Page 4 of Say You're Mine

"Then how about we band together?"

"There are a few women here who are eye-fucking you." I give him an out… Or is it a test?

“I already told you there isn’t anyone here besides you that is worth the company.” A small, playful smirk pulls at his lips. “Don’t make me face the vultures alone.”

I snort a laugh. “Fine, but you’ll owe me.” I take another drink of champagne. I have to admit it is entertaining to spar with him. It’s also really hot that he in fact isn’t fazed by my remarks and they don’t cause him to run off. They bounce right off him. A lot of men’s egos can’t take it.

“Let’s eat. I’m starving.” Eros takes my elbow, leading us back to our table, where a few other people have also taken their seats as dinner starts to be served.

“So the silverware situation is just like in the moviePretty Woman, right?” I glance over to Eros. “I start on the outside with it and work my way in.” Eros chuckles. I’m glad he thinks it’s funny, but I wasn’t actually joking. I have no idea when it comes to fancy sit-down stuff like this. I’m used to eating on the go. If it weren’t for Gabriella, takeout would be my best friend.

“I use whatever.” He grabs one of the forks and stabs it into the salad. “Country boy, remember.” He winks at me. I follow suit.

“Does that mean you don’t come from money?” When I ask about his money situation, I see the eyes of a woman a few seats over go big. “Shit,” I mutter under my breath. "We're not supposed to discuss money, right?" I whisper that part too.

“My parents did all right. They own a ranch.” Eros's tone goes up a few notches for anyone at the table to hear. "It's hard work, but my grandfather and then my father grew it every year." Interesting. Then why is he here in the city? Shouldn't he be off on a ranch somewhere helping the family with their legacy?

Then I remember that he went to college with the groom. That means he could have flown in. "Did you fly in for the wedding, then?"

"No." I release a breath I didn't know I was holding.

I have no clue why the hell I feel relieved by his answer. It should have no bearing on me. It doesn’t matter whether he lives here or not. This is just for fun. That’s all.

I want to continue peppering him with questions, but I shove another forkful of salad into my mouth instead. There’s something about this man that keeps drawing me in and piquing my curiosity. It’s not something I’m used to.

“I’ve answered a lot of questions. Yet you haven’t told me much about yourself. I think it’s my turn.”

4

EROS

It might have taken an hour and a few glasses of champagne, but Lev has started to relax more. I threw a few death glares across the table as a warning to those who were staring at her. I usually maintain a relaxed demeanor—until I don't.

I got her to tell me about how she got fired and Caleb’s part in it. I nod along, pretending I haven't got a clue. Her true passion lies in makeup and sketching. She gets so animated when she talks about it. She’s an artist. When I said that, Lev glanced away, taking another bite of her dinner. I think to hide the blush that had bloomed. I’m not sure who gave her that doubt that she’s not, but it pisses me off.

The one topic I did notice she skirted around on was where she lived. Only saying that it was with her parents. It wouldn’t be hard for me to find out if I wanted to. I could have her address and a lot more if I desired within minutes.

But I want her to tell me about herself. To lower those walls for me. When I made the offhand comment,‘Oh, so they're still married,’ she only shrugged. I steered the conversation inanother direction and told her more about me. I didn’t want to spook her. I’ll let her bloom at her own pace… for now.

“Did it upset your parents when you said you didn’t want to be a rancher?” Lev takes a bite of the wedding cake that I’d gotten for her. The little moan she makes goes straight to my dick.

“No. I think they knew early on I wouldn't be sticking around. I excelled in school, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not in my blood. I miss it at times.”

“Really?” That makes her smile, so I keep going. Whatever keeps it on her pretty face.

“Yeah, I grew up riding and steering. It becomes second nature.” I turn my hand over to show her my palm. I might spend my days behind a desk now, but where you come from will always linger. It becomes a part of you. Lev runs her soft fingers across my calluses.

“I have a few. Not like yours though.” She shows me one of her delicate fingers, and you can see the indent from where she is always holding either a brush or a pencil. I rub my finger across it.

Lev doesn’t try to pull away. Only keeps on smiling. She takes my breath away, but when she smiles, it's more breathtaking than any sunset I have ever seen. It lights you up inside. It’s a feeling that I never want to go away. I want to bask in it for the rest of my life.

“I think it would be kinda badass to go to a ranch one day. To ride a horse. The only animals I've ever seen were at the zoo during our mandatory school visits. I don’t really get to leave the city.”

“All you have to do is ask,” I remind her. Lev shakes her head, not believing me. That’s fine. I’ll keep saying it and, more than that, proving it until she believes it. If I’m anything, it’s persistent.

Like a wild horse. You don’t have to break them. All you need is time and patience. You earn their trust. But you have to keep it. That’s the part a lot of people often forget. It’s not blind trust. It goes both ways.

“I would love to take you up on your offer, but since I’m starting a new job soon, I’m sure my new boss wouldn’t appreciate me taking off.” She thinks she’s wiggled her way out of it with that reply. I’ll let her keep thinking that for now. She’ll find out soon enough that I’m the new boss she’s speaking of.

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