Her head jerks up, eyes wide. “Beau.”
“Hot.”
The word sparks something in her, and her eyes trace a slow path down my body.
“I brought you something.” I hold out the shake and take my time walking across the tiny room.
She shakes herself out of the trance she was in, reaching for the garish orange tumbler with a cartoon black cat on it. Her head tilts to the side as she studies the cup like she’s never seen one before. “What’s this?”
“My world-famous protein shake.” Needing to do something with my hands, I lift my own up to my lips and take a long sip. Her narrowed eyes track the movement.
“Trying to prove you didn’t poison it? That’s not very convincing.”
It breaks the tension, eases the tightness in my shoulders, and I hold my cup out to her. “Want to trade?”
“Nah, I’m not stupid. You could have slowly built up an immunity to the poison over the years. It’s a trap.”
Now I’m full-on laughing. “Just try it. I promise it’s good.”
“Protein shakes aren’t good. They’re functional.” She leans back in her seat, and I’m glad to see she looks more relaxed now, too.
“This one is. I promise. Money-back guarantee.”
She reaches for the drink, tilting the cup to take a long swallow. “That’s freaking delicious. Where’d you get it?”
“My house. I made it.” I take another sip of mine. Now that my mouth isn’t so dry, the peanut butter and berry taste registers.
Her face crunches up, and she holds it out at arm’s length. “You didn’t make this.”
“Yes, I did.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, my butler had to take the week off.”
A smile tugs at her lips. “I’m sorry. Just a little surprised. I’d expect you to be the type to buy a ten-thousand-dollar diamond necklace to apologize. Not hand blend a protein shake.”
“Oh, don’t worry, the necklace is on order. But the private jet was busy today, so they can’t bring it until tomorrow. You know, when the butler gets back.”
“Wha… you’re joking. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be judgy.”
“It’s okay.” I’m used to it.
“No, it’s not. I wouldn’t have doubted anyone else.” Her features have softened, but then she narrows her eyes. “You are joking about the necklace though, right?”
“I was, but if you want one, I’m sure it can be arranged. You don’t seem like the diamond necklace type. But I could buy you a few new Bauers if you’d like. Not sure what I’m apologizing for, though. Other than my father being an asshole.”
The words hang there as she fiddles with her laptop and takes another swig of the drink. “Yeah, he kind of is.”
“Sorry about that. I shouldn’t have taken you to that thing. I know how shitty they can be. It was selfish of me, but I needed you there. Didn’t want to go alone.”
“I don’t blame you. I’d rather bag skate for an hour than come to another one of those things.” She shifts in her seat. “But I think I should be the one apologizing.” She looks up at me, then back down at her still-open laptop. The glow from the screen has faded. “Could you sit down? You’re making me nervous.”
“You’re nervous? Do you know how nervous I was coming over here today?” But I settle into the chair across from her.
“You were?”
I fold my hands together, propping my elbows on the desk. “Yes. You haven’t been exactly eloquent in our recent texts, or between practices since the gala.”
