Page 9 of The Upgrade

“Those are fantastic.” How bizarre that I never buy them. I make a mental note to change that.

“I stopped eating them right after college.” She sounds so forlorn that I know this isn’t about candy. “Way more calories than plain M&Ms.”

“Everyone deserves indulgences.”

Eve nibbles her lip. “That’s what Camille says.”

“My sister’s smart.” I decide not to harp on the candy thing, since pestering women about their dietary choices is never a great move. “Let’s play a game.”

Intrigue sparks in her eyes. “What sort of game?”

“I did a study in Dublin where we asked a series of unique questions designed to gauge participants’ gut-level responses to unexpected inquiries.”

“Sounds fun.” The light streaming in through the limousine window turns her eyes to a hue of bright sea-glass green. “Lay it on me, Dr. Plier.”

“Just Kit is fine.” I know she’s teasing, but lately that title reminds me too much of my father. TherealDr. Plier, a world-renowned cardiologist. There’s an ache in my chest as I force my mouth into a casual smile. “You could also call me Chris or Christopher.”

“Kit,” she decides, eyeing me for a second. “That’s what Camille’s always called you. It fits you the best.”

“Works for me.” I like how she says my name. How we’ve slipped into easy familiarity. “Okay, name a smell you enjoy that’s not something everyone finds pleasing.”

Laughing, she responds in an instant. “Gasoline. My cat’s little toe beans. Bleu cheese. The ocean, even when it’s a little bit stinky and seaweedy because I love being at the beach. Should I keep going?”

“Impressive.” I love that Eve knows what she likes. “If all animals could talk, what species would be the rudest?”

“Birds.” She laughs again. “Don’t you get the sense they’re just squawking and complaining about traffic and the high cost of healthcare?”

“Totally.” And I’m also sensing Eve’s quick mind is every bit as impressive as her breasts in that snug, black, strapless?—

“Do I get to ask you questions, too?”

“Fire away. I’m an open book.” Mostly. There’s the small issue of me not telling my family about my new career move, but Eve’s not likely to touch on that. “What do you want to know?”

“Let’s see…” She nibbles her lip and my gaze snags on the plush warmth of her mouth. What would it feel like to kiss her?

I’m suddenly dying to find out.

“Okay, I’ve got one.” Eve crosses her legs with a smile. “Favorite place to be kissed besides your mouth or your dick.”

Damn. I wasn’t expecting that. “Figured you’d go for asking my most embarrassing story or something.”

“We’ll do that next.” She tilts her head. “Do you have a good one?”

“For kissing or embarrassing stories?”

“Either one.”

“Depends on what you mean bygood.” I clear my throat. “All right. I love being kissed on my shoulders and neck.”

“Ooohhh, yes.” The sigh that slips out of her shoots a dart of desire through me. “And that spot where the neck and shoulders meet? That’s thebest. Dissolves me into a puddle every time.”

I make a mental note, then steer my sex-soaked brain back on track. “For embarrassing stories, I’ll go with the time I got seasick on a scenic snorkeling cruise in Belize.”

“That doesn’t sound horrible. Lots of people get seasick.”

“Yes, but they don’t all do it off the side of a boat where a dozen happy couples are snorkeling and looking at fish.” It’s the trip where Miranda and I met Ashton Holyfield, the billionaire resort owner who just became my new boss. “Suffice it to say, it put a damper on a few peoples’ romantic vacations.”

“Oh no.” Eve draws her hands to her mouth. “You threw uponpeople?”

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