“I didn’t say you were beautiful tonight. I simply said, ‘You’re beautiful.’” I watch as the corner of her lip starts to pull up. I lean in farther, testing my luck. “I promise if you smile, I won’t tell a soul.” The corners of her eyes soften a fraction.
“Why are you here? Did you follow me?”
“This is the most popular club in the city,” I point out. “And I’ll always follow you, Naomi. Soon it will be my right to do so.” I don’t want to lie, so I choose my words wisely. I’m sure she doesn’t miss that either.
Naomi sits down next to Mac, who is watching us. She downs most of her drink, holding it out for me to pour another.
“So.” Mac leans back. “This isn’t awkward.”
“It isn’t.” Both Naomi and I say it at the same time. Mine isn’t a lie. Naomi’s is; her response is too quick for a woman who thinks before she speaks.
“I merely want to spend time with you.”
“Why?” She tilts her head toward me. “Our marriage will be transactional.”
“Marriage in your family is forever, I’m told.”
“That doesn’t mean it still can’t be transactional.” Her bright blue eyes search my face. They are such a contrast to her dark hair and creamy skin, making them boldly stand out. It’s fitting for her. “I can’t love you.”
“You can.”
Her nose scrunches, the alcohol relaxing her. When her hand lifts, she surprises me by bringing it to my cheek and stroking gently with her thumb. I saw War do it to Tova this morning in his office.
Then her grip tightens around my jaw, and she leans in close. “Don’t be winking at other people.” It’s one of the hardest things I have ever done to not laugh or smile. She’s jealous in her own way.
“Never.”
“You didn’t have any facial hair this morning.” She still hasn’t dropped her hand, but her hold has loosened.
“I shave in the mornings.” It’s gruff by this time of night. If I’d known I’d be going out, I would have cleaned it up.
“I like it. So it will be there tomorrow night at dinner?”
“Your father hasn’t confirmed that it’s happening.”
“That wasn’t the question.”
“My apologies, Sunshine. Yes, if it pleases you, I’d be more than happy to let it grow.”
“You’re very agreeable.” I’m not sure she’s aware, but her thumb is still stroking my skin, and she’s leaning closer and closer to me.
“Yes, I can be very agreeable when I’m getting what I want. Asking me not to shave is nothing.” This time I lean in more, and she doesn’t pull back. She lightly tenses as one of my hands comes down to her knee, and I stroke her the same as she does me. “Do you shave?” Naomi sucks in a breath.
Her hair is close enough now for me to be able to smell her shampoo; it’s clean and fresh. Then I catch the hint of peaches, and I know that’s all her.
“Is this flirting?”
“I suppose. You smell sweet. Like peaches.” That wisp of a smile starts to form on her lips again but not fully.
“Do you really think I’m beautiful, or are you trying to win my favor?”
“Both.”
“I like this.” She nods firmly. “Yes, I think I enjoy your attention.” My hand slides farther up her thigh. “You’re petting me.” Does she not realize she’s doing the same?
“Stroking you. You’re as soft as I thought you’d be.”
A small, low laugh leaves her. “No one has ever called me soft.”
