Lena took a deep breath and was smoothing her dress on her way towards Ethan. She could feel Rachel's watchful eye on her giving her confidence.
Reaching the bar, Ethan looked up to meet Lena's eyes. The two exchanged only one stare for a moment, with the air thick with tension.
Lena interrupted. Showing him a neat, glimmering smile, she added, "I'll join you, if you don't mind." She nodded toward the empty barstool adjacent to him.
Ethan rose his brow, and it was impossible to tell what he was feeling. "Not at all," he said, and his rich, deep voice sent a shiver down Lena's spine.
Lena took a seat, and they ordered drinks. Their conversation spanned everything and nothing; everywhere and nowhere-the worst kind of conversation-but it flowed easily.
But while they spoke, Lena could not shake off the feeling that behind the easy surface, somewhere deep down, Ethan was holding himself back; a wall was around him, a wall that she would break.
As they both drank, Lena became increasingly attracted to Ethan. There was just something about him-as though her heart told her to dig a bit deeper.
But she wouldn't let her attractions derail her. She kept herself focused and kept asking herself that it was just a game.
And a game she would win.
Lena's eyes locked into Ethan's, her smile bright and alluring. She felt the chemistry between them, something forming that became stronger with each passing second.
In their continued conversation, Lena felt herself loosening up around Ethan. She marveled at how easy it was to talk to him and how much they seemed to share in common.
Still, although it felt weirdly natural to speak with him, Lena could not help but feel that Ethan was still holding back. Something kept him at a distance-a restrain about him, a little edge of caution that made her wonder what he was actually hiding.
She resolved to try and break through with him. Sure, this might be taking a chance, but Lena was feeling bold. She leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm actually more intrigued by you," she said. "You seem like a man with secrets, Mr. Thompson."
Ethan's mien didn't alter, but Lena noticed sufficient spark behind his eyes.
"And why is that, Miss...?" he asked, his voice low, smooth.
Lena smiled while her heart raced with growing exhilaration. "Grant," she said huskily. "Lena Grant. I'm thinking you're hiding something because you're too darn perfect, too polished. Somewhere beneath all that, there's got to be something you're not showing me."
His face was inscrutable; his eyes narrowed. For an instant, Lena's heart sank into trepidation. Had she pushed too far?
Then it flashed into view-just the tiniest hint of interest, an hint of attraction, that set fire in his eyes.
In that instant, Lena realized she had done it. She had gotten his attention; she had piqued his curiosity.