Page 38 of Never Fake Date the Financier
I smile. Ella’s mood seems to have lifted. And I don’t mind if it comes at my expense. Anything for her.
“Well, I’d like to hear all about it. About you. I’m done with Gabriella, and I want to focus on Ella.”
“But the wedding’s not over.”
I pull her into a hug, savoring her scent.
“Consider your part of the deal fulfilled. I couldn’t care less how the rest of this weekend goes.”
“So, I guess I’ll book my flight for tomorrow morning.”
My eyes flare.
“Kidding. You’re stuck with me for a little while longer.”
“Couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather be stuck with. Now let’s get out of here before…”
Ella snorts. “Great idea. Lead the way.”
I grab her hand, and everything in the world feels right again.
11
ELLA
“After you,”Adrian rasps as the elevator dings and the gleaming doors slide open.
That deliciously low, gruff voice of his skates across my skin, erupting in goosebumps as he guides me inside with a firm hand. A very firm hand. That’s also quite big. Not that I noticed.
Once or two dozen times this evening.
It’s hard not to when it has been on my body or entwined with my hand ever since we left the yacht. Guiding me, soothing me… turning my body into a molten mess of nerves. And right now, with his hand on the small of my back, the effect is just as strong.
E-lectric.
More so now with the elevator doors closing. The air inside is thick. And with Adrian so close to me, it’s becoming hard to breathe until he pulls away.
I glance sidelong at him as he leans against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. The man is far too handsome for his good. And when he’s wearing a suit? Good lord. Everything is perfectly tailored, but after an evening on the water and strolling the small, winding streets, his hair is a little messy. It suits him, though. I like seeing cracks in his carefully crafted exterior.
“Thanks for tonight.”
I mean it, too. I’d been concerned about tonight, wondering if I’d be able to make a good impression on his parents while trying my best not to empty the contents of my stomach. I think it was a success on both accounts. But the most surprising part of the night was Adrian.
He’s been so kind and caring this whole evening, checking in with me, making sure I’m comfortable, putting my needs before anyone else’s, including his own. He’s nothing like the man I thought he was back at BlackeThorne. Cold. Calculated. A businessman through and through.
I was wrong, and I don’t mind admitting it.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to abduct you.”
I smile, wondering if I should have made him throw me over his shoulder. I wouldn’t have minded that. Feeling those strong arms around me. But then I remember how sick I felt, and I’m sure as soon as he picked me up, I’d have made a mess of that deck and Adrian’s suit.
“Came close, huh?”
He grunts.
“How are you feeling? Gelato sitting okay?”
“Great. No issues at all.”
