Chapter 8 teaser on David's POV

I felt terrible about leaving Summer alone for so long. Every time I tried to get back to her someone would stop me and start talking about some nonsense I really didn't care about. All I could think about was the most beautiful girl in this room, my eyes wandered on their own accord, searching her out, I couldn't concentrate much on anything else. She was all I could think about. I had to be polite to my guests though and pretend I was paying attention to their words.

Mrs. Leatherby was currently regaling me with the tale of her and her husband's impending divorce and how she was soon to be a free woman… Lord help all the single men in England! Mrs. Leatherby could easily be compared to a hungry Godzilla about to go on a rampage in the city. I told her a silly joke and quickly excused myself. I started walking to where I had last seen Summer nearly… I looked at my watch… an hour ago! I would be extremely lucky if she hadn't left.

As I approached the table I noticed a man talking to her and Summer laughing openly, she had the most beautiful, engaging smile I had even seen. The man's gestures seemed familiar but his back was turned to me. A sudden wave of jealousy hit me. I was supposed to be the one enjoying her company tonight, making her laugh, not some random bloke. I took a deep breath, as much as I wanted Summer to be mine, I had no claim on her… yet. I decided that would change tonight. I couldn't play this "we're just friends" game any longer. I was sure I heard someone call my name as I walked by but I was solely focused on reaching the beautiful girl sitting just a few feet away.

"Summer." I said reaching her side and turning to see her companion.

Hugh Collins. CEO of Collins Enterprises.

I couldn't believe this. The one guy in London I didn't particularly like. Honestly, there was nothing wrong with him, in fact he was a… decent guy, very smart. He came from one of the wealthiest families in London and owned the largest import/export business. It was likely he had more in common with Summer than I did, which obviously bothered me to no end. To top it all off, he was a benefactor of multiple charities, but he had dated a friend of mine a few years back, and things hadn't ended in the best of terms. Hugh had been less than faithful, it could have been a one time thing and it didn't mean that was the kind of guy he was. Nonetheless, he had definitely cocked it up with Sarah and therefore with me. I tolerated him in small doses, only dealing with him when it came to business. But the bastard was still an attractive sod with plenty of charm, and evidently women found his wits irresistible. I had the inside track, given that's all Sarah could talk about for months and months of working for him. I had some dealings with his company but I had mostly dealt with his father. And why the hell was he talking to Summer? Out of the million women in this place tonight? The answer hit me across the face instantly, she was simply gorgeous, hard to miss anywhere, let alone tonight, when she shined like a sapphire in that floor length blue gown that hugged her curves magnificently. Her smooth flawless skin against the deep blue hue of the dress was astonishing and those large, warm, brown eyes could bring any man to his knees. I had noticed more than once the eyes turning in her direction.

Bollocks!

They both stood in unison and I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her lightly to me, I made eye contact and gave her a warm smile.

"Hi." She whispered, smiling back. God, she was breathtaking!

"David!" Hugh exclaimed in a clipped tone.

I looked at him feigning surprise.

"Hugh, I see you've met my Summer." That sounded possessive. Right now I didn't care though, he needed to know that Summer wasn't available for pursuing… Even if she was.

"Your Summer?" Hugh said with a playful smile and there was an undercurrent to his tone."Yes, I have met her. She is truly enchanting."

"That, she is." I smiled at her and her returning smile seemed forced, I could tell she was slightly uncomfortable. Did she not want me to claim her as mine?

"I would have never guessed she was with you since she's been alone half the night." Hugh added, with a daring look in his eyes.

"Well, David invited me. So technically I am his date for the evening, but he does have some responsibilities as a host and I understand that." Summer finally broke her silence, she sounded impassive. I couldn't learn anything from her tone.

"If you were my date, dear Summer, I wouldn't leave you alone for a second." Hugh added.

This guy was really starting to piss me off.

"I'm sorry, lovely." I whispered in her ear -ignoring his chastising remark- which made her smile again as a slow pink blush colored her cheeks.

I glanced at Hugh and noticed the ticking of his jaw… Good!

"Now that your date is back Summer, I'll let you enjoy the rest of your evening. Don't forget to think of my proposition." He grabbed her hand and kissed it. I didn't like him talking to her, let alone touching her like that. I was sure my eyes looked like chips of ice.

Summer simply smiled in response, but seemed slightly flustered.

"David, always a pleasure." He smirked in my direction.

"Hugh." I simply said, cause I hated to lie and I'd be lying if I'd said it was a pleasure seeing him again.

Not even a second after Hugh was out of earshot I turned to Summer.

"What kind of proposition is he speaking of?" I tried for nonchalant but I sounded more like a crazy, possessive boyfriend.

I was done pretending I didn't want to be… more, whatever that meant. She seemed taken aback by my sudden question.

"Do you really want to know?" She asked.

I was sure I didn't want to know, but I just needed to know. I nodded.

"He asked me out to dinner." She replied.

I was stunned. I was sure my eyes had jumped out of my face. I couldn't even feel my thoughts… Was this what an aneurysm felt like?

Then it hit me. She hadn't said yes...