This soiree was turning out like so many before it – scratch my fingernails down a chalkboard boring. Just another night for me to schmooze with my father’s friends. Well they were not really friends, more like acquaintances and business contacts. Speaking of which, an older man with white hair that was styled in a rather delectable – gag me – comb over, an unimpressive fake tan, and an impressive real Rolex was trying his damnedest to flirt with me. Much to his dismay, all he was succeeding in doing was making my skin crawl. The thought of this man laying his hands on me in an intimate, or any other, way completely disgusted me. Nonetheless I listened to him and smiled and nodded at all the appropriate times. To the unknowing observer it probably looked like I had some interest in what he was saying. In reality that couldn’t have been any farther from the truth.As I was listening to this old man pontificate on issues I had absolutely no interest in, something caught my eye. Actually, someone caught my eye. He was tall and lean wearing a black tuxedo with a silver vest and bow tie. His dark hair was slicked back and perfectly styled, glistening under the candlelight. The eyes are what made my head snap in his direction. I’d never seen eyes that blue. They were so intense and …oh my god…they were absolutely breathtaking. Even through his tux I could tell that he was rather muscular. It was hugging him in all the right places. Once my thorough inspection of this mystery man was complete, I noticed he was standing at the bar conversing with some Botox laden fake Barbie who was pulling out every weapon in her arsenal to get his attention. Then it happened. Ever so slowly his eyes found mine and it took everything in me to catch my breath. The beautiful mystery man stopped talking to the aforementioned Barbie and after shooting me a smile that would bring Mother Teresa to her knees, he started to slowly saunter toward me. Yes, the man was sauntering and what a fucking sexy saunter it was. With the corner of his mouth still raised up in a small grin, he nodded his head in my direction. I raised an eyebrow and gave him a small smile back. As he continued to cross the room toward me, my heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t beautiful, no he was so much more than that. If I had to label it I would say he was exquisite. At that moment I decided something – I wanted this man and I was going to have him. When Skye Buchanan wants something – she gets it. The decision had been made, before the night was over Mr. Exquisite would be taking up residence in my nice warm bed. Before he could get to me, I politely excused myself from the creeper and closed the distance between Mr. Exquisite and myself. When he reached out and placed his hand on my elbow a shiver traveled throughout my entire body. Looking into his eyes I could tell he felt it too. When he finally spoke his voice was a deep panty-melting baritone. “Do I know you from somewhere?” he asked with a cocky grin. This was going to be fun. I needed to play with him a little before I took over. “Really? Is that the best you can do?” I smirked. “Oh, no, I can do better,” he responded coyly. “Well, who am I to stifle your creativity? Please, by all means continue.” “Of course. So, did it hurt?” he asked with a raise of his eyebrow. “Did what hurt?” “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” he chuckled and removing his hand from its firm grip on my elbow, he placed it in front of me to shake. “That was so amazingly cheesy,” I responded as I placed my hand in his and shook it lightly. “Yes. It really was, uh…?” “Uh, what?” “Well, I just realized here I am using my best pick-up lines on you and I don’t even know your name. I really think it would be in your best interest to share that information with me.” “Really? My best interest, huh? I’m not so sure about that, Mr. Uh…” “See, it’s annoying isn’t it?” he laughed. “Maybe if you went over to the bar with me we could have a drink and you would be more inclined to share your name with me.” He was still grasping my hand in his. When his gaze caught mine again, I could see that he was feeling the same things I was. I knew at that moment there was just something about this guy. Something that said I needed to have him. “I would love to have a drink with you,” I finally responded once I caught my breath. Then I added as I leaned in and whispered in his ear, “I’ll have a drink with you and hopefully we’ll be sharing a lot more than names by the end of the night.” His grip on my hand tightened and when I pulled back from him I could see the lust sparkling in his baby blues. Yes, this evening was going to end just the way I wanted it to. We walked to the bar, holding hands the entire way. I caught a glimpse of my father. He was standing in the corner talking to one of his associates, and he smiled at me when he saw that I was with my mystery man. With a slight nod of approval from my father, I continued on my path with Mr. Exquisite. “So, what would you like to drink Miss…uh…Miss?” he asked with a smile. “I don’t think we are to that point yet, sir. I don’t even have my drink yet. I can’t show you all my cards this early in the game now, can I?” I let go of his hand and leaned into the bar. I was pressing my side into it and when I did that my cleavage was rather impressively on display. He leaned in and whispered in my ear. “I didn’t realize this was a game. But now that I do, I’m intrigued.” He placed a light kiss below my ear. As he pulled away from me I could once again see the lust shining in those amazing blue eyes. “Isn’t life just a big game? I mean aren’t we all just trying to win at this crazy game of life?” “And I’m the cheesy one? Wow. That statement was chock full of the cheese,” he laughed. “Okay, fine. It was a little cheesy. I’m not used to this small talk thing.” “You aren’t? What do you normally do to get to know someone?” he asked with a quizzical look on his face. “Well, normally I start with…” I leaned toward him and whispered, “Fucking. That usually tells me everything I need to know about someone.” I watched his adam’s apple jump as he swallowed hard. Looking down at me through his long dark eyelashes he groaned, “That was unexpected.”