Read Leah's Seduction: 1 (Gianni and Leah) for Free Online

about Le Bain, it should be quite a party.”
    “My parties usually are.”
    “It’s your party?”
    “Yes, with a few friends and business associates. I’ve been to many Fashion Week parties. I just wanted something a bit more intimate.”
    Intimate . The word lingered in the air between them, and Gianni’s eyes met hers.
    “Why me?” Leah blurted. “I mean…there were women swarming around you back there. Why invite me to your party?”
    “You interest me.”
    He said it in such a definitive manner that Leah wasn’t sure what to say. She looked down at her lap, although all she really wanted to do was keep looking at Gianni.
    His look burned into her, and Leah glanced over.
    “I tend to be blunt.”
    “Yes, well, I don’t,” she said. “You’ll have to elaborate, because you have me in mystery.”
    Gianni’s expression lightened. “That’s fair. Well, you strike me as an interesting woman. I don’t think it should surprise that I noticed. But you seem uncomfortable in the cocktail dress and makeup. Like someone else dressed you. It’s not really you, is it?”
    “That’s very perceptive. Actually, a friend of mine helped me. I’m not talented with hair and makeup.”
    “Yes, I did take note of that the other day.”
    So far Gianni’s explanation of why he picked her over the multitudes of women he had to choose from was unsatisfactory. But Leah decided not to press the point. They were on the way to a party that she had no doubt would be amazing. She decided to try to enjoy herself.
    Le Bain was a trendy rooftop club at the Standard hotel, in the heart of the Meatpacking District. It had an open-air terrace plus an indoor club below. The most amazing part was the view of the Hudson River, Lower Manhattan, and New Jersey.
    It was the perfect place to watch the sunset, and Leah went out to the terrace to get a better view. The sky was orange, and a semicircle of the bright yellow sun sagged slowly below the horizon as though sinking into thick molasses.
    Gianni stood beside her. “I chose this place for the view.”
    Leah couldn’t take her eyes off the sight. “A view like this could grow on a person.” When she turned to look at Gianni, he had a slight smile. It was the first time she’d seen him smile, and it warmed her heart.
    “I’ve heard this is a great place to dance the night away.”
    Gianni raised his eyebrows.
    “My friend, Kyra Walsh, told me,” she said. “She likes to dance and goes to lots of parties.”
    “And do you like to dance?”
    She glanced away. “It depends. I’m not as graceful as Kyra, so I’m more selective about who I dance with and where.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    Leah looked around at the white chairs, the dim lights on the ground, and the fake grass. Brazilian music was playing through the speakers on the rooftop. “I like the music,” she said.
    “Brazilian?”
    “Yes, I learned to samba when I was younger. I’ve always loved the Brazilian culture.”
    “Ever been there?”
    Leah shook her head. “I grew up in Portland, and New York is as far as I’ve been.”
    “Unfortunate.”
    “Why is that?”
    “I can tell you are a woman who would appreciate other cultures, and travel.”
    “You seem to know a lot about me for someone who doesn’t know me.” Gianni looked away from her, and Leah was inclined to ask him for his thoughts. She wasn’t brave enough yet. “But I think you are right. I’d like to try, anyway. I’m hoping that being part of the fashion world will give me that chance…one day.”
    Gianni studied her. Leah looked out at the water.
    “What would you like to drink?”
    She looked up. “Suggest something. I like trying new things.”
    He nodded and flagged a waiter. “A cosmo for the lady, and I’ll have a whiskey sour.”
    Leah liked the flavors of cranberry, lime, and orange. She just hoped the vodka and triple-sec combo wouldn’t be too much. Maybe she should have thought that through. “I’ve had