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“Thanks. So do you.” It occurred to her that in all their time together, they hadn’t once gone out on a date.
Now she saw why.
They stood there awkwardly for a moment before he reached out and dragged her into his arms. “God, I’ve missed you.”
The last bit of her ineffectual wall came crumbling down. “I’m sorry I moved our di
He leaned back and brushed a thumb against her cheekbone. “Feeling bad about that are we?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” His lips came down on hers swiftly. The kiss was frantic, hungry. Just this side of angry.
By the time he pulled back, the room was spi
No. She wouldn’t push him away anymore. Couldn’t. “Do you want to cancel our di
He slid his hand through her hair. “Actually, I’m kind of looking forward to having a night out with you.”
“But—”
“Let’s go out tonight, Abby. Let me prove to you that we can do this.”
How was it that he knew exactly what she was worried about? “You sound so sure.”
“I am.” He put his arm around her and tugged her over to the driveway.
To his beautiful powder black car.
With the bench seats she loved so much.
She smiled up at him. “Is your Lexus in the shop?”
He gri
“So you’re going to a fancy establishment where you’ll likely run into clients and colleagues?” With me. “In an old muscle car. Just to prove a point?”
“Abby, I’d pull up riding on the handlebars of Skylar’s pink bicycle...hell, I’d drive up in your car to prove this particular point.”
She burst out laughing.
“You don’t believe me?” He reached for her purse. “Hand over the keys.”
“No!” She giggled and ran the rest of the way to his car. “We can’t go to a five-star restaurant in my car!”
Co
It wasn’t until about five seconds after the kiss ended that she realized he’d gone and pickpocketed her purse.
A half hour later, Abby was still whacking him on the arm.
“That valet kid thought we were punking him.” Another whack. “I swear, he kept looking around like a bunch of TV cameras were going to come rushing out.”
“I know.” He chuckled. “Did you see his expression when I slipped him a twenty and told him to make sure to park it somewhere safe?”
“Stop.” Whack. “Making fun of.” Whack. “My car!”
“Yes, this is far less embarrassing. Quick, sucker punch me in the gut. I think I see a lawyer from a competing law firm I’m facing in court on Monday.”
She instantly dropped her hands back to her sides. “This isn’t over,” she hissed.
“Oh, I know. And I’m counting the minutes till we get home to see just what you’ll do next.”
Home.
She had no idea whose home he was referring to, but at least they’d be there together.
As the maître de led them to a corner table with a stu
But because she was starting to believe.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For proving your point.”
Co
She flicked open her menu. “I’ll keep that in mind if one day you ever are.”
His soft, tickled laughter died a quick death when a slick as silk voice rang out from the next table over.
“Why look Ly
They both turned to watch a tall, distinguished looking man stand up and come over with his ‘date’—Abby would’ve guessed daughter at first but seeing his hand on the woman/girl’s ass quickly dispelled that theory.
“Co
So, a colleague, then. One that, from the looks of it, Co
“Yes, I did. I’ll look over it in the morning,” he answered brusquely, his eyes as hard and cold as she’d ever seen them.
The stranger didn’t budge. “Well? Aren’t you going to introduce me to your beautiful date, Co
Abby watched a muscle tick in Co
Alarmed, and thoroughly lost, she stuck her hand out to the man to try and defuse the situation. “I’m Abby. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m delighted to meet you, Abby. I’m Marcus, and this is Ly
Riiight.
“So, are you two here on a date?” inquired Marcus.
Abby could see why Co
Co
“What?” asked Marcus i
Son. The rude man was Co
“Ly
Ly
Marcus raised an eyebrow in a silent touché, before conceding, “Fine, keep your secrets, Co
Abby froze, and did her best to keep her smile plastered to her face.
“That’s enough!” barked Co
“People are starting to stare, Marcus,” whispered Ly
Marcus gave Co
Abby kept her eyes glued to the menu until he was gone. Really? Did he have to put such a scornful emphasis on the word ‘date?’
“I’m sorry you got sucked into that.” Co
She dropped her menu. Co
He covered her hands with his. “That charity ball he mentioned—”
Oh. Well, there was that. “You don’t need to explain.”
“It’s just an a
A little part of her died on the inside at the offer…and then rose from the dead out of sheer a
This was a vicious, vicious world Co
“What night is this ball?”
“Saturday.”
“I actually have plans for that night,” she lied, giving him a wan smile. “So I guess I won’t get to have my Pretty Woman shopping moment with you.”
His hand closed tighter around hers. “I’ll stay home if you want.”
She shook her head vigorously. “No, don’t do that. You should go have a good time.” Wanting desperately to get some air, she stood up abruptly and looked around for a restroom.
He caught her by the elbow. “Talk to me.”
“There’s nothing to say. I just can’t go. But I really, truly want you to have fun. Charities are important.” She patted his arm reassuringly. “And despite her kissing you and offering you a member massage in front of me, Victoria does seem kind of nice.”