Page 60

He doesn’t answer. Just watches me like he’s trying to figure out what I’ll do next. Whether I’ll push harder. Storm off. Or – probably worse – stay.

I flash him a smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be on my best behavior. I’ll make sure he has the best day ever. That’s a promise.”

Then I put my coffee cup down and storm out of the kitchen, feeling his stare burning a hole in my back.

Or at least, Itryto storm out.

Because before I reach the door, his hand wraps around my wrist, firm and unyielding. It stops me in my tracks. Stops my breath, too.

“Have a good day,” he says, voice low, rough. “I look forward to hearing all about it in our bed tonight.”

Is he being serious? I tilt my head, meeting his gaze. “Ooh, are you planning on letting me sleep in your bed this time?”

His jaw tightens. “Of course.”

“Is that wise?” I purr, reaching up to straighten his tie. I let my fingers linger a moment too long. “Because if you thought last night was hard… you’ll be begging me to leave by midnight.” I lean in, just enough to let him feel the warmth of my breath on his jaw. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

Then I smile sweetly and release his tie. “Have a good day, West.” I roll onto my tiptoes to kiss the side of his mouth. “I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

He shakes his head, pulling on his jacket, shooting me a strange look as he walks out of the front door, pulling it oh-so-gently closed behind him.

I wait for him to leave before I turn toward the hallway. There are some keys sitting on the console table by the door. They’re different from his usual ones. That’s when I realize they must be the keys to his ridiculous car in his garage.

I mean who needs two cars on an island you can drive across in about ten minutes? And of course he hasn’t offered it to me. Hasn’t even thought about how I’m supposed to get to the hotel to pick up Bennett. Because why would he? West Abbott’s world revolves around West Abbott.

Well, fine. I’ll just help myself.

I pick up the keyfob that has what looks like angel wings embossed on it. Jackpot. I slide it into my pocket, alreadypicturing his face when he finds out I’m behind the wheel of his precious car.

It’s going to be glorious.

I swing West’s Aston Martin into the hotel’s front drive like I haven’t spent the trip here panicking while trying to figure out how to use the stick shift, or kangarooing my way down the country lanes.

I don’t drive a lot. I’d rather take public transport, but Simon, Liberty’s one, elusive, cab driver aside, it’s either drive this baby or walk.

Heads turn as I come to a screeching halt in front of the Grand Liberty Hotel, then take at least five minutes to figure out how to turn the stupid engine off.

By the time I step out, I’m a little overheated, but I still can’t help but smile at the little rush I’ve gotten from actually getting here without an accident. And the big rush from stealing West’s car.

And to be fair, it’s pretty cool the way everybody’s staring at me as I attempt to lock the car. The sun catches the gleaming hood, my hair’s doing that windblown thing, and for one ridiculous second I feel like a movie star pulling up for a premiere. Bennett steps out of the lobby, takes one look at the car, and his jaw drops so far I’m tempted to check if it hits the ground.

“Holy crap,” he breathes, his eyes going cartoon-wide. “Is that yours?”

“Yep. West gave it to me.” I grin at him, walking around to open the door for him. It’s only a partial lie. We’re married after all. Technically half of all he has is mine. Or something.

Whatever. It’s not like I’m going to hold him to anything at our divorce.

“Cream leather seats. Wow.” He slides in and runs his fingers over the matching dash like it’s made of gold. “Do you know what engine this has?”

“Uh… a big one?” I hazard.

He doesn’t laugh at me, which is kind of sweet. “Of course. How many horsepower?”

“Um…” I start the engine and the car growls, the wheel twitching under my hands like it’s ready to leap forward and eat someone. “I can’t remember. But a lot of them. A whole herd of horses.”

His voice is full of wonder. “I’ve never even sat in something this nice before.”

“Not even with your uncle?” I ease it out of the space and immediately lurch as the engine surges. He grabs the door handle like we just hit a patch of ice.