subject. “What about you? Why are you over here keeping sorrowful me occupied? You could be up there dancing with the two bridesmaids who have been eyeing you all night.”
Gabe never took his eyes off of her. “Maybe it’s because the girl I want to dance with is drinking by herself.”
Elina put up a hand. “Can we just stop with the whole flirtation thing? I mean, obviously you’re beautiful, but you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Gabe nodded thoughtfully. “Oh, I see. You’re not into guys?”
Elina sputtered and laughed. “I am. I’m just not into guys right now. All your best efforts in the last two days are being wasted on me, when you could be using them on ready-to-ride bridesmaids.”
He shrugged. “I think I’ll stay right here. You’re more real than those two, anyway. So tell me, Elina Sinclair, why don’t you have a date to this shindig?”
She rolled her eyes. “See earlier comment about not being into guys right now.”
“Let me guess, career girl. Super focused. About to take the world by storm.”
Elina laughed. This was fun. He was fun. It felt good to flirt, and laugh. It can’t go any further than this. But it never hurt the self-esteem to have a good-looking guy hit on her. “It’s like you’ve been following me.”
“No, I’m not that much of a creeper. I just pay attention. So come on, tell me, what do you do?”
People always got the wrong impression when she talked about her job, so she kept it as simple as possible when anyone asked. “I work in PR.” Then she flipped the conversation on him so she wouldn’t have to talk about herself. “And what about you? Let me guess, fashion model?”
He laughed. “No, but that’s a new one. Usually the girls who take a stab say billionaire.”
“Wait.” She put her hand on his arm. “So you’re telling me you’re not one? Ah, that means that we can’t talk. I don’t always drink champagne, but when I do, I only drink with the disgustingly wealthy.”
He laughed, and the low timbre made her insides melt. “You know what, I’ll say that persistence is key. I may not be a billionaire but I could be worth your time.”
“Okay, if that’s not your job—though I always wondered how that can be a job anyway—what is it?”
“Well, soon enough I’m hoping to add filmmaker to my list of talents.”
She lifted her brows. “For real? That’s amazing. What kind of movies do you want to make?”
“The story of my grandmother. She was a Hollywood executive back in the fifties. The first female executive. I’ve already got my dream cast picked out. All I’m looking for right now is funding.”
It was easy to talk to him. He told her about his movie and what inspired his grandmother. And that particular time in Hollywood history. Despite her carefully constructed walls, she told him about herself. About some of her wackiest clients, her friendship with Reece. Even her mother.
Conversation flowed easily. When she relaxed and wasn’t so focused on his pretty face, she could talk. It turned out they even liked the same indie hip-hop group. “I’m actually headed to see CJ Fusion in the city next month,” he said.
“No way. Reece and I are going to the same concert.”
“See, now you have to dance with me. I’ve proven my cool points.” He reached out his hand, and Elina stared down at it for moment. If she took it, she knew she wouldn’t want to stop. Being in his arms was too tempting.
Could she throw caution to the wind? She was stuck on a boat, though. So nowhere to go. She might as well have some fun. Sliding her hand into his, she relished the warm buzz it sent through her body. “Okay, lead the way. I warn you, though, I don’t normally dance in stilettos, so join me at your own risk.”
* * *
Gabe liked her. It was just that simple. As she danced and twirled in his arms and gyrated her booty to the latest Top 40 songs, he felt happy, and he was glad to see her smiling instead of that frowning concern. She made him feel lighter.
Eventually, he took her hand and led her off the dance floor, dragging her to the other end of the yacht and down the stairs.
“Hey, isn’t this corded off?”
“You hardly seem like a girl who is bothered by the rules.”
Elina laughed. “Okay, not usually, but this is someone’s yacht. I like you and all, but I’m not willing to do time for you. Orange is not my color.”
“Relax, would you? I can usually talk my way out of anything. And I sort of know the owner.” Never mind that he was the owner. Part owner, anyway. “I want to show you something.”
“Oh, I can take a guess at what you want to show me.”
If she had been any other girl, he wouldn’t be so careful with her. Not to mention, Adam had warned him off. Normally, he’d be leading her back into the bedroom. But instead of heading straight to the sleeping quarters, he veered left and took her into his favorite room.
When he turned on the light, Elina gasped. “Oh my God, this is beautiful.”
This room was used specifically for parties. It had a small karaoke stage and comfortable lounge seating. But the most astonishing feature of the room was the see-through glass floor. When the lights in the room were activated, it triggered the lights at the bottom of the yacht, illuminating everything that was beneath them in the ocean.
Already, several curious fish had swum up to take a peek. “You like it?”
“It’s awesome.” She inclined her head toward the microphone. “What’s that for?”
“What do you think it’s for? You and Reece were talking yesterday about your mad karaoke skills. I want to see for myself.”
She shook her head. “I have not had enough alcohol for that. How did you know this was here, anyway?”
“I have friends.” He laughed.
“I guess you do. Okay, then. Since you’re so eager for the mic to get some use, how about you sing me something”
He wasn’t sure why he flushed. He was so damn aware of her in the confined space. “Okay, I can sing you a song, but you have to take a seat and be a good audience. Tips are always accepted, in some cases exuberant applause will do just fine, but I prefer panties.”
She folded her arms. “You’ll have to work harder for my panties. Go on. Get on with it. Let’s see these skills of yours.”
He booted up the laptop, then pulled up the right track. “Okay, okay. Try not to be a groupie now.”
Elina rolled her eyes. “Just sing for your supper, will you?”
“Fine.” Then the music started and he closed his eyes. He’d always loved this song. He sang the first line of the song, giving it his all.
Elina squealed with laughter and clapped excitedly. “Oh damn, you’re taking on Shai?”
“Would you let a man finish a song?” He continued, dropping the last note to another octave.
Elina rose from her seat laughing and walked toward him. He finished the song and before he knew it, she was up there with him singing. He lost track of how long they sang duets and giant hits from popular bands. Apparently, she was a Journey fan.
Without thinking, he brushed a strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. He told himself he didn’t plan it this way. But it didn’t matter if he’d planned it or not. The moment she parted her lips, he knew he was a goner.