I barely have time to react before another arm wraps around my waist and pulls me back, out of Marcus’s reach.
“There you are,” Lucas says, his voice low and calm. Too calm. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
His arm wraps lightly around my back, anchoring me to his side. One hand rests just above my hip, and his thumb absently strokes my waistline, right over my bare stomach. His body is close—too close—and I can feel his heat all around me. I can smell his cologne,something clean and warm, with a trace of cedar and leather.
It’s disorienting how fast my body forgets how much I claim to dislike him.
I pretend not to notice how his forearms flex with every movement. His fingers are splayed, firm but gentle. When I glance up, he’s looking right at me. Thankfully, his expression is not smug, and he’s not smirking. Just checking, concerned. His eyes ask the question he doesn’t speak.
Is this ok?
I give the smallest nod.
Lucas exhales softly. That’s how I know he was holding his breath.
Marcus’s expression shutters. “I didn’t know you two were together?”
“It’s new,” Lucas says, his gaze still locked on mine.
“We’ve been keeping it quiet,” I add smoothly, turning slightly into Lucas’s body and resting a casual hand on his chest, right over where I can feel his heart beating a little too fast. “You know how complicated things can get when work and personal lines blur.”
I tear my eyes away from Lucas.
“But Marcus,” I say, bright and breezy, “you were telling me about that yoga instructor? Her pitch sounded amazing.”
To his credit, Marcus blinks, adjusts, and slides right back into the story. Narcissists never stay bruised for long.
Lucas stays close the entire time. His arm doesn’t budge, but his thumb makes lazy, rhythmic strokes against my side. It’s more than a fake boyfriend move. It’s more than a performance. And it’s working.
But when Marcus leans in to kiss my cheek goodbye, Lucas’s hand tightens so fast it borders on possessive. His fingers dig in just enough to make me feel the moment. And my traitorous body? It hums.
Once Marcus wanders off, Lucas guides me out of the bar, his hand still warm at the base of my spine.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I murmur.
“I know.”
“You were watching me.”
“I was.”
The honesty makes my stomach flip.
“It’s frightening how good your acting is,” Lucas says as we step out of the crowd and into one of the quieter hotel corridors.
“Thank you,” I reply, coolly professional again. “Now, what’s the latest on Levi?”
“No change.”
“Then why are we leaving?”
“I need a favor. Hoping I can cash in since I just saved your ass.”
I stop so abruptly that he nearly collides with me, his hand still resting on my lower back.
I turn slowly. “Excuse me?” My voice is sharp enough to cut glass.
He holds up a hand in mock surrender. “Relax. I’m not saying you couldn’t handle it. But I could see you fidgeting from across the room, Jess. I gave you an out.”
