I hold my breath as I stare at his retreating form. I don’t need him to tell me I look incredible, but complimenting the person you’re on a date with is practically a requirement. Even if he doesn’t go on dates, he should know that. I push the thought out of my mind as I sigh heavily and make myself go after him.It’s going to be a long freaking night.
I’m not even sure how to handle this situation. The closest I’ve come is when I lost my virginity to a friend of mine. Things were a little awkward the next time we saw each other, until one of us cracked a joke and then it was back to normal. I don’t have much hope of this going that way. Not because I don’t think we can crack a joke, but because grumpy Finn probably wouldn’t laugh.
We’re quiet as we share the elevator with a couple and their two dogs. We’re still quiet as we walk through the lobby, and when we get outside, I’m surprised to find a very fancy black car and a driver waiting for us.
“Do you always have a driver take you to events?” I ask, getting in the back seat after thanking the driver for holding the door open for us.
“My car’s being washed.”
It’s all he says, which annoys me, though I refuse to let it show. I also refuse to be the only one sparking up a conversation, so I take my phone out and check my texts.
Mom: If you or Finn are uncomfortable arriving together, just let him get out of the car first and give him a few seconds to walk in. Just giving you an alternative.
My grip tightens around my phone. Maybe that’s why he’s acting this way. He can’t think I’m naive enough to believe last nightmeant anything to him, and I can’t imagine it’s about me leaving. It occurs to me that none of this is the norm for him. He’s not used to seeing women the day after he’s rocked their world or going out in public with anyone, and right now he’s doing both of those things. I take a breath to rid myself of the pressure in my chest that comes with the reminder that I’m the woman he’d normally leave in the rearview.
Me: Good idea. I’ll wait in the car while he walks inside.
Mom: I’ll have someone go out there and escort him inside, and someone else will come get you
I force myself to stop being a coward and put my phone away. Finn does the same with his, tucking it inside his jacket pocket.
“Lang is on his way,” he comments.
“He usually comes.”
“He’s a good agent.”
“Not my agent.” I raise my eyebrows and look at him. “College athlete, remember?”
He huffs out a laugh. “Those rules are so ridiculous. What do you call him, if not your agent?”
“My entertainment lawyer.”
He shakes his head, but I see a hint of amusement in his eyes, and that helps settle my discomfort. The car stops in front of the hotel, and when the driver gets out and opens the door, Finn turns slightly to look at me.
“You go ahead. I have to fix my dress,” I say.
His brows furrow slightly, but after a moment of searching my face, he steps out of the car. The driver shuts the door behind him, and I look out to see him button and adjust his jacket. He’s standing next to the driver when Milly, one of Mom’s employees, walks over and tells him something. Finn says something and points toward me with his thumb, but Milly shakes her head and grabs his arm.
I fix my dress as I watch him pull away from her. Whatever he says to Milly makes her shake her head in an exasperated wayand walk away. When she’s gone, Finn opens the door and slides back inside the car, shutting it behind him. The driver folds his arms and stands in front of it.
“What are you doing?”
“What areyoudoing?” he counters, eyes blazing, jaw clenched.
“I was fixing my dress.”
His eyes narrow. “Don’t play stupid, Josslyn.”
I stare at him for a moment. “Fine. I was giving you an out.”
“I don’t need an out,” he snaps. “Do you?”
“No,” I scoff. “You’re the one who doesn’t like your picture taken, and you’re being weird.”
“I’mbeing weird?” He chuckles darkly. “I’m not the one who told her mother to send someone to walk us in separately.”
I purse my lips. “I didn’t do that. My mother offered and I figured it was for the best.”
