Harrison steps back. Finally. ‘See you around,’ he mutters, before slinking off.
My slow, controlled exhale is one of relief. ‘Can we go yet?’
‘Ten minutes. Let me find Mel and say hi, then we’ll go for dinner.’ Victoria brushes past me, her breasts grazing lingeringly against my arm. From her mischievous expression, it’s no accident. I’ve a good mind to take her to the bathroom, but that would only delay our departure.
I catch her wrist, thumb gently stroking over it. ‘I distinctly remember you promising to always finish what you start.’
She rises onto her tiptoes to lean into my ear, her hot breath teasing my earlobe. ‘Oh, I will. Think of it as delayed gratification.’
Harrison’s death stare stabs at me from across the room. Enlightenment dawns in his widening eyes. Fuck him. I trust his apology as far as I can throw him. And he looks like one heavy fucker.
I tail Victoria as she searches for Mel, forcing my eyes to stop straying to her perfect ass and keep watch on the crowd. Is it them I don’t trust? Or myself to do my job? Either way, the quicker we escape, the better.
The second we’re back in the SUV, Victoria’s hungry mouth ravages mine. Fingers scour over my trousers, gripping my thigh.
‘Careful, Vic, or you’re about to get banged in the SUV.’
‘Promises, promises.’ A giggle pierces the air between us. ‘I’ve never had car sex before.’
‘We’ll have to rectify that. Not here though.’ I fire up the engine and switch on Victoria’s seat warmer.
‘Head towards East Fountainbridge. It’ll be easier to park there. We can walk up.’
‘The Witchery again?’ I guess.
‘Yes. It’s only fair. The food was fabulous, although I can’t say the same about the company the last time. Tonight, I’m going to have the best of both.’
‘I hope you don’t feel like you had to do this.’ The idea that Victoria feels like she owes me or has to make up for something isn’t one that I relish. She might have booked it, but no way is she paying.
‘I want to go to The Witchery with my boyfriend. It should have beenourfirst date that night. I’m so sorry I put you through that.’
‘Don’t be. If you hadn’t pushed me to boiling point, I’d still be tiptoeing around your bedroom, sniffing your knickers while you slept.’ It’s an effort to keep a straight face as her jaw drops to her lap.
A laugh splutters from her chest as the back of her hand smacks my arm. ‘Dirtbag.’
‘I’myourdirtbag, baby.’
‘Yep, just not quite a teenage one.’ The same hand falls to my thigh and squeezes.
‘Does my age bother you?’ I might never get a better opportunity to ask, and the thought has crossed my mind a couple of times.
‘With age comes experience, something which you have in spades.’ Her voice takes on a husky tone, weighted with wanting.
Looks like the ten-year gap might not be a flaw after all.
At the Witchery,we’re seated in the same corner as Victoria and Harrison when he brought her here and served by the same waiting staff. If they recognise her, they conceal it well.
I’m not usually into fancy tiny portions decorated with edible flowers but even I can’t deny the food is fabulous. Vic orders the salt-crusted halibut and I opt for a fillet, even chancing a small glass of red wine at Victoria’s insistence. What really makes it though, is the company.
‘Cheers.’ Vic raises her glass and clinks it against mine.
‘Cheers.’
‘Less than a month until graduation. Then, we’ll be able to go wherever we like in public together.’ She beams across the table at me.
‘We kind of do anyway, but I know what you mean.’ I’m still not relishing the idea of telling Ryan, but I swat the thought away for now.
The waitress clears away our plates and offers us the dessert menu. Our heads shake simultaneously. Money can’t buy what I’m about to devour for pudding.
