“We have four minutes.”
She turned toward him fully. “And what exactly are you planning to do in four minutes?”
“Ruin your lipstick. Not your dress.”
His hand slid higher, up the inside of her thigh—just enough to make her breathing stutter.
Her pulse jumped. Her legs pressed together again, instinctive and useless. He didn’t kiss her. Not yet. Just watched her. Let her feel it build.
Bea exhaled, shaky. Prepared to swat him away half-heartedly.
Then outside—motion. The glass of her window caught the shape of a door swinging open. Lillian walked out. Not just Lillian. Amanwith Lillian.
Bea leaned toward the glass. “Lillian’s out. And she’s not alone.”
That made Gage glance over, at least. His thumb was still making lazy, damning circles on her leg.
The man, tall and relaxed, hands in his pockets, hair rumpled like he didn’t spend time in front of mirrors, was laughing as he gazed down at her. Lillian was…lit from the inside. Her scarf was falling off her shoulder, and she didn’t seem to care.
“It’s not Seth.”
“No,” Gage murmured. “That’s a man she actually likes.”
Bea grinned. “Are you noting the body language?”
“I’m noting the fact you’re trying very hard not to look at me right now.”
She bit down on a smile and turned back to the window. “Okay, yes, but for one second—just watch them. He touched her shoulder.”
Gage’s hand moved higher by a breath. “I watched. I’m done.”
“Gage.”
He kissed her. Firm, focused, like he knew exactly how short their time was, and exactly how to set himself up for later.
Her mouth was still parted when the rear door opened. She needed a second. Or several. Preferably without a witness. Gage was already sitting back, both hands on the wheel, utterly composed.
So annoying.
Lillian slid in, cheeks pink, scarf slightly askew. But also, thankfully, just self-conscious enough to make her oblivious.
“Sorry! I know I’m late. Adam was….well, you probably saw?—”
Bea turned in her seat, still recovering, but hoisting herself right up onto that high horse. “Oh wesaw, Lillian. You were flirting. Inpublic.”
Lillian groaned and pulled her scarf over her head. “I wasn’t.”
“She had lint,” Gage said dryly.
“Was the full-body audit necessary, though?” Bea asked, glancing at him.
“I could just get an Uber to Isabel’s play,” Lils muttered.
Bea reached back and patted her shin. “Or you could’ve let Adam finish the job and drop you off. Lint inspection to lift service, that’s the natural progression.”
Gage pulled away from the curb, his tone cool. “Let me know if you need a background check before the promotion.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
