Fighting Seduction by Claire Adams

experience, huh?”
    “I have never lied… to you,” I looked straight into
her eyes. That wasn’t quite true, as I had lied to her about my interaction
with Wilson, the loan officer. She didn’t need to know that, though. And it’s
not like it was a lie that hurt her in any way. She was still getting the money
she needed, and I was getting what I wanted: a chance to seduce her. If she
ever found out – and I couldn’t think of any way she would – she wouldn’t
exactly be able to be mad. However, knowing her, she would find a reason to be
furious about it. The thought of it gave me weird pangs in my chest. As we
hopped into the car, I tried hard not to let my thoughts drift in that
direction again.
    “These are for you,” I handed her the purple orchids
I had forgotten in the car.
    “Thanks!” She seemed pleased with my flower selection
this time around.
    “A drink for the ride?” I asked, producing the same
bottle of champagne from our dinner a few nights ago that she had enjoyed so
much.
    Her face lit up upon recognizing the drink. “You
shouldn’t have gone through all that trouble.”
    She actually thought I was trying.
    “Yeah I should have. How else would I get that look
to appear on your face?” I grinned. “But I have to be honest, I didn’t have to
do anything at all to acquire the bottle.”
    She laughed. “Yes, yes, I am aware of you and your
rich ways. Which reminds me, am I dressed up to standards for your Gala? I’m
returning you the dress you sent.”
    “Of course you are,” I shook my head, but with a
smile. “Like I said in my note, I wouldn’t have cared if you came in ripped
jeans. But to answer your question, you look more beautiful tonight than I have
ever seen you.”
    Her face got pink as she mumbled thank you. “You
look pretty good too,” she said looking out the window.
    “Are you talking to someone in the street?” I
teased.
    She looked me in the eye this time. “You are a very
handsome. I am really looking forward to spending this evening with you,” she
spoke softly.
    I was startled by those words, not at all expecting
her to be so solemnly candid in showing signs of affection. Okay, maybe it
wasn’t quite affection, but some admiration had to be lingering somewhere if
she was willing and excited to spend an evening with me. That made me very
enthusiastic, so much so that I almost wanted to skip the whole evening and
just spend it with her, however she wanted.
    I was becoming weak.
    ---
    “What exactly is this auction for?” Aria asked, as
we walked in almost holding hands. We were brushing our fingers against each
other’s, which made me feel all kinds of desires. It also scared the shit out
of me because I had never come close to holding a girl’s hand after my ex.
    “For cancer research,” I said and nervously added:
“I forgot to mention, I will be giving a speech on behalf of the organizers.
Usually I ignore speaking arrangements, but I love this cause and the
non-profit hosting this probably gets the highest percentile of my yearly
donations.”
    She put a hand on my shoulder. It was definitely
affection this time. “You’re an amazing guy.”
    “I’m alright,” I said with a straight face.
    “Nope, really amazing. I look forward to your
speech. I will be embarrassing and whistle and make you wish you had never-“
    “Zayden!” An old, balding man approached me. “How
are you doing, my boy?”
    “Hi Mr. Kirk, I’m doing good. It’s nice to see you!”
I looked at Aria and pointed, “This is Ms. Aria Roberts, my date for the
night.” Then I looked at Mr. Kirk. “Aria, Mr. Kirk is one of our oldest
business partners, and when my dad was alive, one of his best friends.”
    Upon hearing those words, Aria wrapped her hand
around mine and I felt her warm, soft skin.
    Mr. Kirk’s face lit up. “Wow, what a beautiful girl!
What do you do, dear?”
    She looked nervous. “I am finishing up college,
studying to be a loan officer. I also work