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“There’s no such thing as ‘most naked,’ Gage,” I say irritably, earning a bigger grin for my effort. “You’re either naked or you’re not.”
“Well. You wereverynaked.” He kisses my cheek. Again. It’s like he can’t stop touching me, not that I’m protesting. “And right now? You look amazing.”
I feel my cheeks heat further, which is silly. Three simple words and my heart is hammering. He touches my elbow, my back, tucks my hair behind my ear, and I want him to touch me more. I think he sees it too. His knowing smile—whichI should find completely annoying—instead sends a shivery little thrill down my spine.
“You don’t think I should be wearing a dress?” Why am I acting like a simpering, self-conscious girlfriend? I need to stop.
His gaze roves over me, taking me all in, and my skin heats as if he’s physically touched me. “I think you look perfect,” he says when his eyes finally meet mine, dark and serious and so intense I can hardly look away.
Oh. My. What is happening between us? I don’t... don’t know what comes over me when I’m with him. He’s acting like he’s truly interested in me and I... just don’t think that’s possible. Sexually, we’re compatible. But two people can be in a sexual relationship that doesn’t go beyond that point, right? Not that I’ve ever experienced anything like that, but I know people do it all the time.
So why is he looking at me like that? Saying such deliciously wonderful things to me? What in the world are we doing? This is supposed to be temporary between us.
Yet it already feels all too real. It shouldn’t, though. Not at all.
Someone clears their throat, and I tear my gaze away from Gage to find Archer studying us, his expression full of amusement. Ivy’s studying us as well, her delicate brow furrowed in confusion.
I can’t blame her. I’m confused too.
“So Marina, I hear you’ve been spending time with Gage,” Archer says, one brow lifting.
I want to squirm in my seat. Are Gage and I that obvious? Of course we are. We’re hanging all over each other like we’re together. He can’t keep his hands off me. We just hadsex in his car on the side of the road, for the love of God. The pheromones or whatever between us are probably off the charts.
And if they’re best friends like Gage said, then surely Archer must know all about Gage’s romantic past. Maybe I’m not Gage’s normal type, and he’s confused as well?
“Have you met Ivy before?” Archer asks me before he studies his fiancé with unabashed love in his eyes.
He knows the answer to this question. Is Archer trying to make this evening more awkward? What should I say?
Oh hey, Ivy. I know we haven’t met and all but I’ve known your brother for a few days and we’re having the wildest sex of my life. How do you do?
“This is the first time. I’ve only known Gage for a short time so...” I smile at her and she smiles warmly in return. “I had no idea Gage had a sister, so it’s wonderful to meet you.”
“I had no idea Gage was seeing someone, so the feeling’s mutual.” Her smile fades as her gaze turns assessing. “I don’t believe I’ve heard my brother mention you before. How did you two meet exactly?”
“Um...” My voice trails off and I feel silly. I sought him out that night.I wanted to meet the man who’s trying to buy out my family.
But I can’t tell Ivy that. I’d sound like a cold, callous bitch.
“I’m so curious. Gage never lets me meet any of the women that he dates.” Ivy’s just about as determined as her brother. Scary.
And have there been a lot of women? There had to have been. He’s charming, sexy, rich, and influential. What woman wouldn’t find him a catch?
You, maybe?
“At that wine- and beer-tasting event I went to in Archer’s place,” Gage answers for me.
“That was only a few nights ago,” Ivy says, frowning.
Gage shrugs. “Right. That’s what I said. We met, and I asked her out. Now here we are.” He sends Archer a pointed look, who just smirks at him in return, and I don’t know what to think.
There’s an undercurrent flowing between these three, unspoken messages, and I’m the one left out. I knew this would happen. I have no idea what’s going on, and I don’t like it. I wish we could go back to the car, where it’s just the two of us. Wrapped up in our own little bubble, touching each other, kissing each other...
Getting lost in one another.
Chapter 10
Gage
