“Whatever you say, little brother.” He claps me on the shoulder as he heads for the door, then pauses. “Just…don’t fuck it up.”
He’s gone back inside before I can respond, leaving me alone with confusing thoughts whirling around. I’m stillpissed at him for bringing everyone here. I still wish he’d have found out about CalTech in another way, I almost feel guilty. Which is so fucked considering all the shit he’s given me over the years.
“Ready?”
Tara approaches me, looking so fucking beautiful it takes my breath away. She’s just finished saying goodbye to Drake, and I can’t resist pulling her close as she reaches me, my lips brushing her ear.
I’m pretty tipsy, she looks great and I just want to forget this dinner ever happened. What’s the harm in me flirting with my fake girlfriend a little? I reason with myself.
“You lookso goodtonight,” I murmur, enjoying the way she immediately tenses. “I’ve been wondering how you might taste all night.” I let my voice drop lower.
I watch with satisfaction as her eyes go wide, that pretty blush I love spreading across her cheeks. She opens her mouth, probably to tell me off, but I stay close, enjoying how her breath catches.
“Alfie.” She starts, but I cut her off by letting my thumb trace her bottom lip. I know I’m towing the edge, crossing some invisible line, but right now I don’t fucking care.
“Yes?”
“Oh, don’t let me interrupt.” Gran’s amused voice startles Tara, making her jump away from me as if she has been burned. “Though I’d suggest getting a room first. That’s what we used to do”
I straighten but don’t step back, enjoying how Tara’s still flustered. Gran’s eyes dance with knowing as she looks between us.
“I was just saying goodnight to Tara.”
“Mm-hmm.” Gran’s knowing look says she isn’t fooled.
“Oh! Look at that, our Uber is here. Bye, Irine, it was a pleasure to meet you.” Tara smiles wide, still slightly embarrassed.
“You too, dear.”
I laugh and realize for the first time in years, I actually sort of enjoyed a family dinner. Well, didn’t hate every single second. I know exactly why.
With a wave to Gran, I open Tara’s door for her.
“I can open my own door.” She looks up through her lashes, challenge in her eyes.
“I know, Tink.”
She slides in, and I catch the faint scent of her perfume—something light and floral that makes me want to lean in closer but I stop myself, keeping my feet rooted. I close her door carefully, using the moment to compose myself.
Watching her handle my family tonight was... enlightening. I’ve seen society girls crumble under my mother’s careful scrutiny, watched Lisa reduce dates to tears with her perfectly aimed questions. But Tara? She deflected every thrust, handled every subtle dig with a grace I’m still trying to understand.
Our driver is thankfully silent. I am not in the mood to talk with anybody else tonight. Well, anybody but the woman sitting next to me.
The engine’s purr fills the silence.
From the corner of my eye, I catch Tara’s leg bouncing up and down.
“You okay?”
Her head snaps toward me. “Yeah, why?”
I exhale slowly. “I need to thank you. For tonight. I hadno idea they would all show up. We can end this tomorrow. I’ll tell them we broke up if you want. I wouldn’t blame you for it, I mean––”
“Are they always like that?” she interrupts.
“Like what?” I ask, though I know exactly what she means.
“Like... vultures.” She claps a hand over her mouth, eyes wide.
