Sweet Obsession (Men of Whiskey Row Book 1) by D. A. Young Page A

movements as long as he never stopped talking. She realized both men were staring at her waiting for her to say something.
     “It’s nice to meet you as well. You can crash my party anytime,” she finally answered, breathlessly. Whaaat?? Who said that? At his amused expression and Ian’s raised eyebrow, Noelle flushed. Clearing her throat, she corrected herself. “I mean, it’s a pleasure to have you here. I..uh..hope you’re enjoying yourself.” 
    “Oh, I definitely am. Would you like to dance?” Jack asked in that deep voice with the charming accent as he held out his hand. Noelle nodded her head dumbly and placed hers in his much larger one. It was electrifying, and awareness ran through her in currents. He watched her intensely, and judging from the way his hand clasped hers tightly; she was pretty sure he felt it too. And in that instant, Noelle knew, with this meeting, everything had changed for her. She knew that all other men would be compared to this one; and that they would fall short. But all too soon the moment was broken by her mother’s cool, commanding voice as she glided up behind her daughter and gently pulled her away. Noelle frowned at her, annoyed that she was no longer touching Jack, who also looked irritated by the interruption.  
    “Please excuse us, gentlemen,” Alicia trilled with a brilliant smile. “Noelle, darling, I’ve been looking for you everywhere! You simply must come with me. Geneva Winters middle son is home for a brief stay. You remember Charles, don’t you? He’s an investment banker now. Anyhow, he recently ended his engagement to Tabitha Logway and is available. There’s no time to lose as you’re not getting any younger. Posture in place and smile agreeably to whatever he says. Let’s go, dear,” Alicia ordered briskly as she whisked Noelle away.  
    Mortified, Noelle turned back to look helplessly at Jack and found him expressionless with his hands now in his pant pockets as he watched her departure. Ian wore a frown of disapproval and she was certain he would have blunt words for her mother later. Pissed off at being treated like a child, Noelle pulled away from her mother’s grasp and continued to walk alongside her.  
    “Smile agreeably to whatever? Really, Mother?” Noelle shook her head in disgust, looking straight ahead. “Thanks for setting us back fifty years. Gloria Steinman should definitely ask you to speak at her next rally on women’s liberation.” She was horribly embarrassed at how her mother had just treated her in front of Jack Sullivan and Ian.  
    “Oh relax, Noelle. I’m just looking out for your best interests. Charles Winters is a good match for you. If you’re not going to finish school and have a lucrative career, you should at least have a lucrative marriage. Or both. Look at your sister; she’s beautiful, successful, and has a wonderful marriage. You just have to want these things for yourself. I don’t know where your lack of ambition comes from.” Alicia shook her head in disappointment at her youngest daughter’s choices.  
    “Well, never mind, here we are. Hello Charles! You remember Noelle, don’t you?” Alicia simpered as she shoved Noelle forward to meet the studious-looking man who held her hand limply. Just to be sure, she squeezed his hand and watched him give a slight frown. Nope, nothing. Releasing it she glanced across the ballroom to find Jack watching her; and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room. Even from afar, this thing between them was tangible, like an electric wire.
    The moment was soon broken by the return of the beautiful blonde from earlier as she pulled him onto the dance floor. Noelle hated to admit it, but they made a good looking couple. They appeared to be having the time of their lives laughing and talking to each other, she thought enviously. The woman oozed confidence, and Noelle was pretty sure she would have never let anyone treat her like she was a