Sinclair Duet

Chapter 4

Gabriella

My heart wanted to order a bottomless glass of chardonnay.

Free alcohol was the perk of first class, right?

It was my better judgment that told me to take it slow. When we landed, I'd be three hours back in time. With cocktails beginning at seven and the dinner not starting until eight, I had a long night ahead of me. Apparently, a long night seated at the same table as Damien “the devil" Sinclair.

I could do it.

Fulfilling my role for Beta Kappa Phi was more important than drowning my loss of luck in a bottle—or make it a big box—of wine. That didn't mean I wouldn't take some advantage of the perk. Once we were high in the sky, my plastic cup was replaced by a glass one, and I was sipping my third glass of chardonnay for the afternoon.

With my laptop open, I began reading about Donovan Sherman.

“What do you want to know about him?" Damien asked.

I looked up and to the man at my side. “I see respecting privacy is still an issue for you."

Damien smirked. “Your screen is turned toward me."

“The sun—" I closed the blind over the window and rearranged my laptop. “I'll learn enough from here."

“I suppose."

I turned to my right. “Are you offering dirt on your friend?"

“No. I'm good at keeping secrets." His dark gaze shimmered. “Remember that night in Aruba under the stars?"

His deep timbre was but one ingredient of the concoction brewing within me. Mixed with a third glass of wine and memories of the night he mentioned, my circulation warmed. The two of us were alone in a private pool. The sky above was velvety black and dotted with stars.

“Don't worry," he said, “I've never told a soul."

There was nothing lewd or embarrassing about that night. Quite the opposite, it was more of a dream. No. Shaking my head, I went back to the biography.

It seemed Mr. Sherman's interest in health care coincided with his marriage. His wife was the heiress to and current CEO of Wade Pharmaceutical. As I read, Damien sipped his second bourbon.

The numerous accomplishments of Mr. Sherman failed to register as the night in Aruba came back to me.

Damn him.

I had a job to do, but instead, I was a scattered mess. On the other hand, Damien was sitting there all masculine and sexy. Every now and then, I'd steal a peek to my side. What was it about men's forearms that was so sexy? Damien's were toned and tanned. His long fingers curved around the glass of bourbon. Every time he put the rim to his lips, I recalled the way they kissed, and yes, his teeth nipped.

Exhaling, I closed the screen of my laptop.

“Should I quiz you on Donovan?"

Turning in the large seat, I met Damien's gaze. “Falling stars."

His handsome face tilted.

“In Aruba. The sky was so dark out on that island that we could see falling stars."

He nodded slowly.

“And the water," I said, “was incredibly warm."

“Do you want to know what I remember?"

I did, but I also knew this conversation was dangerous. “Probably not."

Setting his glass on the tray to his side, Damien reached for my hand. Lifting it, he turned it over. Everything inside me said to pull it away, and still, I didn't. I watched and marveled at the warmth in his touch and the way my palm fit into his.

“Damien?"

When he looked up and met my gaze, his normal arrogant smirk was gone. “I was going to propose."

I pulled my hand away. “You were not."

“I was. I had the ring."

Crossing my arms over my chest, I tried to remember the entire vacation. Nothing horrible stood out. On the contrary, it was perfect. “Obviously, you didn't."

“Do you know why?"

“How could I know? I didn't know you were even thinking about it."

“I guess you could say I chickened out."

“Right," I said, “Damien Sinclair was afraid."

He nodded. “I was afraid you'd say no. I decided that I wanted to keep things the way they were. I thought we were happy."

“We were."

“Would you have said no?"

Letting my hands fall to my lap, I sighed. “I really don't know," I answered truthfully. “Aruba was magical."

“Being with you is magical, Ella."

Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes. “Please, you haven't thought about me in two and a half years. You're probably engaged now or married now." I looked over at his hands. “No ring, but that doesn't mean a lot."

“I've never cheated."

“Neither have I."

“What about you? Engaged, married? I know…you decided you prefer women."

“Right," I said with a scoff. “Because no straight woman would walk away from you."

After another drink of his bourbon, Damien turned to me. “None of the above. Not married, engaged, or seeing anyone currently. When Van mentioned this gala, I thought about you. I knew you had been hired at Beta Kappa Phi." He lifted his hand. “Not stalking. They called me for a reference."

I opened my eyes wide. “What? I told them to call Steve in personnel."

“I got the call."

“You could have ruined my chances…after what I did." I didn't add my crime aloud…walking away from him.

“I could have," he replied matter-of-factly.

“You didn't."

“No, Ella. I wanted you to get your dream."

I shrugged. “I'm not sure Beta Kappa Phi is my dream. But I do like what I do."

“I told the woman the truth, that you're a fantastic employee, and they'd be lucky to have you. I said you were hardworking, willing to go the extra mile, and a quick learner."

Well, f**k.

“Thank you," I said with all sincerity.

“Thank me by letting me escort you to tonight's gala."

Warmth filled my cheeks. “I don't need an escort, Damien. I'm part of the team, the presenters. My job is to work the room, not stand beside one man."

“Then afterward."

“Afterward will be three in the morning back in Indy. I'll want nothing more than to fall into bed."

His cheeks rose and his blue eyes sparkled. “It's a date."