CHAPTER 43
BLAINE.
WHEN MELANIE APPEARED AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS AND STRUCK A POSE, I FORGOT
how to breathe. I knew when I picked out the dress that it would look good on her, but I hadn’t known whether to expect stunning.
As she floated down the stairs more gracefully than I’d ever expected of her, I was transfixed. I’d never seen her in anything except business wear and the dangerously sexy leather she’d come with, so I let my eyes feast on every dip and curve, every movement of those long, toned legs,
and the sly smirk on her perfect lips.
She came to stand in front of me and tilted her head, still smirking.
“What’s the matter? Monkey’s got your tongue?” she said. The transfixion broke enough for me to smile at her.
“The expression says cat,” I replied.
“Yeah, but I think a monkey’s more likely to run away with someone’s tongue,” She shrugged and I laughed. Of course she did.
“I still think it’s weird you know my size, the dress is a perfect fit,” she said, brushing her hands down her sides. I blew out a breath.
“Believe me, I can see that. Wow, Mel, you look breathtaking.”
I had actually gotten her size from Jordan during what I’d tried so hard to pass off as a casual conversation. He’d had no idea what I was planning. I turned my head to talk to Jordan but I found him still looking at Melanie.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who got transfixed; the only things I’d seen him stare at more intently than he was staring at her now were statistics and spreadsheets. I had the feeling Jordan was more into Melanie than he let on, but he didn’t act on it and I did.
So, unless she decides she’s more into him, I have no intention of letting her go. I subtly shifted until he didn’t have a direct view of her anymore and smiled when his eyes snapped up to mine.
“We’ll be heading out now. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” I said, taking hold of Melanie’s hand.
I saw his eyes go to our linked hands before coming back to my face.
“We were in the middle of a discussion,” he said.
I shrugged as I began to walk backward, taking her with me “Nothing that can’t be put on hold. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a hot date” I grinned at Melanie and she smiled back“.
Give Lauren a kiss goodnight for me” I called out, then we were out the door. We giggled like teenagers as I pulled her over to the car. She stopped and walked around the car, inspecting it.
“Lamborghini Veneno. 6.5 aspirated V12 engine, top speed 355 km/h. Not bad at all“.
I held open the passenger side door for her and she got in. After walking over to the driver’s side and getting in, I spoke “I’ve been meaning to ask you, how come you know so much about cars?” I asked as I drove out of the gates. I saw her wistful smile as she looked down.
“When I was a kid, my dad would take me to watch the Formula One races. When we couldn’t go, we’d watch on screen. I think that’s when my interest started. I wanted to know what was it about cars that made them what they were, so I studied them.” She raised her hands and turned them over before letting out a self–deprecating laugh.
“I can pump and change tires, check for oil, align wheels and hotwire any vehicle, but I don’t know what to do on a date with a very attractive man.”
God, she was perfect, “I think you’re doing pretty good so far. And I’m sorry about your dad. You talk like you were really
close” I said.
She sighed “Yeah, we were.”
I didn’t like the look on her face; tonight was meant for smiles and laughter.
Setting
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CHAPTER 43
Wife can see you now I’m sure he’d be proud of the badass you’ve become,” I said in a light tone, but that only seemed ech her deeper into her melancholy
“Yeah, I’m sure he’d be proud of the girl who swindles and steals for a living,” she said, sarcasm heavy in her voice.
That was it. I abruptly pulled onto the shoulder of the road, ignoring the horns that erupted behind me. I turned off the engine and faced her, lifting her chin up until she was looking at me.
“He’ll be proud of how strong, how skilled, how brave you are and how far you’ve come. Nothing else matters” I said. She gave me a half smile and said “Thanks for that. It helps but she still looked so sad I threw finesse to the wind and kissed her. Like every other time I laid my lips on hers, the fire ignited low in my belly.
I was stoked when she kissed me back. I bit back the little frisson of worry–there was always that brief hesitation before she kissed me back and buried my fingers in her hair, careful not to mess it up. I needed more, I needed to get closer, but 1 fought back my urges and kept the kiss soft and sweet. There was still time for more. Hopefully.
I pulled back slightly and studied her closed eyes and her slightly parted lips with the smudged lipstick. I reluctantly pulled back all the way as she opened her eyes and smiled at me. She looked at my face properly and laughed. “You’ve got lipstick on your mouth
I looked in the rearview mirror and preened, striking different selfie poses and making her laugh harder “You’re just jealous because I wear it better than you” I said in a weird accent and smiled as her laughter filled the car.
Mission accomplished. She offered me a wipe but I made her clean it off herself before wiping what was left of hers and reapplying it.
As I started the car she laid a hand on my arm “Thanks, Blaine. You’re a good person” she said.
It was my turn for my smile to falter, would she still say that after knowing the things I’d done, the things I’d been a part of? I patted her hand. “I hate to see a frown on that beautiful face of yours” I said.
When had I turned into the sap my aunt Esmeralda always accused me of being? She settled back in her seat and asked the question I’d been waiting for “So, where are you taking me?”
“It’s a secret” I replied. “Really? Is that what we’re doing? Well, judging from the dress, I know it is somewhere fancy” she replied.
Hell no, I won’t allow her to lure me into ruining the surprise.
“All I can say is, I hope you’re hungry,” I told her. Tonight had been a long time coming, and I was going to make sure it was special. I just hoped she liked it.
CHAPTER 44
