in love with him. Instead, I opt to save that for later. He’s wanting to talk tonight, and I can’t help but wonder if maybe he’s ready to share the same declaration. I see it in his eyes, or at least I think I do. There’s definitely something there, something that’s been growing with each passing day. I feel it in his touch and in the way he made love to me last night.

He reaches out and brushes his hand against my arm, causing goosebumps to race across my body. “This dress,” he starts, shaking his head, “it’s going to be the death of me, beautiful. You’re a vision.”

I lean into his touch, needing to feel closer. Even though my feet are already sore, I go up on my toes. “Wait until you get to peel it off me later, Cowboy.” I give him a sassy smile and wink, which makes him groan.

“Devil woman.”

I bark out a laugh and sip my champagne, the bubbles tickling my throat. “Just giving you something to look forward to.”

He wraps his left hand around my hip and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Oh, sweetheart, I’ve thought of nothing but how I’m going to get you out of that dress all night.”

With a coy smile, I hand off my glass to my date. “Would you mind holding this? I’m going to use the ladies’ room.”

He takes the glass and leans forward, brushing his lips across my cheek. “I’ll be right here, waiting.”

I turn and head for the hallway, a little extra swing in my hips. I can feel his eyes on me like a caress, pleased I chose this particular dress for the night, knowing it has him tied up is the icing on the cake.

Hopefully, later this evening, when the dress finally comes off, I’ll share the secret I’ve been carrying. I’ll tell him finally that I’ve fallen in love with him.

Chapter Twenty-One

Mason

I take a sip of my champagne, enjoying the hell out of the view of Kyla walking away. The back of that dress—It’s hard-on inducing. I’ve had trouble keeping myself from getting an erection from the first moment she spun around in her penthouse apartment. I’ve been thinking of it—and her wearing it—almost nonstop since.

When she’s completely out of sight, I turn my attention back to the room. I imagine there are a handful of people here I should know—or who my brother probably knows. Many wave, a few tip their heads as I pass, and I’ve even witnessed a few glares sent in my direction. At least my brother is consistent with pissing people off. I wouldn’t expect anything less.

What I wasn’t expecting was seeing Jerald hugging Kyla when I turned around and was introduced to her father. I probably looked like an idiot, standing there with my mouth hanging open and trying to catch up. I clearly missed the part in my brother’s packets of information that gave that key piece of information.

My question is why? Why wasn’t the connection noted more clearly in the paperwork or even mentioned when Matthew and I were talking about her? Why not just tell me he was dating the daughter of the man whose company he was buying?

Something doesn’t settle well in my gut, and as I continue to people-watch while I wait for Kyla’s return, the alcohol drops heavy in my stomach with dread. I have a feeling there’s a big piece of this puzzle that I’m missing.

Deciding I need something positive to focus on, I turn back to the doorway, hoping to catch the first glimpse of her as she returns to the ballroom. There are many people milling around, but it’s one particular person that catches my attention. He’s tall and well dressed in an impeccable tuxedo, and the moment his eyes meet mine, my heart skids to a complete stop in my chest.

Matthew.

I instantly turn around and head for a doorway. It leads to a back hallway, one that doesn’t have any attendees hanging around. When I know we’re alone, I turn and wait for him to join me. Matthew smiles deviously as he approaches, but I don’t share his excitement. Actually, I feel like I could throw up. My twin must have snatched a glass of champagne from a passing tray as he made his way through the ballroom and downs half of it before he even gets close to me.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I harshly whisper the moment he’s within earshot.

“Good evening, brother. I got back early, and thought I’d take in the gala. I was invited, after all.” He takes another sip, a much smaller one this time. “You know, as Kyla’s date.”

The hairs on the back of my neck all stand up. “That’s bullshit,” I growl, glancing around to make sure