“You’ve become incorrigible since that night in your studio,” I whisper back, rubbing my nose against his.
“I can’t help it. I’ve gotten a taste, and now I want more.”
“Later.” I loop an arm around his waist, landing on his perfectly toned ass cheek and giving it a squeeze. “If you’re good.”
He groans, dropping his forehead to my shoulder. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Lowe.”
“One that we might be able to finish later.” I slide my hands up his chest, forcing him to lift his head. “For now, we need to get going if you want to get there on time.”
The momentI stepped into the ballroom, I had felt underdressed. All the men were in extremely pristine, well-cut suits and the women all looked like they had walked straight out of a fashion magazine. It wouldn’t surprise me if every single one of them was wearing designer dresses and had their hair and makeup done professionally beforehand.
Levi introduced me to a lot of those in attendance. Most of them were investors in his company or people he does business with directly. And even though a lot of the women were withsomeone of a very high stature, I didn’t miss some of the envious glances I was receiving—and some very dirty looks at my attire.
Not everyone is blessed with money,I thought to myself with each obvious side glance.
His hand didn’t leave mine the entire evening. Whether it was my obvious growing discomfort or the unexplainable need he felt to be touching me at all times, it was the only thing keeping me grounded.
The auction came and went faster than I could blink, having clearly dissociated during the event of the hour. Once I heard that first starting bid, I knew I was way out of my league being here. And if Levi wasn’t such a down-to-earth man who only wore suits in the office and a watch when he absolutely needed to, I’d be worried I was punching above my weight.
Yeah, he may have a very nice penthouse in the city, but he prefers tee shirts and sweats over fancy clothes. He’d rather be doing manual labor instead of mingling with people at a cocktail party. Levi let my little girl put makeup on him and would do it again over being here.
And that knowledge was enough to make me feel secure with him by my side.
Levi didn’t want to stay longer than was necessary, tucking my coat tightly around my shoulders and leading me toward a side door so we could slip out. Apparently, he didn’t care enough to say goodbye to anyone in attendance.
He had said to me in the quiet confines of his car as we drove through the city that he wanted to end the night doing something fun, something enjoyable with those he actually enjoyed spending his time with.
Which is how we ended up being the nicest dressed people in our favorite bar with our friends.
“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever,” Blue says as we stand around a table near the back of the bar.
“It’s been like, two weeks.” I take a sip of my gin and tonic before looking at my best friend and shrug. “Besides, we talk every single day.”
She shakes her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “That’s not the same. Sometimes I miss your gorgeous face.”
I roll my eyes, closing the space between us to wrap my arms around her. She instantly hugs me back, burying her head into the crook of my neck. I see Cole watching us from over her shoulder, but the second we make eye contact, he looks away, finishing his beer and stalking over to the crowded bar for a refill.
“What’s going on with Cole?” I ask as I untangle myself.
“How would I know?” She responds, and I arch a brow.
Answering a question with a question. Interesting.
“You two have talked a decent amount tonight.” I try to make myself sound as casual as possible. “I guess I just assumed he might have said something.”
Blue shrugs a shoulder. “Nope. Not to me, anyway.”
“Weird,” I mumble, eyes staring at his back. “He hasn’t said a single word to me all night, and every time I catch him looking, he looks away.”
“Maybe he’s just worried.” I look at her with a raised brow. “I heard from JJ that they aren’t doing well recently. Maybe he’s just afraid of disappointing you since you set them up.”
I look behind me to see Levi and RJ leaning against the wall, their heads close together so they can hear one another over the loud music. “She never said anything to me. Neither did Levi.”
“I don’t think Levi knows,” she tells me, and my brows furrow in confusion. “From what I’ve heard, he’s been busy with work and spending time with you. I think Cole just didn’t want to get in the way of that.”
“All right.” I rest an elbow on the table and give her an incredulous look. “Are we still talking about Cole, or are we talking about you?”
Blue bites her lip, a sheepish smile appearing on her face. “Can it be both?”
