The doorman pushed open the swinging door, forcing Sharon to brush against him as she entered. His hand was just a touch too low on her back for a casual gesture as he guided her through and without glancing back, she knew his eyes were lingering on the sway of her skirt hem high against her thighs. It was a private club, so she paused at the hostess station long enough to smile and get a nod of acknowledgment.
Laser lights circled and pulsed through the fog of the dance floor. Not many people were dancing yet, but the DJ was playing the kind of music that would crowd the dance floor as the club filled. Sharon made her way over to the bar and took a seat, legs crossed, leaning over the bar to wait for the bartender's attention. Within moments he set a Margarita down by herβon the rocks with salt. She shook her head, "Oh, I didn'tβ"
The bartender smiled and gestured toward the end of the bar where a good-looking man smiled, meeting her eyes and toasting her with his scotch glass. Sharon smiled and nodded her thanks then looked intently into the glass, waiting for her cheeks to cool. She glanced back again and saw he was still watching her but made no move to join her. She drank slowly, listening to the music, smiling and waving at acquaintances.
A second Margarita appeared as the first glass emptied and Sharon looked back to find the same handsome man watching her almost fondly. She smiled encouragingly, but he made no move to join her. More people were dancing now, leaving bar stools and tables unattended. Sharon found herself swaying to the music and contemplated dancing alone.
"Hi."
Sharon looked up to see a man leaning against the bar beside her. She smiled. "Hello." His smile showed white, straight teeth. He was handsomeβdark eyes, warm caramel skin and close-cut curly hair. His woven shirt strained over his broad shoulders and the opened neck hinted at a well-formed torso.