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“Can’t see us,” I growl and pull her back to me. For the briefest moment, I think that she will allow it. But she pushes on my chest again.
“No.”
Her face is pink, either from embarrassment or desire. I wish I knew which. Without saying anything, she leans back onto the black leather seat and avoids my gaze. Other than the one single uttered word, she doesn’t say anything else.
I can still feel the sexual attraction lingering around us. My body is like a live wire, ready to be set aflame by the sparks of tension. No matter how much time and space once separated us, I remember what it felt like to be with her. And I want that again. I crave it.
I have a feeling Liz craves it, too. Her chest is moving up and down a little too rapidly, a little too unsteadily. She’s trying too hard to look unaffected and failing miserably. I see everything that she is trying to hide from me.
She is silent the rest of the ride to the gala. I steal occasional glances at her, but she looks resolutely ahead. I want to talk to her, but I don’t know what to say.
We round the last corner leading up to the building where the gala is being held. Knowing we’re about to be surrounded by hundreds of people and that this may be our last chance to be alone for a while, I force myself to have the courage to speak to her. I touch her hand to get her attention. “Do you want to talk about that kiss?”
She shakes her head. “There’s nothing to talk about. It was a pleasant kiss. But we probably shouldn’t do it again.”
Pleasant?She’s completely composed and back to her normal, controlled self, and all I can think about is pulling her back to me and kissing her senseless. She can hide it from herself, but she can’t hide it from me. She wanted more than that kiss, just as I did. Just as I still do.
Let her lie to herself all she wants. I’ll let her think she’s back in control for now.
It’s only a matter of time before the inevitable happens.
We arrive at the gala and have our IDs and tickets checked. Limousines and car services line the street as we make our way to the swanky loft in Midtown. I’m pleased to see that security is tight, with multiple men in tuxedos spread throughout the walkway. Only the discreet earpieces giveaway the true reason for their presence. I casually glance behind me to see that my own bodyguards are following discreetly at a distance. We have all bases covered.
As we enter through the expansive doorway, I see Liz controlling her expression and trying not to gape at our surroundings. She’s been to a few of these with Jake, but the opulence of the event can still take your breath away. The massive room holds crystal chandeliers that glow with splendor, illuminating the entire room in an almost magical glow. Tables in white cloths are set up on the edges of the room, giving people plenty of room to mingle in gathered groups. Women wear their ballgowns and expensive, flashy jewelry, while the men wear their formal, exquisitely fitted tuxedos.
I snag two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter. Liz smiles gratefully as I hand her a glass. She takes a small sip and closes her eyes in pleasure. “It’s been a while since I’ve been able to have champagne.”
She’s still avoiding looking at me. I take this as further proof that the kiss in the limo must have shaken her as much as it did me.
“I want you to enjoy yourself tonight.” I pause. “Hmmm. What should we toast to?”
“Do you remember our last toast?” she asks.
I tilt my head, trying to remember. “I’m pretty sure it was something about not trusting the opposite sex.”
“And do you still feel that way?”
Liz’s serious expression encourages me to put thought into my answer. I feel like my answer is important to her.
“Let’s just say I no longer feel like the entire female population is to be blamed for the actions of one person,” I say carefully, unsure of how to respond.
“That’s a nonanswer.”
I’m saved from saying anything further by a low female squeal coming toward us. Lana is headed our way, tugging a laughing Jake behind her. “Liz, I’m so glad you made it. I wasn’t sure you’d be able to get a sitter. You look stunning, by the way.”
Jake shakes my hand. “Thanks for coming.”
“Are you kidding?” Liz says in mock horror. “I would never miss this. Matthew can fend for himself if necessary. I feel like it’s been years since I left the house.”
Lana laughs. “I guess you were able to hire a nanny?”
Liz grimaces in response to Lana’s question. “Yes, despite my reservations about the whole thing, Ethan convinced me that we need a nanny. It’ll be helpful since I go back to work in a couple of weeks, so it was a smart move for now. However, his mom is actually watching the baby tonight. She seemed excited to help out.”
“That’s great. That means you don’t have to worry about anything tonight and can just have fun,” says Lana.
“I intend to,” Liz readily agrees. “It’s my first night out in a long time.”
Lana hugs her and starts leading her toward the tables. “They’re about to announce dinner. Let’s take our seats. Don’t worry. I made sure that you and Ethan are sitting next to us,” Lana says.
