answer.”
“Thank you.” Alex grabbed her hand and led her over to Henry. “Henry, I would like for you to met Eve Matthews, the star of the evening.”
“Ms. Matthews, it’s an honor to met you. Your pieces are exquisite.”
“Thank you, Henry. I’m so happy that you enjoy them.”
Alex stepped into the conversation. “Eve, this is Henry’s beautiful wife, Barbara. They own the gallery down the road and are happily retiring.”
Barbara blushed and patted Alex on the arm. “You are a charmer, Alex. Always have been, I’m going to miss that.”
“It’s a pleasure meeting you as well, Barbara ,” Eve said.
“How’s your family, Alex?” Barbara asked.
“My mother is doing well and my sister should be here shortly.”
Eve smiled at him. “Steve is trying to flag me down. I should go speak with him.”
Alex reached for her waist and leaned down to whisper. “Don’t run away for too long, you are mine tonight.”
Eve gasped and looked into his eyes. She softly purred, “Oh Mr. Smith, you have opened a door and there is no going back now.”
“I’m not planning on going anywhere.”
Eve walked away from him as he watched her long legs move smoothly in her stilettos. He could picture her wearing nothing but those later in the evening. His attention went back to Henry.
“Any word on the break in from earlier, Alex?” he asked.
“Yes, the main problem was my assistant. I have a horrible track record so my sister has hired the next one so I pray he will work out.”
Barbara nodded. “I heard that you were able to see Emily yesterday.”
Alex nodded. “It’s always wonderful to see her. She will always have a spot in my heart. I’m trying to convince her to show her pieces here since you are retiring.”
“I think that would be wonderful. You know how she works, you are familiar with her situation, it sounds like a perfect combination,” Henry explained.
“I agree but Eric doesn’t see it that way so we will see how it all plays out,” Alex said as he spotted Steve with his hand on Eve’ s lower back, the jealously raced throughout his body as he excused himself and proceeded across the room to Eve.
“Excuse me for a second. I just need to see Ms. Matthews about one of the displays in the other room,” Alex smiled as he grabbed Eve’s hand and pulled her across the hallway and into a vacant room.
“Alex, there is nothing in here.”
“I know,” Alex said as he twirled her around and pinned her against the closed door. “I couldn’t take his hands on you anymore.”
“I told you that we are just friends.”
Alex groaned softly as he pushed tighter against her. “I’m about to lose control with you, Eve and I’m trying my best to remain a gentleman.”
“We only have a couple more hours of professionalism to get through and then you can have your way with me, Mr. Smith.”
Alex smirked as he covered her lips with hers. She parted them immediately for his access. He felt her nails trace over his dress shirt and underneath his suit jacket. He bit her lower lip as he pulled away.
Eve winked at him as she stepped away and entered the hallway. Alex introduced her to a few more of his friends and saw his sister as she entered the main room with her fiancé, Dan.
“Alex, nice to see you again,” Dan said as he shook his hand. “We need to get together for a round of golf.”
Alex nodded. “Agreed, it’s been a little bit crazy around here lately but we will schedule something. Hey Patty, thanks for coming.”
“I’m always here to support you,” she said as she hugged him. “And this must be Eve.”
Eve nodded as she shook hands with Patty and Dan. “I am, thank you for coming tonight. It’s so nice to meet some of Alex’s family.”
“It’s great to meet you. I’ve been worried about him lately. He can’t seem to find anyone that makes him happy and I sense that he may have finally found someone.”
Alex frowned at Patty. “You need to leave