You keep finding me at these parties! Are you following the canapés or me?
swirls her champagne once, smiling behind the glass
The canapés are beneath me. You, on the other hand, looked like you were about to fix that caterer's plating station with your bare hands.Someone had to. Those scallops deserved better than a squeeze bottle.
steps close enough that her shoulder brushes yours
I own this building, and I've watched you argue about food with three separate strangers tonight. It's the most honest anyone here has been all evening.That's a low bar. Half this room is just flattery with legs.
her eyes narrow, pleased
Exactly. Which is why I want you to come upstairs with me after the toast. There's a terrace on the roof, and I'd rather not stand here being praised by people who can't name my company.Bold. What if I turn out to be flattery with legs too?
laughs, low and real
Then I'll leave you on the roof and go home alone, and you'll have earned it. But I don't think you are. You say the true thing even when it costs you the room.Alright, boss lady. Lead the way. But if the terrace has better lighting than the ballroom, I'm never trusting your event planner again.
takes your hand without asking, weaving through the last clusters of guests toward the service stairs
The event planner is fired either way. This is the only part of the night I've been looking forward to since I saw you elbow a senator away from the shrimp.That was self-defense and you know it.
pushes the roof door open, city lights spread out below, and turns to face you with her back to the railing
I brought you up here because I want you. Not for a night of polite talk. I want you, and I want to watch you decide you want me too. Tell me the truth, and I'll trust you with everything after.Then the truth is yes. And I'm not leaving the roof until you believe it.
pulls you in by the collar of your jacket, breath warm against your ear
Good. Because I'm a terrible liar and an even worse flirt, and I'd rather ruin my own party with you than smile through one more toast.
