Love UnExpected (Love's Improbable Possibility) (30 page)

“
So are you trying to say I clean up well, Thompson?” I feigned offended.

“Oh, not at all. It’
s just a new side of your beauty and style that I’m witnessing here,” he said conspicuously appraising my ensemble.

“
Tsk-tsk, Thompson. Conflict of interest ring a bell?” I wave my index finger gesturing
no!

“You’r
e not gay. Neither are you married, therefore I'm allowed to appreciate what I see.”

I chuckled. “
Thanks for the compliment, Thompson,” I say wryly.

The emcee of the evening asked us to locate our assigned seats as the program would begin in fifteen minutes. That announcement halted our pace to the bar.

“Can I get you something while you grab your seat?” Thompson offered.

“
No thanks. I’ll just finish this one.” I gave a conspiratorial wink causing his hearty chuckle. “But I’ll follow.” I figured I had nothing else better to do.

At the bar I stood with Thompson as he ordered his scotch. I suddenly had the urge to pee and thought it best not to try and go once things got underway.

“Will you excuse me for a minute while I go to the ladies' room?”

“Sure. I’ll be right here
,” he said as I walked off. I could feel him channeling my booty lustfully as I strutted in direction of the ballroom exit.

I was able to get in and out of the bathroom in no time. When I looked into the vanity while washing my hands
, it dawned on me that I must have left my clutch at the bar. I couldn't freshen up my makeup though thankfully, it was all still intact.

Back at the bar
, Thompson was still there waiting as agreed. He had one foot up on the medal rod at the bottom of the bar while resting his alternate leg on the floor with his arms folded on the bar top. I spied my clutch.

“
I'm glad you stayed in place. Can't lose this,” I said retrieving it from the bar. Thompson still held his amorous gawk. 

“
I meant what I said. You are working that gown, very elegant.”

I narrowed my brows at him. I thought of how Azmir was so insistent that
I wore this particular gown.
It must be a man thing.

“
Thanks
again
, Mr. Thompson,” I said sardonically.

“
Tell me, what would you be doing if you were not obligated to be at your employer’s fundraising ball this evening, Rayna?”

Before I could think to answer, I generously and very pleasantly inhaled an intriguingly familiar fragra
nce that summonsed my libido. I’d suddenly become aroused in a way I'd never experienced. I’d sensed him before I heard or saw him.

“
Well, I hope with me, where she belongs,” a baritone voice, twisting my stomach muscles, spoke so fluidly with hidden snarl. 

I felt his arm hook my waist and his hand reach
ed down to my belly causing me to feel claimed and secure. I gasped as I looked up to find Azmir all dapper in his dark blue Tom Ford suit. His eyes were glued to Thompson who stood with his mouth fixed in an “O” shape clearly at a loss for words. Azmir didn't smile, in fact, he peered at him with an expression that wasn't fit for words. Azmir broke his glower to look down at me and I could see almost instantly his eyes softening as he kissed me on the forehead. Those trustee currents zapped through me causing me to lose my breath.

“
Azmir,” I breathed trying to steady my lungs. “You made it.”

“
Of course I did. I couldn't have missed this for all the tea in China.” He couldn't hide the sarcasm. 

I was winded. “
But I thought—” I muttered before he cut me off.

“
You're not drinking that, are you?” I looked over at my hand squeezing the martini glass giving away my edginess. “It can't be fresh. Plus, you’ve walked away from it. Let’s get you something else.” He sensually chastened in my ear, but loud enough for Thompson to hear.

“
Rayna,” Thompson called out, once again allowing his arrogance to rear its ugly head.
Not right now, Brian. You don't want it with A.D..
I begged in my head. “Who's your friend?” he continued.

I was in the middle of the two sitting on the bar stool as Azmir stood behind me.
I could hear Azmir behind me ordering drinks, though I wasn't sure of what. I looked up at Azmir, who winked at me with a flexing jaw, before turning back to Thompson.

“
Brian Thompson, this is Mr. Azmir Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs, Thompson is the practice's new attorney.”

“
...firm,” Thompson corrected.

“
I'm sorry?”

“
Law firm. I have a team of attorneys that work for me.”

Seriously?

“
Duly noted,” I said feigning rebuked.  

The emcee sp
oke again starting the program. Azmir grabbed our drinks and took my hand leading me away from the bar. I craned my neck back, giving Thompson an apologetic smile. I noted that neither Azmir or Thompson greeted each other after I’d introduced them. Oddly enough, Azmir led me straight to our assigned seats as if he knew exactly where they were. I saw my place card there on the table, to the right of it was Thompson's and to the left Mr. Katz and his wife were seated. Thankfully, Azmir didn't notice and simply descended into the seat to the right of me.

Dinner was tasty. The program was less exciting. I was only grateful that I didn't have to orate. I was stunned when the host announced that Azmir donated $20,000 to the event earmarked for the Long Beach City area,
naturally
. They only announced large donations. Apparently Azmir's was the second largest from a personal donor. I was proud and impressed and turned on. Jim Katz jolted toward Azmir with his creased eyes widened in wonderment, as did everyone else at the table. With grace and class Azmir gave a soft bow of the head along with a most humbled smile. I wanted to throw my arms around him, but thought it not appropriate considering the crowd.

As dessert was being served
, I realized that Azmir hadn't said very much to me since we were seated. I didn't like the vibes I'd been picking up so scooted closer to him.

“
Hey, you.” I batted my eyes, still feeling giddy inside by his surprise attendance.

