Having seen Mason’s blatant disapproval, my nerves were on edge, giving me the sensation of my stomach being filled with hundreds of dancing spiders, their spiny legs jabbing me with each step. By the time I managed to escape the throng of people, I was unsure where he had fled. Taking a deep breath as I tried to decide my best approach at an explanation, I dropped into a seat in the corner and buried my head in my hands, squeezing my temples in an attempt to keep the looming headache away. “Do you mind if I have a seat?” A lyrical voice penetrated my thoughts, and I glanced up to see the beautiful blonde who was sporting the bikini top. Even though I didn’t know her and hadn’t been officially introduced tonight, I’d noticed her, and I had no doubt that everyone else had, too. She was one of those women who demanded attention the minute she entered a room. Like everyone else, my eyes had drifted to her often, even though I’d had no conscious thought to look at her. Pasting on a smile and trying to keep the uneasiness I was feeling out of my voice, I motioned to the chair across from me.
