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His eyes popped up. “It was interesting, to say the least. But I was actually thinking about my brother and how we never talked our shit through. About your mother, I can handle it. I can do a fancy charity dinner.”
“I never doubted you.”
Not like her mother doubted he would fit in. Jezebelle ached to ask why he was thinking about his brother, but the words wouldn’t form. He might think she was outspoken, but not about everything. He mentioned his brother but then glossed over it and moved on to a new topic, which suggested he didn’t want to talk about it. He would’ve mentioned more if he wanted to talk, wouldn’t he?
He glanced at his glass again, his knuckles turning white as if exerting too much pressure on the glass.
“I don’t like Bradley.” A muscle bunched in his cheek.
Jezebelle took a sip of the smooth drink before responding because she wasn’t sure how to address his harsh statement. Oh, the words came out calm, but she heard the rage behind the cool words, and in his gestures, how his jaw clenched, his hand tightening on the glass. Why didn’t he like Bradley? He had been the perfect gentleman today.
“He’s only a good friend. I’ve never dated him.”
Brick looked at her. She was surprised to see a bit of pain swirling with jealousy in his eyes. “Your mother expects you to marry that asshat.”
Jezebelle stiffened. “He is no—”
“Bradley can pretend just as good as we did today. That man wants you, and he’ll do anything to get you. I’m surprised you don’t see it.”
This time she tore her gaze away to stare at her drink. She hadn’t seen what he had. Bradley had always been a good friend, nothing more. Oh, she knew her mother wanted something to develop between them, but they had never acted on it. He had never shown interest in her like that. It was something they both ignored, even knowing both their parents wanted something to happen.
“It’s no big deal. This is a fake engagement, anyway.”
Her head jerked up. He appeared aloof, a gentle grin on his face, his stance relaxed. Nothing that she had seen a minute ago was evident in his features.
Although he made it seem like he didn’t care, she knew he did. His earlier anger couldn’t be dismissed as nothing. She felt like she had to tread carefully or she’d lose him. Not that she had him to begin with. But perhaps…
No, it was wishful thinking to imagine they could have something real between them. She should agree and move the conversation to something that wouldn’t widen the divide being created between them.
“I’m not sure what you saw, but we’re only friends.”
“For now.” His brows drew low briefly before happiness was back as if he hadn’t meant to show how he felt.
“For always, Brick. I don’t have feelings for Bradley.” Not like I do for you. “I never have.”
He nodded, then downed the rest of his drink in one long swallow.
“What’s on the agenda for the rest of the day?”
She disliked how he was moving the conversation along as if it didn’t bother him. It did, otherwise he would’ve never brought it up in the first place. Like the comment about his brother she wanted to know more about.
Finishing her drink, instead of answering his question, she tried to figure out where to go from here. Draw his emotions out in the open, get him really angry. Poke and prod until he told her why he seemed to be so bothered by Bradley.
Or invoke his feelings in another way.
She stood up from the stool, eyeing him as he watched her move around the counter and stop in front of him. Her hand brushed his bristled cheek, loving the roughness, knowing nothing but smooth sweetness filled him inside. He might look tough and from the wrong side of the tracks—which her mother undoubtedly thought—but he was the kindest, gentlest man she had ever met.
Neither said anything as her hand wove down his cheek to his chest, stopping over his heart. It beat steadily. Better than hers that pumped wildly with terrifying anticipation.
Because she was about to be very forward with a man. Something she generally didn’t do. Sure, she had sex and enjoyed it, but she always let the man take the lead and run the show.
Not today. Not with Brick.
She wanted to see him let loose, and this seemed like the best way to do it.
Her hand continued its trail until it hit the button to his pants. She paused, waiting for him to say something.
His eyes shouted yes, keep going. His mouth, half opened, appeared as if it wanted to say, no, don’t.
