Turning his body sideways, he tilts his head, asking, “Do you attend a lot of these?”
“I’ve been dragged to quite a few by my parents. So, now, I only attend if…” A vibration shakes my thigh, startling me. I realize it’s my phone. “Sorry, excuse me.”
I look down to check.
A text from Nathan is sitting at the top of my notifications.
Mr. Gentleman: Didn’t I give you a task? He doesn’t work at my firm, in case you’re confusing him for a board member.
I stiffen at his tyrannical text. God forbid I have one decent conversation at this event. Locking my screen, I pay attention to Rithivik.
“Anyone important?”
“No,” I say loudly enough for Nathan to hear. “Just those annoying insurance policy texts.”
Another buzz hits my thigh.
“Seems they really want you to buy one.”
“They’re wasting their breath.”
Unlocking the phone, I read what Nathan’s sent.
Mr. Gentleman: Flirt on your own time.
Flirt? Is he blind? Where was I flirting?
He’s the one with his hands on the cat in heat draped over him.
Mr. Gentleman: This isn’t a club for you to pick up men.
The fucking audacity of him.
Fuck him!
I’ll show him how I flirt.
Silencing my phone, I shove it into my purse and set it on the table, so he can see he’s being ignored. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I place my hand near Rithvik’s and bat my eyelashes at him. “So, where were we?”
“You were giving me tips on how to make friends at these parties.” He smirks boyishly. “Since I’m such a novice and all.”
I inch my fingers closer, grazing his purposely. “You’re off to a good start. Stay honest and sweet like this, and you’ll make good friends.”
“So, no showing off my wealth?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Should I consider us friends, then?”
“Maybe.”
“Because I do have another invite and would lov-Shit!”
Both of us screech and push our chairs back when a red liquid splashes onto his lap. A few droplets spilling on my dress. I follow the trail for the source, watching it stop near the overturned glass that’s right in front of Nathan.
My wide gaze flies to his face, his eyes burning in mean satisfaction.
He did this!
