Page 9 of Beauty & Chaos

Was I boring?

Was I not loveable?

Perhaps we weren’t really in love.

Perhaps I didn’t have what it took to be in a happy relationship. It was my third long-term relationship, and all of them had simply fizzled out.

I wasn’t willing to go through it again because it hurts. And I was over being hurt. You know what they say...keep doing what you’ve always done, and you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.

So, dating someone else seems dumb.

I know how it will end.

So, as much as I wasn’t going to say it out loud to Milly, my employee, I also preferred a hot night with a gorgeous guy.

“Anyway, he could be marri—”

Boof!

Strong hands catch my arms as my body twists and my head snaps back.

What the heck?

Catching my breath, I glance up into the most handsome steel-gray eyes I’ve ever seen. I literally can’t form a sentence.

“Sorry, I’m not sure how I didn’t see you there. Jesus, are you okay?” The man slides his hands down my arms, and a warm shudder echoes through my entire body.

Desire.

It’s not just his eyes that are gorgeous. His square jaw, strong cheekbones, dark hair, and broad shoulders add to the appeal. He looks genuinely concerned, but there’s also a glint in his eyes that speaks to a man who would take charge in the bedroom and know exactly what a woman wants.

I’m not going to lie, Iwant.

My gaze slides down over his body and takes note of the fine fabric of his suit and expensive cufflinks. Hot and successful.

Lucky me.

“Yes,” I reply finally, then shake my head, because I did bang into him hard, and honestly I’ve been a little dumbstruck by him.

“Yes,” I repeat.

“Let me get you a drink.” He frowns, steering me toward the bar.

“Brook, shit, are you okay?”

“Milly.” I turn.

“I’m here,” she replies, her eyes darting at the man's back and wiggling her eyebrows. Then mouthshot.

I fight my smile.

He orders us drinks, then turns, leaning on the bar like he’s posing in front of a camera, and holds out his hand. “Travis Warner.”

I spot his gold Rolex and swallow. This man isextremelyrich.

“Brooklyn.”

“I’m Milly.” Her hand darts out. “Lucky you caught her, I thought she was going to go flying.”