Free Kiss Is a Four-Letter Word by Erin M. Leaf Page A

hot in here? I'm dying."
    "It's not that hot. You're just thinking of Sherry in that dress, same as me," Simon muttered.
    "That's for sure." Eli smirked. When a gap appeared in the wall of people, Simon dragged him through it. On the other side Sherry stood next to a pillar, looking lost.
    "Sherry," Simon breathed, not pausing. He pushed through the last knot of people. "Hi. I'm so glad you came." He pulled Eli over to her and seized her hands. "Jesus, you're freezing."
    Eli smiled, running his eyes over her hair and dress. Beautiful. Next to Simon's dark hair and tux, her vivid red dress looked spectacular. She'd outlined her eyes with liner, making their deep brown depths look smoky and mysterious. Her hair was pulled back in front, highlighting the delicate bones of her face. So fucking gorgeous. Eli couldn't think of a damn thing to say to her that wouldn't sound stupid so he stood there gaping like a ten-year-old.
    "Eli, come here, she's cold," Simon grabbed him by the sleeve again and pulled him over. Sherry's eyes laughed at them.
    "Sherry," Eli managed. "You look amazing." He slid a hand down her bare arm. His cock had been hard since he'd first set eyes on her. Thank God for concealing tuxedo jackets.
    "Thanks," Sherry said, eyeing his up and down. "You look pretty good yourself."
    Eli smiled as he held her hand. A low murmur had started around them. "Hey, do you want to see where you're sitting?" Eli knew that people were watching and he wanted to at least let Sherry put her purse down before she had to deal with the questions that were sure to come.
    She grinned. "Sure. I could use some water." She grimaced at her empty glass. "The champagne was lovely but I'm nervous enough to drink three more glasses and still be thirsty."
    "That would probably be a bad idea," Simon said.
    Sherry nodded. "Yeah. Considering that I'm already feeling a little lightheaded? Very, very bad idea."
    Eli tugged her towards him. "Our table is up front."
    Her eyes went wide. "Oh. I'm sitting with you?"
    Simon frowned. "Of course! Where did you think you were sitting? We invited you."
    The crowd parted as if by magic, Eli noted as they walked. Everyone wanted to see the woman who'd interested both Eli and Simon.
    "There's no reason to be nervous," Simon said.
    "Oh please," Sherry muttered. "Like you aren’t nervous? I can tell, you know. Everyone is staring."
    Eli and Simon exchanged looks. Eli would bet a hundred bucks Sherry and Simon were the only ones who knew he felt edgy. No one else had any inkling. He'd spent years perfecting his game face.
    "Here we are." Simon gestured to their table and held her chair for her.
    Sherry sat down, seemingly unconcerned with the way her dress fell open, exposing her long, shapely leg. Eli began to sweat as he pulled out the chair next to her. Simon sat on her right. Eli didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He was so aroused he ached with it. Eli glanced at Sherry's nipples, obvious through the thin fabric. His cock was hard enough to pound nails. He desperately gulped some of his water.
    "So, you do this shindig every year?" Sherry asked, reaching out a slim arm for her water. The diamonds at her ears twinkled prettily when she moved. She watched Eli over the rim of her glass as she sipped her water.
    Eli stared at the bead of moisture that clung to her upper lip, mesmerized until she licked it away. "Yeah, every year. It's a good charity."
    Sherry smiled. "Yes, a children's hospital. It's nice that you do this."
    Eli shrugged, looking at Simon. Simon's wavy hair fell over his forehead as he drank from his wine glass. Eli wanted to touch it, push it out of the way. Simon licked his lips and put his champagne glass down. Looking at Simon instead of Sherry didn't help Eli's arousal fade one bit. Damn. It was a wonder he could carry on a conversation at all. There certainly wasn't any blood in his brain.
    "Well, Eli's father started it before he passed away and we didn't see any reason to discontinue