Page 347 of Double or Nothing

My foot begins tapping against the brass rail as soon as I take a seat at the bar. Yes. I am twitchy.

I force it still, but it starts right up again. Hardly a shocker, since I’m absolutely crapping myself.

“Who are you looking for?”

The voice comes from beside me. Low and precise.

I turn and for several seconds Jack disappears from my thoughts.

The man beside me has to be one of the most stunning creatures I’ve ever seen in my life. Not approachable in Jack’s easy, welcoming way. There is no bright smile requesting attention, and no mischievous glint in his eyes.

These eyes are cold. Piercing. Ice blue and so striking against his jet-black hair that they are almost terrifying. He’s tall. Really tall. Lean without being-broad shouldered. Clearly toned. Quiet masculinity emanating from every pore.

Those piercing eyes rest on me with steady attention, revealing nothing.

His silent authority booms from him with razor sharp edges.

Eli Carlton. Jack’s business partner.

It has to be.

I realise I’m staring.

“Sorry.”

His expression doesn’t shift. His stare doesn’t waver.

“Who are you looking for?” he repeats.

I try to smile, make it casual.

“What makes you think I’m looking for anyone?”

“You’ve checked out every single member of staff in this section,” he says. “None of them was the right one.”

Heat burns my cheeks.

Apparently Jack isn’t the only human lie detector in the building. Of course not.

He studies me for another moment.

“Jack,” he says.

My stomach tightens.

“You’re looking for Jack.”

It’s not a question.

“Yes,” I say.

“Harry from Rouletto Lighting, by any chance?”

My mouth drops open in embarrassment.

That brings the slightest hint of a smile to his lips.

“We keep a very detailed call log through our reception desk,” he says. “I didn’t tell Jack that Harry was looking for him. You’d be terrible at cold calling. Don’t give up your day job.”