Forever Love (Arabesque) Read Free Page B

was elated. This was definitely personal. Then it apparently occurred to him that his expression betrayed more than he intended and he quickly turned away. He spoke to the woman beside him again, and then seconds later he walked off in the opposite direction.
    Keith watched him cut through the crowd and head to the exit on the other side of the hall. When he got to the door, he turned for one last smirk, then walked out.
    Keith refocused on his father. Blake had been answering questions and concerns with his usual calm and even-tempered consideration. He stayed focused and regained his momentum quickly. It was only obvious to the few who knew him well that he’d been caught off guard at first. Like Keith, his father was a master at suppressing emotions through years of courtroom confrontations. He glanced at Keith in a brief instance. Keith nodded his understanding. Blake was back in full control, although the swell of emotions around him had escalated. Tensions were rising and only Blake’s calm, assertive answers seemed to quell the inevitable aggressions. Keith turned back to the woman still standing across the hall. She seemed engrossed in what was going on around her. Her expression was placid, radiating the slightest trace of inner pride that was more mischievous than menacing. He knew she was part of this, as well. But unlike her associate, she looked surprisingly impressed with his father.
    Keith walked over slowly, assessing her physical attributes, while her attention stayed focused on his father. She was certainly attractive in her tailored business suite and high heels. He eagerly admired her long shapely legs and her taut rear. Both sent a lustful image of horizontal pleasure through his mind. She had dark hair that brushed her shoulders and flowed easily each time she turned her head. And beyond that, her soft honey-toned complexion, high cheekbones and full luscious lips tinted with a soft blush of color gave him a few less than gentlemanly ideas.
    He stood behind her and watched as she focused on the questions and comments. Then all of a sudden she looked around, scanning the area purposefully. Because of the mayor’s presence and the onslaught of negative campaign rhetoric, it had gotten even more crowded than before. Keith watched, knowing she was looking for him. He smiled, enjoying her hunt. All of a sudden the cat was looking for the mouse— interesting . He licked his lips and leaned down close to her ear. “I’m here, behind you,” he whispered softly.
    Gia inhaled a spicy heavenly aroma. She whipped around to see a perfect Windsor knot. Then she looked up. Six feet three inches of gorgeous man smiled down at her. Her eyes widened to saucers. Soft brown eyes framed by long thick and curly lashes connected with hers. His warm brown cinnamon skin seemed to glow with added masculine virility. His features were chiseled to perfection.
    Everything she saw from across the hall was now up close and personal—high cheekbones, strong, firm chin and, heaven help her, full, sexy, kissable lips. His smile broadened slowly, showing sparkling white teeth. An instant later Bonnie’s words popped into her mind— too, too sexy. She opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it quickly. Her heart stuttered and it felt as if all the air in the room had been extinguished.
    She tried to play off a polite smile, but she knew it was too late. Hearing his voice, smelling his cologne and seeing him this close to her had completely taken over her senses. Touching and tasting him were the two senses left. She had no idea how long Keith had been watching her, but she knew it was long enough.
    “Hello,” he said, extending his hand. “Keith Washington.”
    “Good afternoon, Mr. Washington,” she said, surprised her voice was as calm even though her insides were a chaotic jumble of nerves. She quickly turned back around to focus on the discussion.
    “And you are...”
    “Gia Duncan,” she said, still facing