Page 83 of Tempting Promises
“You’re such a dick.”
I lean in so only she can hear. “You like my dick.”
Charlotte leans back and slaps a wrapped package on my chest. “May you wear this and think of me.”
Oh, I can only imagine what this is. Probably some kind of shirt that will embarrass me forever.
“I’ll open it later.”
She raises one brow. “Scared?”
Faye comes up next to her, laughing and wrapping her arm around Charlotte’s shoulder. “Happy birthday, Rowan.”
“Thanks, Faye.”
Charlotte scoffs. “Oh, sure, you’re nice to her when she says it.”
“Well, if I recall she said it nicely, you called me an asshole.”
She shrugs. “At least I’m honest.”
“Sure, we’ll go with that. Isn’t it some kind of unwritten rule you’re supposed to be nice on someone’s birthday?” I toss back.
“This is me being nice. I brought you a present.”
I look down at the gift in my hand, terrified ofwhat could be in this. I exhale, decide it’s not going to change if I don’t open it, and tear the paper open.
The laughter that comes from deep inside me causes several people to stop and look at me. I can’t believe it. In my hands is the skull cap that we’ve been tossing back and forth for the last week.
My eyes find hers and she’s smiling and laughing softly.
Oh, Charlotte, I’m going to fuck you senseless in this bar.
Faye, completely unaware of what the hat means, stares at it. “A hat? I feel like I’m missing something.”
Charlotte loops her arm through her best friend’s. “Rowan lost his at the cabin, I felt he needed to have it back in his possession.”
I smile at her. “I can’t wait to wear it in a bit.”
“You’re planning to wear it soon, are you?”
As soon as I can get her alone. “In about ten minutes, when I need to step outside.”
I see the awareness flash in her eyes. “Wow, are you planning to go outside alone?”
I shake my head. “Maybe, but I’m sure someone will be willing to go with me.”
Faye purses her lips. “I really wish I knew what happened in that cabin. You both are weird and—oh! Joey!” she yells as he enters the bar, and he heads to her, lifting her in his arms and kissing her.
I move around the two idiots, where I’m beside Charlotte. “Meet me in the back in ten.”
Then I walk away, greeting the rest of my guests, watching the clock until I can get to her.
It’s been nine minutes and I’m heading away from everyone, explaining I need to use the bathroom, but seriously, it’s like Declan Arrowood knows what I’m trying to do.
“How did the meeting go with Carson Knight?” he asks, leaning against the bar.
“Good. I think there’s a good possibility I’ll get it.”
