Vincent swung his gaze back to me. “Did you have a—what do they call it on the legal shows? A dissenting opinion?”
I cocked an eyebrow. “Look at you, speaking the legalese. And yes, in fact, I do have a dissenting opinion. I don’t think your ego is in any danger of being crushed. You’re one of the cockiest men I’ve ever met.”
“Huh.” He rested one hand on his hip, pushing back the suit jacket and giving me a tantalizing view of the way his shirt skimmed over his muscled torso. “If I remember right, you told me I wasn’t cocky, I was sure about the quality of my work.”
A little fizzle of surprised delight began to dance inside me. Vincent remembered what I’d said that night, when we’d still been in the flirt and spar portion of the evening. It wouldn’t have shocked me if he’d recalled the way my boobs looked, or how I’d sucked him off in the shower, but that he’d quoted back to me something completely unrelated to sex made me happy.
“Maybe I’ve reconsidered my opinion,” I countered. “Maybe I uncovered more information and decided that the termcockywas more accurate.”
Jeff gave a little cough. “Just a reminder that there are a few other people sitting here, Amanda. Including your mother.”
Mom laughed. “Jeff, dear, don’t stop her. I’m fascinated by this conversation.”
“Yeah, babe. Shhhhh. If we’re real quiet, they might forget we’re in listening range and say something really good.” Giff leaned forward, his eyes sparkling.
Vincent chuckled. “While I’d love to entertain you all, I promised my mother I’d help with the cutting of the cake, and Ava’s ready to do that now.” He touched my shoulder, and the feel of his fingers burned through the thin silk of my dress. “Maybe we can talk in a little while? Once the cake is cut and served, I’m pretty much done for the night. I can actually relax and have some fun.”
I shook my head. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be here. I rode with my mother—we have a hotel room in Ocean City. So when she’s ready to go, I have to leave, too.”
“Don’t be silly, Amanda,” Mom interjected. “I’m sure you can get a ride with Giff and Jeff. They’re staying at the same place we are, and they’ll probably hang around here a little longer.”
“Of course, you can ride back with us, cookie.” Giff waggled his eyebrows at me. “Unless you get a better offer.”
“Exactly.” My mother nodded. “Listen to Giff, sweetie.”
“That sounds like a dangerous plan.” I glared at both my mom and my friend. They weren’t helping with my avoid-being-alone-with-Vincent-at-all-costs plan. Of course, they didn’t know about the plan, but still ... it felt as though they were both throwing me to the wolves.
“I’ll find you in a little bit.” Vincent’s fingers trailed lightly over the back of my neck. “We can have a glass of wine ... and catch up.”
The entire table was looking at me expectantly, waiting for my response. I was trapped, both by the eyes watching me and by my own wants. The sensible Amanda who’d arrived tonight determined not to let Vincent DiMartino get to her again was quickly losing ground to the reckless Amanda who only wanted to feel his hands and lips on her body again.
“Fine.” I exhaled. “If I’m still here when you’re done, that is. I don’t know. I might be tired and decide to go back to the hotel with Mom.”
He regarded me steadily. “I hope you don’t. I hope you’re here.” He leaned down and breathed one word meant for my ears only. “Please.”
That single syllable was my undoing. I ran my tongue over my lips, closed my eyes and nodded.
Mom left right after the cake was cut, claiming she was tired. When I made a half-hearted attempt to go with her, she shook her head.
“Stay, sweetheart. You don’t want to hurt Liam and Ava’s feelings by cutting out early. Enjoy yourself with Giff and Jeff ... and whoever else might come along.” She winked at me.
“Real subtle, Mom. I’ll see you at the hotel in a little bit.”
“Amanda, you know what a deep sleeper I am. If you come in late, it won’t bother me a bit. Just text me if you decide to crash somewhere else, so we can work out driving home tomorrow.”
I bit back a sigh. Having a mother who was so enlightened and easy-going was usually something I bragged about, but just now, I thought it might be a better idea if she held me to a stricter standard.
“Cheer up, cookie.” Giff slung an arm around my neck. “Mama didn’t abandon you among strangers. She wants you to stay and have fun, because this is a party. Put a smile on that pretty face and have another drink.”
“I’ll get you a scotch,” Jeff volunteered. “And then watch out, because you’re going to get on that dance floor with my baby and me. I know you’ve got moves, Amanda. Let’s show everyone else.”
I laughed and stood on my tiptoes to kiss Giff’s cheek as Jeff headed toward the bar. “You’ve got yourself a winner there, you know? I adore Jeff. Now that Ava and Liam are safely married and you’ve pulled off another amazing wedding, I think it’s time for you two to take the plunge, like we talked about last summer.”
Giff drew me against him to murmur into my ear. “Oh, it’s all in the works, cookie. Next week, I’m taking my man to dinner in the city. Lacroix.”
“Oooooh, fancy. And pricey.” I rubbed my finger and thumb together.
“Nothing’s too good for him. And have you seen the view from that place? It’s amazing. Our reservation is set for right around sunset, so while we’re having cocktails and admiring the beautiful sky, I’ll be dropping to one knee and asking him for forever.”
