Her curves.
Her… wow.
“You’re a talented designer,” I say.
“Designer and seamstress,” she corrects, dipping into a little curtsy. “Thank you very much.”
For a moment, the world goes quiet. Just us. The breeze teasing her skirt at the hem. My pulse doing stupid things.
That’s when I notice the familiar backpack in Pix’s hand.
I reach out and take it.
Instead of protesting this time, she just smiles and says, “Thanks.”
I almost forget we’re not alone until the driver finally gets out and opens her door.
Where the hell were you when the Crazy Cat Empress needed her door opened, buddy?
Pix and her criminal curves slide into the seat. I follow, setting her backpack at my feet.
Yes, it shoves my knees that much closer to my ears, but the last thing I want is the dress she worked so hard on getting crushed.
The driver shuts the door, returns to the wheel, and glances back. “Where to, miss A?—”
“Viviana,” Pix says quickly.
Confused, the driver repeats, “Where to, Miss Viviana?” He sounds out each syllable of her beautiful name like his tip is riding on it.
I glance at Pix, trying to gauge whether she’s mentally strategizing a polite way to ditch me at the next curb.
“Just drive,” she says. “We’ll figure it out in a minute.”
He nods. “Yes, ma’am.” And pulls away from the curb.
“I’ll make sure the payment is reversed,” I offer. “Your payment won’t clear tonight. I’ll square it first thing Monday.”
“Thanks.” She tucks her hair behind her ear.
Silence settles in as notes of tangerine and rose fill my senses.
Finally, I nudge the backpack at my feet with my shoe. “Feels a little lighter than a kitchen sink this time.”
“I guess,” she says with a small smile. “You probably need some clothes.”
“I’m good.” I don’t want a single excuse to leave her side right now.
Awkward silence settles between us.
I break it with, “Want a drink?” I nod toward the compartment and open it.
Water. Mini bottles of liquor. Nuts. And enough sugar to keep my kids feral until sunrise.
She grins and reaches for a tequila. I grab a scotch. “Cheers.”
Three Hours Later
“What?” I shout, leaning close as the music detonates around us.
