Page 37 of Grand Escape

“Black. I take it black,” he said, pushing the cream to the side. “I made some friends while golfing. They invited me and I included you, because who else would help me get there? And Teddi-with-an-i told me where to find you, luckily before she put in my food order at the pool bar.”

“Oh no, she let you have it.” I leaned into the bar, taking in Adam’s eyes and messy hair.

His skin was bronzing, and the urge to lean even closer and run my tongue along his lips hit me like a poorly shot ball in a tennis match where you’re not paying attention. I had it happen to me once when I was a kid, and never wanted it to happen to me again.

“She did, but good news. Nothing spooks me easily.”

“Well, that’s good,” I said, seeing the food runner heading to grab Adam’s salad, and a few more guests approaching the bar. Trying to ignore the carnal urges racking my body, I said, “Duty calls.”

“Party later?” Adam asked.

“Sure, why not?”

Clearly, I wasn’t opposed to ludicrously wanton urges or the possibility of getting turned down later.

“Tony threw me a bone this morning and set me up with a tee time,” Adam said while I made a few bellinis for the table of women in the corner.

I nodded. “I heard. Sounds like you had a good time, making friends and all that.”

“They needed a fourth, and now it also sounds like they need some divorce advice.”

“You can’t escape work.” Waving at the bellinis, I said, “Obviously, neither can I.”

Frowning, Adam finished his coffee and set his napkin on the bar. “I’ll let you get to it.”

He was hurt. His brow furrowed as he pulled out a tip, and I had to mentally tell myself I didn’t do anything intentional, but I did.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like you were bothering me. It’s just you’re a high-powered attorney, and well, I’m me. This is all you get with me.” I waved my hand a second time around the bar.

“So what? What if I like you?”

“Adam ...”

“Rylan, I like you.” He said it quietly, only meant for me as the printer at the bar spit out an order.

I grabbed it out of habit and took a peek, ignoring his sentiment. Three glasses of wine. I could do that with my eyes closed.

A runner brought Adam’s salad, giving me a moment of respite. Of course, Brianna popped over for the bellinis and must have noticed the tension, because she didn’t even pause to make a flirtatious comment.

“It took all my willpower to leave last night,” Adam said low. “I don’t think I can do it tonight. I hope you don’t want me to.”

Swallowing all my anxieties, I shook my head.

Still waiting, he asked, “So, party tonight? I think it’s around seven.”

Mute, I nodded again, unable to think of a single thing to say. He relaxed enough to sit and start devouring his salad.

“It’s at a house ... west, I think,” he said between mouthfuls. “They texted me the address.”

“West Bay,” I finally said.

“Yes. I’m assuming a big mansion.”

“Of course. It’s where all the rich men go to eat, drink, and act like assholes.” I kept my voice low, but that didn’t stop Adam from barking out a loud laugh.

“Well, tonight you get to act like an asshole too. I’ll swing by your place a little before seven.” After taking his last bite, Adam pushed aside his plate. “Now, I’m leaving. I’d kiss you, but work.”

Grinning, I said, “Work.”

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