Page 12 of Beyond Question

Ignoring the waystunnermakes my chest flutter ridiculously, I focus on the cab driver who will surely say no. It’s the right thing to do.

But the cabbie hesitates, and I scoff. “You cannot be serious.”

Still ignoring me, Travis pulls his billfold out and waves a wad of hundreds in the driver’s face. “Actually, this ought to cover it, right, buddy?”

With one glance at the money, the driver looks back at me with a grimace. “Sorry, lady, but—”

“It’s fine,” I huff, but before I can say more or climb out of the cab so Travis can have it to himself, the back door opens and Travis climbs in next to me, grinning like a Cheshire cat, and I can’t find it in me to leave.

I glare at him, then shake my head and turn to look out the window so he doesn’t see the twitch of my lips.

A dead giveaway that I can barely restrain my smile.

This man iswearingon me, defeating my defenses one gorgeous dimple showing at a time.

Chapter Six

Travis

By the time we’ve crossed over onto Randall Island, Paige has barely said two words to me, but the tension between us is palpable, and the way she continues to sneak glances when she thinks I’m not looking tells me all I need to know.

She wants me.

She just doesn’twantto want me.

Fair enough. I can work with that.

Spending the afternoon with her was, at first, a fun distraction. Both from my feelings about Cabot starting a whole new life that doesn’t include me, and the absolute tedium of a baby shower—my first and last, if I have any say in the matter. But mydistractionquickly morphed into something more. I found myselfwantingto be near Paige, drawn to her side time and time again.

I planned to stop in for a drink, be the stellar best friend that I am and show my face—then head back into the city and pretend I didn’t attend a baby shower today.

But we all know how that turned out.

As we drive onto the RFK Bridge, I glance at my watch; it’s just after eight o’clock. On a Saturday night in the city, that means the night hasn’t even started yet. And as long as we’re still in the car together, I have time to convince Paige to spend more time with me.

I nearly laugh at that thought. Imagine, me, having to convince a woman to stick around. But whatever. It is what it is, and we already know I love a good challenge.

“What restaurant are you headed to?” I ask.

She startles when my voice breaks the heavy silence, then turns toward me, a frown drawing her eyebrows together. “What?”

“Your dinner plans?” I think she was lying earlier when she said she had a prior engagement. In fact, I’d bet my forty-nine percent of Reed Enterprises shares on it.

Her eyes widen ever so slightly. “Oh, yes, my plans…” When her words trail off, I find myself biting back a grin.

Motioning toward the driver, I say, “He needs the address of the restaurant.”

She swallows, and my eyes drift to watch the motion in her throat. “I gave him my location before you so rudely commandeered my cab.” She glares at me, but it lacks the punch she thinks it has because it’s fucking adorable. Like a kitten getting feisty. “But why don’t you give him yours, so you can get dropped off first. I’d hate to inconvenience you when you’re so pressed for time that you couldn’t wait for your own transportation to arrive.”

The driver snickers up front and I level Paige with a look that I hope conveys I know she’s full of shit. “It’s no trouble. Ladies first, and all that.”

“Nonsense. I’m not worried about antiquated ideals. You go ahead.”

Antiquated ideals?Did she really just say that? I’m not sure how to respond to that, so I don’t. We simply stare at one another, and it’s obvious neither one of us will back down—something we should be used to after competing in silly games all afternoon.

After a drawn-out stretch of silence, Paige’s eyes narrow. “Maybe I don’t want you to know where I live. Safety first, and all that.”

I tilt my head. “So your prior engagement was going home?” I wince. “Ouch, Paige.”

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