Page 36 of RAKEish

CHAPTER 12

As Lux desperately tried to rid her mouth of the martini’s horrid taste, she looked up at Frankie Peterson. Her demeanor was one of calculated interest, a person carrying a camera trailing behind her.

“Quite the performance,” Frankie remarked dryly, her gaze sharp as she observed Lux and Scott.

“Frankie,” Lux managed to say, hastily discarding the napkin and straightening up. Beside her, Scott’s demeanor changed instantly, the remnants of his laughter giving way to a more guarded expression.

“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Scott asked his boss.

“I came to see firsthand how our little experiment is unfolding. And it seems I’ve arrived at a most…interesting moment.”

The photographer, a silent observer until now, raised his camera, subtly capturing the scene at the table.

“Frankie, we’re just—” Lux started, but Frankie held up a hand to stop her.

“Woman-to-woman, Lux, I’m going to give you a free piece of advice. Do with it what you may.”

“I’m listening,” Lux said as the photographer continued to snap shots.

“My dear, as you muddle your way through this challenge, don’t make the mistake of falling for a rake. I mean, it’s one thing for you to prove Scott correct by winning a rake’s heart, but quite another for you to give a rake yours. Trust me when I say they are not relationship material.”

“I completely agree,” Lux said emphatically. “And I can assure you, I won’t.” How in the hell had Frankie concluded she was at risk of losing her heart?

“I’ve seen many bright young women lose their way, charmed by the likes of him.” Frankie nodded toward Scott. “Just remember what’s at stake. This is a challenge, not a romance novel. Keep your eyes on the prize you’re after, not the player who presents as a worthy loser’s trophy.”

Lux could feel tension coming off Scott and was surprised he wasn’t responding until she glanced around and noticed other patrons looking at them. “Got it. Thanks.”

“And Scott,” Frankie said. “I never received a read receipt from you on the text I sent earlier. Be a dear and read it.”

“I’ll do that before morning comes.”

“Now,” Frankie ordered.

Scott frowned and pulled out his phone. Read it. Showed no reaction other than a slight tightening of his lips. “Got it,” he said to Frankie.

“Excellent,” Frankie said, giving a slight nod. “Very well.” Her tone shifted back to one of cool detachment. “Carry on then while I observe.”

With a swift, commanding presence, Frankie moved to a nearby table that offered an unobstructed view of Lux and Scott.

Lux exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Scott, a silent communication passing between them. “I know Frankie warned us that she had eyes everywhere, but I never imagined she’d personally be one of those pairs of eyes.”

“Don’t let her presence throw you off.” Scott signaled to the server with a discreet gesture.

“Yes, sir?” the server inquired, approaching their table.

Scott handed him Lux’s barely touched drink. “The lady would prefer a chocolate martini, instead.”

Lux couldn’t help but smile. “I do have a soft spot for chocolate martinis. How can they be so delightful, yet a dirty martini taste so vile?”

Scott leaned back, a twinkle in his eye. “It’s much like dating. Some people seem like the perfect catch, but once you get to know them, you realize they’re nothing more than a facade. Always look beneath the surface before committing to any potential relationship.”

Lux wrinkled her nose, a little taken aback by his suggestion. “Are you implying what I think you are?” Was he proposing two individuals should have sex before getting serious? But of course he was. He was a rake. A rake who’d already offered to teach her a sexual thing or two.

“Have sex. Yes,” Scott replied. “Or, if that scrambles your good-girl sensibilities, you could simply watch them dance. Someone who knows how to move, who can really dance—they’re usually worth taking home.”

Her cheeks warmed with a blush. She blamed her body’s reaction on the lingering effects of last night’s kiss and Scott’s offer. An offer that left her wanting to temporarily ditch her good-girl status and her good-guy standards. “Do you jump straight to sex, or wait and see how they dance?”

Scott leaned back, casual yet candid. “When I meet an intriguing woman, I invite her to my bed. If there are no sparks, there’s no need to waste time dating.”

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