“No?”
She blinks.
“Did I fuck it up?”
She opens her mouth, but closes it.
“Talk to me.”
“I thought we agreed, no statements,” she says.
I frown. “I didn’t make one.”
“‘My girl deservesBvlgari’.”Her hands go flying in the air before landing on her thighs in a thump. “The jewelry you so generously bought me is the equivalent of a down payment on a house. The idea was for us to say‘Hello, world’. Instead, that statement was like lighting up an abandoned building filled floor to ceiling with firecrackers.”
I take her in, my eyes roaming over her movie star dress, stopping at her bare shoulders.
Her hand rubs up and down her other arm, as if seeking comfort.
I reach out and brush her hair, styled in loose waves, behind her back. “You do deserve that and so much more.”
She stares up at me
I can’t read her expression.
Her captivating green eyes are more pronounced from the makeup, her dark lashes accentuating how big they are. Since reconnecting with her, she’s always been fresh-faced. Dolled up or natural, this woman is beauty personified.
She lowers her head and shakes it.
I place two fingers under her chin and lift her head until our eyes lock. “Why don’t you agree with me?”
She presses her red lips together, forcing my attention to them. “You don’t know me.” Her rigid demeanor bears no resemblance to the soft, pliable woman I was holding in my arms a few minutes ago. “The plan tonight was for us to change the headlines when it comes to you. Not create expectations we can’t live up to. Baby steps, Kaz. Baby steps.”
My irrational obsession for this woman caused me to jump the gun.
I take a step back. “Okay, we’ll do it your way. Let’s go find Erik and have a drink.” I might have to double fist the first round. And the second.
The Hudson Lounge has been transformed into a Greek village––complete with faux-palm trees, a large aquariumwhere colorful fish swim, and two long bars, each decorated in one of the theme colors.
I spot Erik near the blue bar. He lifts a tumbler containing an amber liquid.
I weave my way through the crowd of guests huddled in groups shooting the shit as I head his way, nodding here and there at people I recognize.
I order a drink and join him.
“Don’t tell me your sunshiny personality scared off your date,” Erik says.
“Fuck off.” I shake my head. “She’s in the bathroom.”
He nods, a sly smile curving his lips. “When she’s done, she might make a run for it.”
“Why would you say that?” I take a long gulp of my gin and tonic.
“I guess you haven’t bumped into Chett yet?”
I choke on the swallow. I cough. “Chett is here?”
Erik arches a brow. “Harley didn’t tell you?”
