**Chapter 1: Sparks in the Ballroom**
The Marriott’s grand ballroom glittered under the chandeliers, a sea of corporate suits and forced smiles. Debbie adjusted the strap of her sleek black dress, the fabric hugging her curves like a lover’s whisper. Her dark brunette waves cascaded over her shoulder as she sipped her second martini, the buzz warming her cheeks. Beside her, Eric, her ever-charming husband, was deep in conversation about quarterly reports with some balding exec. Boring as hell. Her eyes, however, weren’t on him. They were locked across the room on Travis, her friend Lisa’s husband, whose tailored suit did little to hide the raw power in his frame.
Travis caught her gaze, his smirk sharp enough to cut glass. He excused himself from Lisa’s side and sauntered over, a glass of bourbon in hand. Debbie’s pulse quickened, but she squared her shoulders, refusing to look away. She wasn’t some blushing wallflower, even if her shy nature often painted her as one.
“Debbie, you look like you’re plotting a hostile takeover in that dress,” Travis drawled, his voice low and teasing as he stopped just close enough for her to catch the scent of his cologne—woodsy, intoxicating.
She arched a brow, lips curling into a sly smile. “And you look like you’re begging for someone to take you down a peg. Careful, Travis, I bite.”
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through her like a promise. “Oh, I’m counting on it. Tell me, does Eric know his wife’s got a stare that could strip a man bare?”
Debbie’s fingers tightened around her glass, heat pooling low in her belly. She leaned in, her voice a husky challenge. “Eric knows I’m a force of nature. Question is, can you handle a storm?”
Travis’s eyes darkened, his smirk fading into something hungrier. “Try me, sweetheart. I’ve been known to ride out worse.”
The air between them crackled, charged with unspoken want. Debbie’s skin prickled as she imagined his hands on her, rough and demanding. She wasn’t shy now—hell no, she was a predator, and he was prey begging to be caught. Her gaze flicked to the hallway beyond the ballroom, a silent invitation. Travis caught it, his jaw tightening as he nodded almost imperceptibly.
“Meet me by the elevators in five,” she purred, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Unless you’re all talk.”
“Darlin’, I’m all action,” he shot back, his voice dripping with intent. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
Debbie turned on her heel, her hips swaying with purpose as she slipped away from Eric’s side with a murmured excuse about the ladies’ room. Her heart pounded, but she wasn’t backing down. The thought of Travis waiting for her, hard and ready, made her wet with anticipation. She could already feel the heat of his breath on her neck, the way he’d grip her ass and pull her close. As she reached the elevators, the ding of the doors echoed like a starting gun. She stepped inside, holding the door, her eyes locking on Travis as he strode toward her, pure hunger in every step. The doors began to close, and she knew—once they were alone, there’d be no stopping the explosion waiting to happen.
Want to know how it ends?
This is just the opening chapter. Continue the saga — or write a steamy tale starring you.