Chapter 34

Evelyn had to walk past Nathaniel to reach that gorgeous man across the room. Though she avoided eye contact, she could feel the intensity of his piercing gaze burning into her.

She moved forward without acknowledging him, but suddenly an unseen foot tripped her!

Time seemed to slow as Evelyn lost her balance, tumbling straight into Nathaniel's sculpted chest.

The noisy crowd gasped in unison, the room plunging into stunned silence.

Dominic broke the tension with an exaggerated wolf whistle, sparking hushed whispers among the spectators.

"She actually went for Mister Grayson!"

"Doesn't she know who he is? The audacity!"

"Clearly planned this whole thing!"

"What woman in Silver Peaks wouldn't kill to be in her position right now?"

"Watch how fast he pushes her away. Mister Grayson doesn't tolerate gold-diggers." When Evelyn looked up, her long lashes fluttered against flushed cheeks. "Sir, I—"

Nathaniel arched one perfect eyebrow. "Care to explain yourself?"

Evelyn exhaled sharply. "This wasn't intentional! You weren't my choice!"

His icy blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so?"

Evelyn nodded vigorously. "Absolutely! My actual choice is standing right over—"

Before she could finish, the man she'd selected came storming over. "Have you lost your mind? How dare you lay hands on Mister Grayson? Get up before you make him angry!"

Evelyn tried to rise, but Nathaniel's large hand suddenly pressed against the small of her back, pinning her in place.

The usually composed billionaire fixed the younger man with a glacial stare. "And what if I prefer her exactly where she is?"

The man paled visibly. "M-Mister Grayson, I didn't mean—"

Evelyn made a discreet gesture toward her original choice. "See? That's who I meant to pick. Now if you'll just let me go—"

Nathaniel's gaze flicked to the other man, his expression darkening.

The moment Evelyn attempted to move again, a firm push sent her crashing back down.

Their lips collided with enough force to make teeth click.

Before she could process what happened, Nathaniel was kissing her with startling intensity.

Evelyn's eyes flew wide open. Though completely unexpected, she decided to roll with it—Nathaniel Grayson was kissing her after all. She began counting down the required sixty seconds, though her racing heartbeat made keeping time impossible. Heat flooded her entire body.

When the minute finally ended, Evelyn was breathless. She buried her face against Nathaniel's neck, waiting for her blush to fade. This had been her first real kiss, and the public spectacle left her mortified despite the lack of actual feelings involved.

Nathaniel could feel the girl trembling in his arms. His rough fingers absently stroked her hair, as if soothing a skittish kitten.

Then he turned his attention to the stunned game host. "Satisfied? Or shall we play another round? Perhaps you'd like to take my place?"

The man backed away hastily. "N-no sir! Enjoy your... evening!" He turned to flee.

"Wait!" Sophia blocked his path, hands on hips.

The man froze. "Y-yes miss?"

Sophia extended her palm. "My phone. Now."