Is this what it’s like to have a guy actually like you?Not just want to hook up with you after sneaking you into his house sono one knows you’re together—but actuallylikeyou and want to show you off.
“See? Aren’t you glad you didn’t eat any cheese?” Mom hisses to me. “Stand up straight.”
Yeah, I am glad. I can’t help but think I look hot. For the first time in my life, I’m excited to go to a party instead of bribing myself with promises of late-night hamburgers to survive.
Graham steps up to me. His hand drops to my waist.
“Good evening, Dani.”
It would be customary for him to kiss me. A boyfriend would kiss his girlfriend. Expensive presents notwithstanding, we’re not like that, right?
He rests his forehead against mine.
“I knew you’d look good in that dress.” He almost purrs it. I feel the deep voice through my teeth.
I want him to kiss me, though. Want to be his girlfriend for real. Want this to be real.
“Graaaham!” Mom greets him with an air kiss. “Of course you’re going to look handsome in a tux. I hope your family is still able to make it.”
“Yes, they’re looking forward to it.”
“I tried to convince them not to come,” Graham whispers to me as he helps me with my fur coat.
“Same. Is the offer of the kidnapping, deluxe edition, still on the table?” I hiss out of the side of my mouth as he escorts me—his hand wrapped around my waist—to the limo.
“I can put you on a payment plan.” He turns to my parents. “Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood, do you mind if I kidnap your daughter?”
Piper’s eyes bug out, and my dad seems slightly apprehensive, then he relaxes.
“Kidnap her?Oh, ha ha! Good one, Graham.” He elbows him, chuckling. “Good one.”
The doorman opens the door, and there are two Rolls-Royce limos waiting outside of the building. Graham starts to lead me to the farthest one.
“You want to be in a car with her alone? No—she needs a chaperone,” Mom says automatically.
“Goddamn it, Linda.” Gran throws down her purse.
“I don’t want her having relations in the car with that man. We’re about to go to the Belmonts’—”
“Hi, Colette!” Mom waves as the doorman opens the door for Colette and my brother. “We’re just trying to figure out seating arrangements for the limos.”
“Obviously we’re riding with Graham.” Colette sweeps over to Graham and wraps her arm around his neck and gives him a big, noisy kiss. “So good to see you again.”
“But I thought…” Piper trails off.
“Oh, Piper, did you and your date already claim the limo with Graham?” Colette says sweetly.
“That’s actually my grandmother’s date,” Piper seethes.
“Oh, all single, Piper? That’s so sad. Well, we have some single guys at the couples shower coming, so maybe you’ll get lucky like me and Dani.” She links her arm with mine, like we’re best friends. “Couples who’ve found love ride together.”
“I think we could fit Piper in.” Graham frowns.
“It’s fine. I’ll ride with Aunt Linda and Uncle Hank.” Piper glowers at Colette.
“Sorry,” I mouth to her.
I know I should stand up for my cousin, but my brother is already sliding into the limo. Colette climbs in after him.
