NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Alex POV:
She turned away, but I continued to gaze at her. Fascinating. She thinks she can ignore me? I'll have to change that.
Jenny POV:
I averted my gaze, feeling slightly embarrassed. His face held an undeniable allure that I couldn't help but be drawn to, but what if someone saw us? No, they won't; their attention is on the man talking.
A band began performing, and I decided to look again. Our eyes met, and he tried to convey a message to me not to look away, which I did. We stared at each other until the band finished their performance.
As the music transitioned to a lively jazz tune, the guests began to mingle and enjoy the exquisite delicacies being shared.
I saw trays of seared foie gras, oysters Rockefeller, and miniature beef Wellingtons being passed around. The aroma of roasted vegetables and horseradish cream wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.
Annie tapped me, so I turned away and looked at her. "My brother is running late; I need to call him," she said, her voice tinged with concern.
The MC announced that we should move to the other side. Music filled the air, and the guests indulged in the sumptuous food; people were dancing.
"Hello, big bro, where are you?" Annie said into her phone as we walked. "Okay, I'm coming to meet you." My brother is at the door entrance, she mouthed to me. "Let's go then," I said.
We saw him at the entrance, his back facing us. "Big bro!" Annie exclaimed, and her brother turned. I was shocked to see his face - it was him. Seeing the way he looked at me, it seemed he wasn't surprised to see me. I looked away, my heart racing.
"Big bro, this is Jenny; Jenny, this is my big brother Alex," Annie said, her voice bubbly.
"Enchanted, Jenny," he said, stretching his hand to shake mine. As our palms touched, I felt a sudden jolt of awareness, like a whispered promise of something more. It was as if the entire room had melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a moment of pure connection.
As we sat down, a tall, slender man with a friendly smile dressed in a polished white and black uniform came asking. "What can I get you tonight?"
"I'll have a Pina Colada, please," Annie said.
"And I'll have a Strawberry juice," I added.
Alex spoke up, "I'll have a glass of 1962 Lafite Rothschild."
The waiter nodded, his pen scribbling down our orders. "I'll be right back with those," he said, turning to leave.
As the waiter walked away, Annie took a sip of the water in front of her. "Excuse me, I'll be right back," she said, getting up from her seat. "I need to powder my nose."
I watched her walk away, wondering where the restroom was.
The waiter returned with our drinks, carrying a tray with three glasses. He set them down in front of us, his movements smooth and efficient. "Here you are," he said, smiling. "Enjoy your drinks."
I took a sip of my Strawberry juice.
Alex sipped his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm glad we met, Jenny," he said, his voice low and smooth.
"Likewise," I replied, feeling a flutter in my chest.
"I didn't get to thank you for saving my sister," he said, his gaze intense.
"It was nothing; I just did what anyone would have done," I replied, trying to downplay the situation.
"Not everyone would have done what you did, Jenny," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
I felt a blush rise to my cheeks, and I looked away, unsure of how to respond.
"You're right," I said finally, breaking the silence.
"Hmm" was all he could say, his eyes still locked on mine.