Page 29 of Shameless
He gazed at me. “You were thinking it.”
My heart stopped. I’d avoided a relationship because of his money then tried to avoid him again because he had it. My parents had no idea.
I cupped his face and said, “Only when we first met, darling.”
He laughed and winked at me. “You’re starting to like your nickname, darling, or you’d not make fun of it.”
Billy put the rest of the burgers out, and I grabbed a plate and sashayed to the line.
“Maybe I do, and maybe I don’t,” I said. “I guess a lot depends on how this burger tastes.”
He laughed, and that sound went down my spine. “You must be having a boy with how carnivorous you’ve become.”
It was true. I used to love salads and tomatoes and more. But now, all I wanted was plain old meat.
Chapter Ten
Michael
* * *
Everyone believed we were a couple at Britney’s parents’ party although her mother held her tongue. And it wasn’t just because I loved Britney. I’d not yet done anything to prove my obsession, that I was the one for her. Right then, I was showing her we worked together—much better than I’d expected.
However, as the party wound down, we found ourselves back in her small bedroom. We filled half the room when we were standing up.
She took my hand and stared at me, clearly not knowing what to say.
So I kissed her knuckles and said, “So I promise you we will stay in a hotel I am part owner of in London.”
She took a deep breath and said, “My friends texted they’re coming.”
At home, I figured I would have the best chance to charm her to the point that she would gush about me with her friends.
“I’ll ensure everyone has a suite for themselves,” I said. “I’m not sure where to sleep tonight, though, as there is no couch.”
She rubbed her neck and turned toward the door. “We can tell my mother goodbye and then make a beeline to the front door.”
Probably true. I pressed my hand to my heart. “I don’t want to offend your father.”
She waved for me to follow as she said, “I think it’s better we leave fast while everyone’s on their good behavior.”
One day, I would need to be more like her because that was better than hiding.
“You’re the boss when it comes your family,” I said.
She winked as we opened the door to make our escape. “You like it when I boss you around.”
I tugged her arm and whispered in the small hallway, “Only in bed, darling, but we’re not doing that for the time being.”
She stared at me. “Just go along with what I say.”
Britney was fascinating. She held my hand, and we walked in front of the television her father and mother were watching together.
When her father turned down the game, Britney said, “Mom, Dad, it’s been fun, but Michael and I had a change of plans, and we’re going to fly back to New York.”
Her mother stood. “You’re kidding. Is his money getting your hand itchy to spend recklessly?”
Britney winced. Everything she wore—minus the ring—she had worked for, and she took pride in that. She held her stomach and smiled. “Well, you reminded me why I never came home.”
