Even if he wasn’t into the clothes, he could definitely get into ogling models. He’d never date one again, but there was no harm in looking. He enjoyed beautiful females, even ones who were way out of his league.
He heard Lovey and Clementine murmuring about the pretty clothes. More models walked the runway, the theme switching from stunning solid color dresses to pretty floral ones, and then some male models strutted out in suits. Duncan’s interest diminished. He had to wear a suit to the arena every game night, so he owned a lot of them, but he wasn’t a fashion dude like, say, Jared, who could’ve been up there modeling. Jared was always wearing expensive designer clothes, even when it was jeans and a T-shirt.
As if Duncan had predicted it, the models switched to casual clothes like cool shirts and jeans—no doubt pricey designer jeans. He recognized some of the female models he’d seen earlier in sexy dresses now wearing snug low-rise jeans, heels, and pretty tops. The music changed to more funky tunes and the models’ moves became almost dancelike as they modeled the clothing.
The finale of the show involved all the models out dancing, wearing black and white outfits, some dresses, some pants and shirts, guys in a suit or black jeans and white shirts. It was pretty cool. His gaze was drawn back to the blond model he’d noticed earlier, and he watched the way she danced, smiling and tossing her hair. Wow.
After the show, the guests rose and moved to the reception area, where food buffets had been set up and tables arranged where guests could stand. The tables were wrapped in white tablecloths that twisted down the pedestals to the floor, votive candles glowing atop each one.
“Need food,” he muttered as he followed Lovey and Duper.
Lovey gave him a look over her shoulder. “There probably won’t be cheeseburgers here.”
He grinned. “I can live without cheeseburgers for one night.”
They helped themselves to a variety of finger foods from the buffet. Duncan looked at all the platters. “I don’t know what any of this is.”
“Just try it.” Lovey elbowed him. “I think this is goat cheese.” She pointed at some triangular-shaped pieces of toast with something white and green on them.
“Fuck with the goat’s milk stuff! I hate goat cheese. Cheese should be made from cow’s milk.”
“Calm down. How about this? I think it’s lobster. You like lobster.”
“Yeah.”
He took a couple of the lobster appetizers, found a platter of meatball sliders and loaded his plate with several of those, added some bruschetta—at least he recognized that—then they moved to stand at one of the tables to eat. Duper went and got drinks for everyone. When Duncan requested Coke, Duper raised his eyebrows but said nothing.
“So Marc said you broke up with Melissa,” Lovey said.
“Yep.”
She patted his arm. “Sorry, Dunc.”
“Don’t be sorry. I’m good.”
“I’m actually glad. I only met her a couple of times, but I didn’t really like her, if you want the truth.”
“You never said anything.”
“No. I was minding my own business. Unlike you.”
“Ha.”
“I’ll find a girl for you.”
“No you won’t!” He stared at her in horror.
She just laughed.
Duper returned with their drinks, and Duncan took the cold Coke and guzzled back half of it. He downed a few of the meatball sliders with a feeling he would be going home hungry. He could always stop at McDonald’s on the way. Although he’d had burgers earlier that day.
He picked up his Coke again and turned away from the table to survey the crowded room. He spotted one of the models from the fashion show, the one with long dark hair, now dressed in a little black slip dress. They must be mingling with the guests following the show. Maybe even eating. Although, judging by Melissa, models didn’t eat much. One of those goat cheese things on a thin piece of toast would have been enough for her. She’d sure never wanted to go out for cheeseburgers with him.
His attention was caught by a model walking toward him. He remembered her because he liked blondes. She was the one who’d worn that stunning white and silver dress, the one he’d watched dancing. Her long, dark gold waves flowed over her shoulders and breasts. She was walking normally now, not that crazy catwalk strut, although she was still wearing high heels and a slinky black dress that dipped very low in front, revealing mouthwatering cleavage. Something about the way she walked seemed familiar. As she grew closer, his gaze rose to her face. He narrowed his eyes at her.
Amber.
Chapter 5
Amber was starving and couldn’t wait to get to that buffet. She was making a beeline through the crowd when her gaze fell on Duncan Armstrong, standing at one of the tables, holding a drink.
Holy hell.
He’d been attractive last night in his boyish baseball cap, jeans, and boots. Tonight in a black tuxedo, he was devastatingly gorgeous. Her eyes widened at the sight of him looking so big and tall and sophisticated, and her steps faltered briefly. She sucked in a breath and continued forward.