Free The Deception by Chris Taylor Page A

you’re going to spend the rest of the evening sitting together. Can’t you beg off with a headache or something?” Lucy’s eyes pleaded with hers. “I don’t think I can cope with the stress !”
    Savannah chuckled. “Luce, I’m certain he didn’t recognize me. I would have been able to tell. I would have seen something in his eyes. I would have noticed something .”
    She turned to Chloe. “Despite what you think you might have seen,” she added before offering Lucy a reassuring smile.
    The truth was, despite her earlier concerns, now that she had Lucy and Chloe watching her back, she’d suddenly become very intrigued at the thought of spending a few hours with Will over dinner. He was undeniably the most attractive man she’d ever met and she couldn’t forget how he’d made her feel when his magical hands and mouth had roamed over her body.
    He’d been able to make her completely forget her disillusionment with the male of her species and her adamant vow to steer clear of them. After what Jonathan did to her, this was a feat in itself.
    As for her suspicions about Will’s possible connection to Vince Maranoa, right here and now, with the anticipation building low in her stomach, her libido didn’t much care what he might be involved in. Besides, he was a friend of Pete’s. The man couldn’t be all bad.
    Even better, she was sure her interest was reciprocated. She hadn’t imagined the heat of his gaze upon her or the desire that had darkened his eyes. And she certainly hadn’t misheard his little pun as he’d left to order their drinks.
    Her heart raced at the thought she might end the night in his bed. Was she really ready to get close to a man again? Not that having a one night stand qualified as getting close. The very definition of a one night stand precluded any emotional involvement.
    Besides, she wasn’t an awkward teenager. In fact, she was more than confident with twenty-eight years of life experience behind her, she’d be able to keep her emotions well and truly separate from the overwhelming physical attraction she felt for him. Maybe, sex with Will was just what she needed to get him off her mind? Kind of a reverse therapy?
    Lucy tugged on her arm. Savannah looked around and spied the man in question coming toward them, carrying a tray laden with drinks.
    “Oh my, Savannah… You were right,” Lucy murmured under her breath. “ Definitely Hugh Jackman. And he’s heading our way.”
    “It’s going to be okay, Lucy. I promise.” She gave her friend’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “Relax. You’re the one always telling me how I need to get back on the horse.” She winked at Chloe and then turned back to Lucy, offering her a wide-eyed gaze brimming with innocence. “ Isn’t that what you’ve been telling me?”
    At Lucy’s reluctant nod, Savannah smiled and shrugged with studied nonchalance. “Well, that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
    “But, Savannah—” Lucy broke off her urgent whisper as Will reached them. Chloe merely grinned.
    Savannah gave him a slow, seductive smile. Coming up close beside him, she leaned forward to take the glass of champagne off the tray, making sure the side of her breast brushed against his arm.
    “Thank you.” She took a small sip of the sparkling wine, savoring its sharp bite. “ Mm , delicious.” Holding his gaze, she ran her tongue slowly across her top lip and gathered up the small droplets of wine.
    Will watched her, transfixed. His blue eyes darkened to almost black. She made a show of taking another sip of champagne and saw him snatch a quick breath.
    “ Ahh hmm .” Lucy cleared her throat, breaking the silent, heated exchange. As one, they turned toward her. Will looked slightly dazed and it was a few moments before he took the hand Lucy had extended in his direction.
    “I’m Lucy Duncan. You must be Will. My husband told me you were here. I understand you’re joining us for dinner?”
    Will smiled. “It’s nice to meet