I shoved my hands in my pockets and ambled toward her. “I’ve been an asshole to you, too, so I guess I deserve it.”
“You are, but that’s not an excuse for me to be rude. I mean, you do get on my nerves,a lot, still…”
I chuckled, pressing the elevator button. “You suck at apologies, you know that?”
She dragged in a breath through her teeth. “I do.”
That made me laugh. She didn’t, though. Not even a hint of a smile. I wondered what miracle could stretch those lips. I wondered if I’d live to see it.
“Can I ask you something?” I ushered her into the elevator, my hand on the small of her back.
Her whole body tensed as she flinched under my touch. Quickly, she stepped inside, pretending to have gained her composure back. “You may, but please refrain from touching me.”
I scratched my head as I entered. “Scusi?”
“If you’re under the impression that we’re going to…touch each other at any given time, I suggest you—”
I took her hand in mine, removing the red and golden mask I’d just become aware she was holding, sucking a gasp out of her lips. “Relax.” She tried to yank her hand out of my grip, but, gently, I massaged her fingers, refusing to let go. “I’m definitely hoping you’ll let me give you the whole Fab experience tonight. After all this is the challenge I’m trying to win, and I’ll play all my cards to do just that. I don’t expect it to be easy, though, or it wouldn’t be a challenge at all.”
“But—”
“Uh-uh. I’m not done.” I put my other hand on top of hers, caging it between mine. “If, by the end of the night, you still don’t want it, I’ll respect your wish and admit defeat. Ummm, maybe I’ll ask for one more shot, but that’s as far as I’m gonna push. However, Lady Brighton, if you want to convince the bunch of snobs you’re trying to impress tonight that we are dating, I’m afraid,” I lifted her hand to my mouth, “you’re gonna have to get used to my touch.” I kissed her fingertips one by one.
Gulping audibly, she trembled, harder with every kiss, as if no man before me had ever touched her. “Yo-u…you said you wanted to ask me something.”
I smirked as she tried to withdraw her hand again, but before she could or I opened my mouth, the elevator doors opened, and a man in a tux was standing there.
The asshole from this morning.
“Fletcher! What are you doing here?”
He looked at her hand in mine with my lips on it, which she was yanking out for the umpteenth time. I removed my mouth off it but held on to it tighter and interlaced my fingers with hers. Then I straightened my posture and smirked at him.
He seemed to be boiling, concealing it behind a stern, condescending face. Then the fucker stared at her tits. “I thought you might need a ride to the ceremony since you don’t drive.”
Why didn’t she drive?
“How thoughtful,” she gritted as she practically dragged me out of the elevator. “But I’ve already called for a ride. Excuse me.”
He arched a brow, looking at me, as if asking why she needed to call a ride when I was here, blocking the door while holding it before it shut. Stronzo.
I need to salvage this.“You naughty girl. We don’t need a ride, babe. I’m driving.” I feigned a laugh. “She loves to do these things to tease me.”
“I…I just thought maybe you didn’t want to drive tonight.” She didn’t need any encouragement to join the quick improv and didn’t stab my foot with her heel for calling her babe and naughty girl. She must hate this guy’s guts so much to go with it.
“Of course I do. I’ll drive you anywhere any time.” I kissed the back of her hand. Then I winked at him. “You’re welcome to sit in the back if you like. I’m Fabio, by the way, Zappa.” I stuck my hand out.
He looked me up and down like the patronizing smug asshole he was. I kept my cool, grinning, when all I wanted was to push him out of the way and rearrange that full of itself face. Finally, he graced me with a handshake too firm as he moved for us to get out. “Michael Fletcher.”
“Piacere.” I switched my smile in her direction, leading her to the building exit. “Let’s go, babe. We don’t wanna be late.” Then I threw him a glance over my shoulder. “Are you riding with us? Could save you some gas money.”
His eyes tightened, wrinkles showing around the corners. “Thanks. Maybe next time.”
“Your loss. See you there.”
CHAPTER 9
Gabrielle
