“Seriously?” I shook my head. “We’re going to have a talk about your little performance.”
“Whatever you say, Mom.” With one last push, I was shoved out of my apartment. The door slammed shut not even a second later.
Tristan chuckled. “I don’t think she likes me.”
“I’m sorry,” I groaned. “Even though her assessment wasn’t completely wrong, she shouldn’t have said it to your face.”
His big hand went to his chest, long fingers splayed over his pec. “Ouch. Kitty Kat’s got claws tonight.”
My gaze dropped to those fingers. They’d been wrapped around my arms minutes ago, yet the burn of his touch lingered in my bones. For a fraction of a second, my mind slipped to a place where his hands were on other parts of my body.
More intimate parts.
What would it feel like? Would he be gentle or would he take control and…
Oh hell no.
Stopping the thought before it could fully form, I lifted my chin and headed for the elevator.
He wordlessly followed. It was only once the doors slid shut that he moved closer.
So damn close our arms touched.
“You look stunning.”
The way the gravel of his voice skittered over my skin was downright sinful. But I’d be damned if I let him know that.
“Thank you.” I was proud that my tone was flat and even. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
That was an understatement. I was used to seeing him in suits and ties. He’d always worn them well. But Tristan in a navy-blue three piece was something else.
He shifted from one foot to the other, causing his arm to brush over mine. Goosebumps erupted...everywhere.
“I’d wanted to tell you.” His voice was lower than before. “But I didn’t want to interrupt Millie while she spoke.”
My poor heart did the thing again, and those pesky butterflies fluttered to life.
At this rate, I’d be lucky to survive the night let alone this fake relationship.
Chapter eleven
Tristan
Something changed.
I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, I only knew things were…different. It’d started when Kate had sauntered into the foyer earlier.Holy shit.Talk about a breath-stealing moment.
I’d wanted to cross the room, gaze into her eyes, and tell her how utterly magnificent she looked. Probably would’ve done it if it weren’t for Millie. Growing up, my parents didn’t believe anything important could come out of a kid’s mouth. As a result, whenever I had something to say, they shut me down.
They’d dismissed me so thoroughly, I still reeled from the sting of it.
I didn’t want to cause anyone else that kind of hurt. That was why when Millie spoke, I listened.
“Do you really think we can do this?” Kate’s nervous voice drew me back to the present.
We stood in front of the restaurant. She’d needed a minute before we went inside. Now I knew why. I couldn’t fault her for being apprehensive when I had the very same concerns. But I could attempt to put her somewhat at ease.
With a wink, I curved my mouth into a wide grin and motioned for her to walk ahead. “Don’t worry, Kitty Kat. We’ve got this.”
