The Gideon Affair

“I was serious about the water torture. Cut it out, Ed … er, uh, Gideon. There’s no time like the present, so either put up or shut up.”

What the hell was he up to? Not having a clear picture of the situation was worrisome and threw her off. She’d just been kidding about whatever he had stashed in his pocket, but his swift reaction stu

Was he wired? The assumption, though ridiculous, matched his unusual response and showed her how far her imagination was willing to go. Did not help any that he was restraining her or that people were watching. And snickering.

Shit.

“I have to visit the ladies’ room,” she a

Edward reacted as any guy would, practically jumping up as he glanced around looking for the restrooms. Nodding to the back corner, he muttered, “I think it’s over there.”

Embarrassed, although not sure why, Paige pulled it together and finally stood up, pushing the short black dress into some sort of order.

He wasn’t looking at her, and she didn’t miss the way his hand slid to the i

The silence was awkward—just what they didn’t need.

“Look, I’m sorry if I was overstepping.” She was babbling and couldn’t help the terse head shake and eye roll that followed her lame apology. The put up or shut up comment might have been a road too far. “I’ll behave.”

She didn’t know why she said that—it was so unlike her. But aware of the many curious eyes observing them, she was reminded that they were there for a reason and that they were playing parts.

Edward surprised her by wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her against his warm body.

“Like hell you will, Paige Turner. I don’t want you to behave, and you weren’t overstepping, babe. Just caught me by surprise, that’s all.”

Her eyes darted around the patio. The way he was holding her left little to the imagination as far as the nature of their relationship was concerned.

“And we’re not putting on a show.” He said it like the notion was an insult.

She sighed and patted his chest. When he put a finger under her chin and lifted her face, it was a struggle not to get lost in his startling blue-eyed gaze.

“Hey,” he murmured. “This is your reminder that it’s just you and me, sweetheart. Remember?”

She did. Hearing him call her sweetheart, though, completely wiped her brain of coherent thought. All the looky-loos watching them so closely might be getting an eyeful of super-sexy Gideon Shaw, but she’d just experienced a new side to Edward Ba

Damn. She liked being his sweetheart. Nobody had ever called her that before.

Gently releasing her, he teased, “And don’t go making up lists of ground rules. That’d be like working from a script.””

She looked at him shocked. Was he reading her mind because she’d just thought that maybe they should have come up with some guidelines before jumping into the breach unprepared.

He pushed her in the direction of the ladies’ room. “You go freshen up, and I’ll have coffee and dessert at the table when you get back.”

Dessert? She could do dessert. “See if there’s ice cream. Vanilla is fine.”

His knowing smirk was all kinds of cute. Oh, my god, really? He’d even noticed her recent descent into ice-cream purgatory? Oy.

It seemed like overkill to haul the enormous bag for a trip to the ladies’ when she didn’t carry anything in it, so she left it and set off to find the bathroom. Almost the second she stepped away from their table, a waiter appeared with some helpful directions to get her moving in the right direction.

Her mind overflowing with thoughts of Edward and her, Paige ambled along in her usual loose-limbed way. When her eyes caught a couple who were balls-out pointing at her as they huddled together talking, she winced.

She was on display. She hated being on display. Instantly transforming herself, Paige slowed her walk, squared her shoulders, and rocked along on her undeniably sexy shoes. Considering what she was getting into, it occurred to her that she had better get used to the scrutiny.

With dozens of eyes on her judging and gossiping, she headed straight for the privacy of the restroom, hoping with each step that she didn’t wobble or fall flat on her face.

“Thank god,” she murmured once she was alone in the bathroom. Giving her reflection half a glance in a large mirror, Paige opted for one of the water closets in the corner and closed herself in the stall.

She really did need to pee and quickly relieved her poor bladder. They’d been drinking Sapporo nonstop since they sat down, and while Edward had slowed down because he was driving, she’d been having a high old time. There was nothing like a cold beer and some melt-in-your-mouth sushi. Complemented the wasabi and ginger flavors. Her favorite.

Maybe it was her buzz or maybe it was the interference of that pesky librarian part of her personality … she couldn’t be sure, but she was certain that she wanted this show and tell part of the evening to be over so they could go back to being who they really were.

And then she intended to jump his bones.

Whoooa. What? Jump his bones? “Oh, my god,” she groaned quietly, her head shaking in denial. She wasn’t sure if that was the alcohol or her libido talking.

The door whooshed open and shut, and right away, voices filled the room. Damn. Other people. Paige didn’t want to stumble out and put up with anyone gawking at her, so she stayed put, perched sideways on the closed toilet, and waited them out.

“I swear if he calls me his baby girl one more time, I’m going to throat punch him. Honestly.”

Hmph. “Make sure you get paid first and remember, any number followed by four zeroes is going to come along with an ass-load of stupid comments. Ignore it, blow him in the limo, fuck him in the pool, he signs the check, and you’re out … baby girl.”

Oh, my god. Was this really happening? Paige couldn’t believe what she was overhearing. From the sound of it, the two women were veterans of the pay-for-pussy squad. Just … great.

“Shut up, Vanessa. I can’t believe I have to put out for that old jerk. I get that he’s Hollywood royalty and all, but what the fuck with the obnoxious laugh. And to think, we used to love his movies. Ugh.”

“Oh, boo-fucking-hoo. One week with Mr. Hollywood and your rent and car payments for a whole fucking year are paid. Stop your whining.”

Paige heard the sound of ru

“Well,” the complaining stranger cooed in a completely different tone than the harsh one she’d been using, “it’s not that I mind. Not really. I mean the guy has a barrel of boner pills and has been quite the old-school gentleman, making sure I get off, too. But …”

More ru

“I’d much rather have that gorgeous hunk of Gideon Shaw man meat handing me a check. Did you see him, Chloe? Holy Christ that man is hot.”

Laughter rang out.

“Yeah, I saw him. Are you kidding? The guy reeks of testosterone.”

Paige froze. Gideon Shaw man meat? Testosterone? Her heart started to beat harder. Sudden warmth rushed into her head, and she swore the walls and floor wobbled.

A heavy, cloying scent invaded her senses, and she clapped a hand loosely over her mouth and nose to block the disgusting smell. Really? Who used that much perfume? Argh. Blech.

The mumbling from the two women made Paige strain to hear what they were saying. Then they started talking louder, and goddammit, what an earful she got.