I blink at Leif’s query, my gaze swinging his way. “What do you mean?”
“Are you two actually dating, or what?” His eyes are narrowed in suspicion.
“That’s what Toni told you, isn’t it?” I ask. “Do you have reason to doubt his word?”
“Toni’s word?” Leif gives a low chuckle. “Toni tends to use a lot of words to say not much.”
My gaze slides to the man in question. He’s having an animated conversation with the grinning bartender while Rodney laughs at his side. “You don’t think much of him.”
“And you do?” Leif drawls. “You overestimate your ability to act, my friend.”
“I’m not your friend.” My jaw clenches as we watch each other across the small table. “Apparently, you’re not Toni’s friend, either.”
I barely know Toni, and I have my doubts about his integrity, but the idea of this dickwad badmouthing him behind his back gets my hackles up.
“Toni comes with the Rodney package,” Leif tells me. “They’ve been friends since high school. But he’s a two-faced prick who lets Rodney down as often as he comes through. I don’t like the idea of him playing my man for a fool with this boyfriend act.”
“What if it’s not an act?”
“Come on, mate,” he scoffs. “Toni looked as surprised as we were when you showed up here, and it’s clear he knows nothing of this music festival. Then you start talking about him owing you a favour,” he adds. “It doesn’t take a genius.”
I blink in surprise. Who knew Rodney’s fiancé would be this astute? If I can’t convince him Toni and I are together, then Toni will have no reason to owe me anything. Which will put me right back where I began, with no date for the festival and an ex who’ll be looking to fill the empty space in my bed—if only to remind both of us he can.
Leif and I are still staring daggers at each other when drinks begin landing on the table.
“One rum and coke, as requested,” Toni says, sliding the glass in front of me.
The instant his butt touches down on the seat, I hit him with a glare. “Leif here doesn’t believe we’re dating,” I inform him in an acerbic tone. “I thought you told them we are.”
Toni stares at me with wide eyes, obviously wondering what happened in his absence. He takes a slow sip from his glass of water. “Technically, I never used the worddating,” he says cautiously.
“Why not?” I demand. “I thought these last few weeks meant something to you.” It’s dramatic, but I reckon Leif requires some drama to bring him around.
Toni’s mouth quirks upwards as he catches on. He turns towards me, a look of concern dropping onto his flawless features. “They have meant something,” he gushes, “but there’s no rush to put labels on anything.” He places a hand on my arm. “We can take our time, see where things lead.”
Lifting a hand to his face, I stroke my thumb over his cheekbone. Sharp though it looks, the skin there is soft and smooth. “What if I want to rush?” I murmur, leaning closer to him. “What if I have all kinds of ideas about where this could lead?”
After seeing the way Leif and Rodney are together, it’s clear a solid public display of affection will be required to convince Leif this is real. We have to kiss. Is Toni willing to go that far? He’s barely touched me since we sat down, though he could have tried under the guise of our supposed relationship. Was he respecting my right to boundaries I’ve never given him permission to cross? If so, I can’t turn around and disrespect his right to the same.
There’s a brief hesitation before he leans into my touch. “Go on,” he dares me in a breathy voice. “Show me one of your ideas.”
That’s both permission and demand enough for me. I press my lips against his and he jolts in surprise before softening against me, his mouth gentle in its response. With a quiet sound, I part my lips in invitation. He accepts, running the tip of his tongue across my bottom lip before slipping inside for a delicate taste.
If we had more time, I’d indulge the leisure of his exploration. I’d allow him to sip from my lips for as long as he wanted, and quiver in his arms for the duration. But not tonight. I’m here because he wants to make a point, and I intend to drive it home.
Angling my head, I open wider, stroking my tongue along his before withdrawing. I want him to come after me, chase me down and take me over. He gets the hint. His hands clasp my jaw as he takes control of our kiss, delving deeper to feast on my mouth. He’s still tender and unhurried, but so satisfyingly thorough. With a low moan, I grab on to his shirt, bringing him with me as I lean back on the seat, eager to feel him over me.
When he finally pulls back, we breathe heavily into each other’s mouths, our gazes locked. He licks his lips, as if savouring my taste. “I like your ideas,” he rasps.
I smile, lightheaded with arousal and surprise. Holy hell, this man can kiss.
A whimper beside us breaks the spell, and I remember we’re not alone at the table—and this little show came with a pre-loaded agenda. “There’s more where that came from,” I say, making sure my voice is loud enough to be overheard. “If you admit we’re dating.”
Toni blinks a few times, the heat in his eyes dimming as he darts a glance at our companions. “All right, I admit it.” His voice, still husky from our kiss, manages to sound equal parts exasperated and besotted. He turns his head, resting his temple against my forehead as he takes a deep breath. “Now do you believe he’s crazy about me?”
“Are you kidding?” Rodney cries with a laugh. “I think half the bar is saluting your efforts.”
It’s progress, but Rodney isn’t the one who needs convincing. I lift an eyebrow in Leif’s direction.
