“Don’t be. You look amazing, and you’ll have a wicked time. I like Ari and Abi, they’re good to you.”
I nod, because he’s not wrong. For some reason, I tend to find myself in not the best company, but the girls have proven to be good friends. I’m starting to trust my intuition when it comes to others, although it isn’t always easy. Especially not when you still feel like you need to fit into ‘social norms’. Something that has never come naturally to me.
“Thank you. I’ll see you later.”
Ric nods. “Stay safe,”he says, walking me out to the lift and pressing the button.
“You know, you’ll make someone really happy someday,” I say. My brother isforever the gentleman.
He shrugs it off like he always does. He’s always been reserved on the relationship front, and even though he’s opened up to me on occasion, there are still some things he keeps close to his chest. But when he’s ready, I’ll be there for him just like he’s always been there for me.
The lift door opens, and I’m grateful to find it empty. The thought of bumping into Tobias makes my stomach twist with anxiety, and yet I know I’ll have to face him eventually.
“Enjoy yourself,”Ric says as the doors begin to close.
I smile as he disappears from view and glance at my reflection in the mirror, checking myself over one last time.
The doors open on the ground floor to reveal the lavish foyer.
I pull at the main door, hit by an intense early evening summer heat, but it’s not the heat that has me stopping in my tracks. Tobias stands there in a work suit as he talks to Harrison and Hunter.
“Bow,”Ari says as a window in the back of the limo lowers. Her’s and Abi’s masked-clad faces appear, and they both wave me over.
“Get in here. It’s hotter than a witch’s tit out there,”Abi says, the window already rising.
I can’t help but laugh and step out onto the pavement. Out of my peripheral, I notice Tobias watching my descent as I move towards the limo door where Harrison, or maybe that’s Hunter, is standing. He pulls it open with a nod, and I’m met with a cool wave of air conditioning.
“Thank you,Hunter?”I say, but it sounds more like a question.
The corner of his lips rise. “I’m impressed. You are indeed correct. Good to see you, Bow,”he says, sounding genuine.
“Harrison, Tobias,”I say, acknowledging them but unable to hold Tobias’s gaze. I make to get into the car as demurely as possible, but he reaches out and cups my elbow.
“Bow,” he says.
Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I look over my shoulder and stare back at him. Why does he have to look so damn good?
His lips part, and my heart races. I wait for him to speak, praying he doesn’t bring up the other night. Not right here, right now.
“You look stunning,”he says, his mouth forming one of those rare smiles that has my knees going weak.
“Thank you.”My voice wobbles. I glance inside the car to Ari, who has a shit-eating grin on her face as I begin to climb inside. Tobias’s hand moves down my arm, and my entire body breaks out in goosebumps as his palm slides against mine, and then he guides me into the car. He squeezes it once before letting go.
“See you later,”he says, stepping back.
“Bye,”I reply, the word barely above a whisper as the door closes, followed by muffled voices.
I let out an exasperated breath.
“Care to share?”Abi says, sitting opposite me and holding out a flute of champagne.
I take it gratefully and knock it back in one drink, the crisp bubbles tickling my nose.
“Spill,”Ari says as she pours me another glass of bubbly.
I groan because there is no way I’m leaving this limo without spilling the details of my orgasm filled weekend.
Chapter 17
