He watched her closely. “What is it?”
“Is this really going to work?” Uncertainty had her dark brows dipping together in the center as she lowered her foot to the floor. “I know I’m the one who fought to keep my plans with Gordan, but now . . .” A deep sigh had her bare shoulders falling. “I don’t know if I can do it.”
“Do what?”
“Sit across from him and act like everything’s normal.”
“Normal’s highly over-rated,” he attempted to lighten the mood.
Her lips curved in the tiniest of grins. “You know what I mean.”
“I do.” Coulter nodded. “I also know you’re going to be fine.”
“What if he asks me about you?”
“If he does, you stick to the story. We met here last night and shared a ride to his party.”
“That’s not all we shared.” A slight flush crept into her cheeks. “Gordan saw us kissing, remember?”
It was a moment he’d never forget.
“It was one kiss, Alex. And like I told him last night, we got caught up in the moment and let the atmosphere and champagne go to our heads.”
For Coulter, it had been a gametime decision meant to shield Alex from Crawford’s sights. He’d convincedhimself it was the perfect way to ensure she didn’t appear a viable prospect for his personal endeavors.
The plan backfired stupendously, however, because the man still invited her to dinner after the fact. As for Coulter?—
I’ll have to live the rest of my life knowing exactly how sweet she tastes.
He’d called Crawford earlier, while they’d been at the boutique. Had done his damnedest to get the other man to switch his plans. The rich bastard wouldn’t hear of it, insisting they meet up at his gallery tomorrow, instead.
Coulter had agreed, of course. What choice did he have?
I’m not waiting until tomorrow.
“We should go.” He stepped to the side. “Don’t want to keep your date waiting.”
Alex held his stare a moment longer before stepping past him and into the hall. Together they walked silently down the carpeted corridor toward the set of elevators.
He reached out, pushed the button, and took a step back. Seconds later, they heard the telltale ding, and the doors slowly began to open.
“It’s okay,” he told her when she didn’t immediately move. “You won’t see me, but I’ll be there the whole time.”
“It’s just dinner.” She nodded with a smile that looked suspiciously forced. “No big deal, right?”
Just dinner with a maniacal billionaire who sold innocent women and girls as sex slaves.
“Right.” Coulter sent her a supportive smile.
Alex stepped into the awaiting cart, giving him a clear view of her bare back. He worked past the sudden dryness in his throat, and he felt as though he was about to swallow his own damn tongue.
On a normal day, the woman was already the epitome of temptation and sin. But in that dress?
Lord, have mercy and give me strength.
They shared a final look before the doors slid closed.
The moment they did, Coulter started the short trek to the door at the end of the hall markedExit.By the time he reached the lobby, Alex was already outside. From a safe distance—and with the help of a tall, rectangular pillar—he remained out of sight as he watched her through the building’s glass doors.
