This night was proving to be much more interesting than Daniel had originally expected it to be. He gave a small chuckle as the woman besides him responded to his joking with a playfulness of her own. As she spoke, he found himself wondering why she had even chosen to entertain the previous man’s advances. He didn’t dwell on the thought long, ultimately chalking it up to her prior words about giving the other man time merely because he bought her a drink. Instead, Daniel focused on her as she introduced herself to him. The smooth sound of her voice as she spoke made him listen with a little more care. 

“Good meeting you as well.” he responded. Pulling his gaze away from her, he casually flagged down the bartender, motioning to her empty glass for a refill. His gaze didn’t stray from her for long though as she carried on the conversation. Turning back to her, he raised an eyebrow as she questioned about a business presentation until she made it clear she was inferring from his clothing with a touch to his arm. A smirk tugged at his lips, feeling a sense of satisfaction that his appearance had managed to convey a sense of importance. Though she likely hadn’t meant any stroke to ego with her words, it was still nice to know that his work to his appearance paid off. Even if it did nothing for him career wise at the moment, at least it had caught her attention.

“No, not tonight at least.” Daniel said with a shrug. He attempted to tread the thin line between arrogance and humbleness. It was a way of confirming her inferences about him while still avoiding coming off as a self centered businessman. Or rather, politician as he aimed to be. While his words may have suggested other success, his tone and body language remained neutral. “I was actually celebrating a friend’s engagement.. Although just to avoid concerns, it’s not that friend.” he smirked as he nodded towards where Eric and the redhead were. Despite the quick glance, Daniel caught how close the two were and the subtle touches namely coming from his friend in that moment. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the coyness in his friend’s gestures. 

Instead, he looked back to Alex and gave a lopsided smile. “Decided to give them some time to themselves. They’re in their own little world right now so I doubt they even noticed we left.” he explained with a glint of amusement in his gaze. Of course, that was a heavy exaggeration of the truth. But he wasn’t about to tell her that he had chosen to leave the party early because she had caught his attention. He doubted that would reflect well on him. “Engagement parties aren’t exactly a thrilling once the couple starts ignoring everyone else.” 

Daniel shrugged his shoulders and lifted his drink to his lips, taking another sip. “What about yourself?” he asked curiously. “Just having a night out or did you have something to celebrate too?” His dark gaze remained on her face as he spoke before discreetly drifting down lower. He couldn’t help but try to subtly admire the curves to her figure for a moment before bringing his gaze back up to met hers for her reply.