Page 46 of His Temptation
She chuckles. “Well, just enjoy a free meal with an awesome friend. We can make fun of how boring they all sound and how they all have an inflated sense of self-importance.”
I like this girl. Even though I’m going to murder Lincoln in the limo after this for bringing me here to talk business while the women are ignored, at least I get to try out an amazing restaurant with a fun person next to me.
And that’s exactly how the evening plays out. I eat food and talk with Iris while Lincoln continues to ignore my existence. The food is still an out-of-this-world experience. There are eight courses, each one visually a work of art and packed with such unique flavors.
Once the evening is over, I don’t give Lincoln a chance to walk with me to the door. There’s no way in hell I’m riding in that limo with him. I take my rage out on the door and push it open with all my might. As soon as I get outside, I look around to try and get my bearings.
I start off down the street to find the subway when a hand wraps around my arm and pulls me back. I turn around and punch the man’s chest with my fist.
“Ouch.” Lincoln rubs his chest as he winces. “What the hell was that for?”
“You’re the idiot who roughly grabbed a woman’s arm in the middle of New York City. That’s basic survival instinct.”
He blows out a breath. “True. I’m sorry.” He slowly lets go of my arm. “Where are you going?”
“Home,” I reply shortly.
He tilts his head and furrows his brows. “Is something wrong? Are you upset?”
I stare at him, my mouth agape, until the blank look on his face proves he’s being serious. “Am I mad? I’m furious with you right now. How could you treat me like that in there?”
He starts to open his mouth to respond, but I don’t even want to know what his excuse is. There is no excuse.
“You know what? Never mind. I don’t want to know.”
I turn to walk away, but he stops me again.
“Wait. Please. Just …” He closes his eyes for a moment. “Just let me explain. Come on. It’s not what you think.”
I raise my eyebrows, curiosity getting the better of me. What could it be then, if it’s not what I think? Ugh, I hate how nosy I am. It gets me into too much trouble.
“Fine!” I answer harshly.
“Thank you. Let’s go in the limo.”
I follow him into the back of the limo despite my reservations.
“Just drive around for a bit,” Lincoln instructs George, then puts up the divider.
I cross my arms in an attempt to show him I’m still pissed off, but I just feel like a petulant child. Then I remember how small he just made me feel in there, and a huff comes out.
“How could you?” I start, not giving him a chance to explain. I’m not done giving it to him. “Why the fuck did you treat me like that?” I demand. “You didn’t tell anyone I was your assistant, and not only that, but everyone ignored me and all the otherwomen. Is that how it goes at these dinners—the spouses sit in the corner like good little trophy wives while the egos talk business? I’m your assistant, not your date.”
His chest rises and falls. “It’s not what?—”
“No! Don’t give me that! It’s not what I think? Bullshit. Why did you even invite me? Did you really want me to be a date? Am I supposed to put out now? Is that what my role is?”
“Dammit, Kylie! Stop it!” he yells back, tone sharp. “I had to act like you were my date!”
“Why? Why the hell did you have to?”
“Because there wasn’t a damn chance someone wasn’t going to see through my feelings for you if they knew you were my assistant. I mean … look at you.”
My mouth hangs open in shock. “Feelings for me?”
He sighs and shakes his head. “Not likefeelings, feelings. Just how fucking much I want you. I couldn’t think about anything other than getting my hands under that dress the entire evening. I can’t believe I made it through.”
“You … but you can’t just …” I swallow, my heart pounding in my chest. “You don’t mean …”