“
Hey, yourself.” He took my hand and planted small soft kisses on them causing my chest to rise. 

“
I've missed you. You’ve really outdone yourself this evening, Jacobs,” I said feeling and sounding sappy.

“You’re worth it, Ms. Brimm. I don’
t know whose expression was more picture worthy, yours or your lawyer boy’s.” Azmir’s tone was soft and even, but his words were acute.

I
wrinkled my nose. “Thompson?” 

Azmir raised his eyebrows.
 

“
He's not an issue for me. Perhaps his arrogance is, but I avoid conversing with him and that helps in curtailing his conceit.” 

“
You see him regularly?”

“Hardly. He’
s new to the practice. I’ve seen him once or twice at the LBC office,” I whispered in his ear as the program was still going on.

He kissed my hand again
, causing those trustee zaps to course my now delicate body. “We'll be sure to keep it to a minimum.”

We?
Azmir's declaration turned me on. It was already that I had to endure smelling his customized fragrance—my favorite aroma—all throughout dinner. I wanted him. Sitting through another course was even more torturous. Once we finished dessert, I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to leave.

I whispered to Azmir that I needed the ladies room and after which we'd be leaving. He rose from the table with me and I walked to
ward the restrooms to freshen up.

On my way out
of the ladies’ room I heard, “Rayna, there you are. Hold up.”

I didn't have to turn to confirm his creepy voice.
Great.
In no time he was at the heels of my feet.

“
How can I help you, Sebastian?” My faux smile well plastered.

“
Don't give me that attitude. I'm willing to play nice.”

“
Quite honestly, we don't have to play at all.” My voice was soft. I only wanted him to disappear—forever.

“
Come on, now. I just wanted to tell you how good you look tonight. That's if your benefactor hasn’t told you already.”

Whoa!
Was he serious? 

“
Speaking of benevolence, did that Mr. Jacobs spend as much on this gown as he did on your debt to me.”

“
Hmmmmm…Now what I consider benevolence is that Alexandria in there taking pity on your less than endowed ass and marrying you. That’s charity in its sincerest form.” My faux smile had returned.

Although he scoffed
, I knew Sebastian was wounded. It deeply disturbed him that I wasn't interested in him.

“
You bitch!” he seethed.

“
You prick ass bastard,” I softly snapped back at him.

We engaged in a stare down that I was not backing down from. He no longer had any power...
he had his money
.

“
You didn't pay me back that ten grand. I'm sure of it.”

“
Ten grand? Are you talking vigorish poker again, sweetheart?” Azmir’s commanding voice chimed as he took me in by the waist pulling me into his hip. I broke eye contact with Sebastian to look up at him and noticed his twinkled eyes doting on me. 

“
Something like that. We were discussing a check that I recently sent to Sebastian to repay an old debt.”

Azmir's eyebrows furrowed as he
peered down at me and then darted his eyes over to Sebastian, then back at me once more. “You repaid him ten grand?”

“
No, it was more like fifteen...no big deal.” It was my turn to spew arrogance. Azmir role playing scheme worked. Sebastian’s eyes were pouncing back and forth between Azmir and me looking for a crack in our story.

“
That's a lot of money. Do you know how many things I can do with fifteen grand? We must talk about this in private,” Azmir feigned anger.

“
Sure.” I pretended to straighten Azmir's bowtie. “But right now I want you to get me out of here,” I purred. 

“
I'll go call the car,” Azmir murmured before walking off.

I was ri
ght on his heels after saying, “Goodnight, Sebastian,” smiling ever so sweetly. 

I turned on his muddled expression, enjoying every moment of his bemusement.

No sooner than I had gotten to the threshold of the venue's vestibule, Thompson appeared. He halted almost in my path. His piercing eyes were glued to me with something intense behind them. If I'd ever questioned his attraction to me it ended in that moment. He confirmed it via his deep gape.

“Rayna, I want
a word before you leave.”

What? Now?

I opened my mouth to speak but was quieted when I heard,
“Ms. Brimm, say goodnight,” Azmir, a few feet away, commanded authoritatively, very much calling on his CEO mien. It startled me and made very evident the awkward moment I was in.

Apologetically, I muttered to Thompson,
“I have to go. Goodnight.” I walked over to take Azmir's proffered hand and we headed out of the banquet hall.

Outside, Ray was waiting with the car door opened and Azmir stood across from him to allow me to get in first. Ray donned a conspirator’s smile that told me he was a part of Azmir’s surprise visit.
How else did he get here?
I returned a huge smile of gratitude.

When the door closed and we were sitting at a proximity too distant for what my body ached for, I couldn't help but stare at Azmir to try and drop subtle hints with my eyes of what I wanted to do. I needed him desperately, to reconnect with him and requite for him illuminating my world. We pulled off and he didn't return the gaze so I scooted closer to him causing his eyes to dart over to me. With sharp currents shooting from my breasts to my toes I drank him in. Azmir was beyond good looking. His features
were extraordinary even in his pensive state.

“
What's up, Brimm?” he murmured. 

I leaned into him and kissed him softly on his warm lips. When I
pulled back I noticed his eyes getting heavier and curious as to my motives. That's when I rolled up my gown slowly, being sure not to disturb the integrity of the fabric and watched as his eyes zeroed in on it. Once it was hiked to a reasonable level, I straddled him, drawing his face into mine and sweeping his mouth with my tongue. Though surprised, I could tell he enjoyed it as he gripped my arms holding me tightly. 

“
Tell Ray to ride around until you say.”