The sun was setting over the bustling city, casting long shadows that danced between the high-rises. Inside the sleek, modern bar on the top floor of the Grandview Hotel, the atmosphere was electric, charged with the anticipation of the night ahead.
At the center of it all was Ava Sinclair, a woman who commanded attention the moment she stepped into a room. Tonight, she wore a deep crimson dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, her dark hair cascading down her back in loose waves. She was here for a meeting, but she knew better than to think it would be just business.
Ava took a seat at the bar, her eyes scanning the room with a practiced ease. It wasn’t long before her gaze landed on him—Jackson Reed, the man she was supposed to meet. He was leaning against the far wall, a drink in hand, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. With a confident stride, Jackson made his way over to her.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, his voice smooth like velvet.
Ava raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. “Only if you can keep up,” she replied, gesturing to the empty stool beside her.
Jackson chuckled, taking the seat. “I think I can manage that. So, Ava Sinclair, what brings you to my city?”
“Business, of course,” she said, her tone teasing. “But I have a feeling pleasure might be on the agenda too.”
He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Is that so? And what kind of pleasure are we talking about?”
Ava turned to face him, her eyes locking onto his. “The kind that leaves you breathless and wanting more,” she whispered, her voice low and sultry.
Jackson’s eyes darkened with desire, but he didn’t miss a beat. “Sounds like a challenge. I’m in.”
The bartender approached, breaking the charged moment. “What can I get you?” he asked, looking between them.
“Ava will have a martini, dry, with a twist,” Jackson said, not taking his eyes off her. “And I’ll have another whiskey, neat.”
Ava raised an eyebrow, impressed. “You know my drink?”
“I make it my business to know everything about the people I’m interested in,” he replied, a mischievous glint in his eye.
The drinks arrived, and Ava took a sip, her eyes never leaving his. “So, Jackson, tell me, what exactly do you hope to gain from this meeting?”
He leaned back, considering her question. “Well, I was hoping to secure a partnership with Sinclair Enterprises. But now, I’m thinking I might be after something a bit more... personal.”
Ava laughed, the sound rich and full. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But if you want something from me, you’re going to have to work for it.”
“Oh, I’m more than willing to put in the effort,” he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Tell me, Ava, what do you want?”
She leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear. “I want someone who can match me, challenge me, and keep me on my toes. Think you’re up for that?”
Jackson’s hand found its way to her thigh, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. “I think I can handle that and more,” he murmured, his fingers tracing slow circles on her skin.
Ava’s breath hitched, but she maintained her composure. “We’ll see about that,” she said, pulling back slightly. “But for now, let’s enjoy our drinks and see where the night takes us.”
As they sipped their drinks, the conversation flowed effortlessly between them, filled with flirtatious banter and sharp wit. Ava knew this was just the beginning, and she couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the night had in store.
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