“Couples kiss, Ryan. And they touch.”
“Yes,” I agree, not really sure what I’m saying. What I’m offering.
“Couples who’ve been separated by land and seas. Well, they just can’t get enough. Do you think you can handle that?”
“Handle you?” Surely, I’d meant my retort to be full of derision, not want. Because despite his terrible Spanish accent, my fingers itch with his suggestion. Neurons fire, and my skin seems to tingle, every fiber of my being demanding more. More kissing, more touching ... more everything.
But then I remember what Matt does for a living. It’s like a drenching of cold water that extinguishes all that. “You’re good at this. At pretending.”
“Because I should be so lucky, right?”
“I should think you get lucky a lot.” Even without the job.
“A compliment?”
“I do have eyes.”
“Very pretty ones. But the thing is, I don’t feel like taking directions tonight.”
“You mean the accent?” I ask, slightly confused, slightly worried, and still feeling like I’m missing something.
“I can play the strong, silent type.”
“Then I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know. And that’s what makes this fun. For me, at least.”
“Right. Fine.” See also: whatever. “You can let go now.”
“I don’t think I will. Got to keep up those appearances.”
“I told you. No one’s watching us. Not when there’s a bride and groom to moon over.” I turn my head toward the room, my gaze connecting immediately with Heidi’s. The accounts administrator looks thrilled, the two thumbs she holds up a pretty good indicator.
“Their moment’s over.” Matt’s voice brings my attention back. “You’re the big-ticket item now. The topic of next week’s gossip. And who would prefer to watch some insipid bride over you?”
“She’s beautiful.”
“I bet she doesn’t have a thing on you.”
I make a noise. Disagreement. Annabelle has money. Privilege. A family who adores her.And my ex, poor bitch.
“You’re a rare kind of beauty, Ryan. Your spirit is as captivating as your face.”
“I don’t need your flattery,” I say, fighting the instinct to lean into that concept. That seduction. I can’t remember the last time anyone said something so lovely to me.
Nice tits.
Your ass is the bomb.
You’d be prettier if you smiled a little more.
“But I do appreciate your diligence.” I lift my hand to his chest, my fingers trailing upward. I touch the edge of his bow tie as though to straighten it, then ghost my thumb over his lips. A subtle thrill runs through me as his mouth parts and his eyes darken. “But I think I can handle a Latin lover for the night.”
“Be careful what you promise, pretty girl.”
But promises are only words.As well I know.“Let’s get this over with.”
Matt inclines his head, then straightens. Somehow, he ends up with his arm still around me. I’m not going to complain as we step into the room, him all poise and confidence and me on slightly shaky legs.
