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Immediately, Jayson withdraws his hands. His casual posture reveals no trace of tension, and I wonder if he’s as frustrated as I am. If so, nobody would ever know, I think sourly.
I decide to sit up, and take off my hat to run my fingers through my tangled hair. From the corner of my eye, I observe Jayson, waiting for a reaction when I arch my back to better display my cleavage. His gaze doesn’t even flicker in my direction as he speaks with Sophie.
“Loukas invited me into town with some of the others, so I thought I’d do that?” Sophie words it confidently, but I can tell she’s still subtly seeking Jayson’s approval.
Jayson grins. “Are you sure you want to miss a stuffy party with us old people in favor of getting together with your friends?”
She rolls her eyes. “It sounds so fun, Theo Jayson, but I think I’ll force myself to go out with Loukas and his friends instead of attending your party.”
I frown. “What party?”
“Caesar Kakos has invited us to a dinner party this evening.”
Smothering a groan, I know there’s no good reason why we shouldn’t go. We’ve got no other plans, and if Sophie’s going to be gone, I better not be alone in the house with Jayson. As much as I don’t want to hang around with his friends — the sharks — it pales in comparison to resisting Jayson’s urges.
And my own.
* * *
Despite giving the opposite impression, the draping of the dress I put on for the party conceals more than it shows. It looks almost as if it might fall off if I turn the wrong way. The sheath curves around, baring to low-back, and falls to the middle of my calves in a whisper of silk. The blue-gray shade reminds me of the Hudson on a stormy day, making me feel a little homesick.
To avoid another half-dressed encounter with Jayson, I brought the clothes into the nursery. My legs have a nice tan from the time spent on the beach, so I skip pantyhose in favor of some oily moisturizer that gives them a subtle sheen. I slip on silver heels, and sort through the small jewelry box I brought on the trip, look
ing for a pair of earrings Jayson gave me on our first anniversary. I know Sophie was behind this present and she felt terrible when I let that slip, but they’re still my favorite pair, nonetheless. A light, translucent silver wrap and my evening bag and I’m ready to go.
No more excuses.
With a sigh, I leave the nursery, not surprised to find Jayson waiting for me in the bedroom. The dark linen evening suit caresses his body the way my fingers itch to, and I try to occupy them by clenching my hand around the purse I’m carrying.
Sure, I can’t deny his attractiveness.
Nobody can.
And I’ll never be able to get over that, despite successfully eliminating any other inappropriate feelings I might have for my husband.
Jayson
I arch a brow as I let my eye roam over her from head to toe. “Beautiful.”
She manages a small smile. “I’m ready if you are.”
I nod, but don’t move for another long second. “Our anniversary.”
Her eyes widen. “That was months ago.”
Shaking my head I go to her, taking her arm in what might have been a polite gesture, if I hadn’t pulled her so close against me. “I’m talking about the earrings. I gave them to you on our first anniversary.”
Harper blinks. “You remember that?”
I grin. “Of course. I also remember how embarrassed I was when Sophie accidentally told you she’d chosen the earrings.” Shrugging, I add, “But she has good taste. They look perfect on you.”
We leave the room, heading down the stairs to the car waiting outside. “It was no big deal. I’d already figured out the gift was her idea.”
Waiting for her to slide into the limousine before joining her, I wonder aloud,“Why?”
Her voice comes back in a careless, offhanded way. “Why would we celebrate milestones in a fake marriage?”
I grimace but don’t reply as the car drives away from the villa. The silence might have been welcome, but right now, it feels awkward and uncomfortable. Often we’ve sat in companionable silence, each of us usually involved in our own activities, but nothing feels easygoing about this quiet. As much as she might have wanted to avoid the evening’s party, she breathes a sigh of what seems like relief to arrive at the Kakos villa a few moments later.
