His busy eyes scanned the room, searching her out, hoping for another glimpse of her. He'd arrived at the party a few minutes ago and in spite of the place being crowded, he spotted her almost immediately. They locked eyes instantly, holding each other in their gaze for the longest while. Time seemed to stop and the music faded into the background. He saw her lips curl up in a sweet, shy smile and sensed an invite but before he could approach her, Beverly, his friend and old college sweetheart, waylaid him.
"Steven!!" Beverly went over and gave him a warm hug, which he returned with equal affection. "I was wondering if you were going to show up! What kept you?"
"Oh you know … so many women, so little time," he grinned wickedly, winking at her. "How have you been, Bev? Married life seems to agree with you."
Beverly laughed and looked over at her husband Matt, who smiled and nodded at them. She leaned over to Steven and whispered, "I'm so happy it's disgusting. Plus, the sex…" She rolled her eyes.
"Moderately passable, huh?" he grinned.
"Naah. More like routinely mundane," she replied flippantly.
"Knowing you, that probably means yet another round of bed shopping," Steven laughed. "I'm surprised you two haven't killed each other yet!"
Beverly patted him on his arm and winked. "Give us time!" She noticed him giving the room a quick sweep with his eyes and asked, "So … spotted your next victim yet?"
He chuckled, looking into Beverly's bemused blue eyes. "Ah Bev, you know me so well…"
"Of course I do! Remember who you're talking to," she chuckled. "So, who is it? I love playing Cupid to my favorite ex-boyfriend!"
Steven scanned the room but there was no sign of her. "I don't see her now. I saw her when I first got here though."
"She must be around somewhere. What was she wearing? What did she look like?"
"She was wearing a red dress. She's got long, dark hair, dark brown eyes…" He let his voice trail off when he spotted her again. "And the most enchanting smile I've ever seen. Excuse me, Bev, will you?" He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before he made his way through the crowd towards her.
Beverly followed his gaze and smiled. Steven had always been one who knew what he wanted and went for it. He was focused, determined and driven, and very little seemed out of his reach, part of why he was such a successful businessman. They'd parted amicably years ago, when career ambitions took them in different directions, but she never forgot him. Aside from Matt, no other man made her weak in the knees the way Steven did. His pale green eyes could melt a woman's defenses and his voice was easily his best asset. It could be persuasive, commanding, sexy, loving … he knew it and he also knew how to use it to great effect.
Even in college he was an excellent lover. She'd dated other guys before she met him but the first time they made love it was clear that he was in a league of his own. He was intense, passionate and always took the time to make sure that he gave as much pleasure as he received. Many a time, he'd exhausted her to the point that she felt she would never get up again, much less walk. Mmmm … she was starting to feel moist between her legs from the memories. She downed the rest of her drink, walked over to where Matt was and casually but deliberately caressed his behind while he stood with his arm around her. She giggled when she saw the effect that had on him.
Jade was busy talking to three other men when Steven approached and brought his lips close to her ear. He took in a whiff of her subtle perfume and already he wanted more. "Would you honor me with a dance?" he said in a low voice. "I hate dancing alone. I always look silly when I do and it scares people."
Jade laughed out loud at this, a laughter so melodious it pulled him in even more. She excused herself from the other men, who were already glaring at Steven. He winked at them, and of course that made them all the more miffed.
He held his arm out and she took it, and wrapped his other arm around her. There were a few other couples on the dance floor and the music that wafted out of the speakers was slow, sensual and hypnotic.
"Thanks for agreeing to dance to me," Steven smiled. "You just spared the other people at the party the trauma of watching me dance alone."
"No. Thanks for rescuing me," she laughed softly. "I tried walking away from them before but they sort of cornered me again."
He looked over her shoulder at the other men and then looked back into those warm, chocolatey brown eyes. "It's OK now. They've rejoined the rest of the party. Just to be on the safe side though, maybe I should see you home?"
She thought about this awhile, then smiled. "If it's not an inconvenience. I took a cab here. I guess I shouldn't have showed up alone, huh?"
"I'm glad you did," he replied in all sincerity. "Otherwise, I would never have met you. What's your name?"
