Page 77 of Consumed By You
“Thank you so much, Kev. You’re awesome.”
“Of course, baby.”
“Feel free to stay as long as you like. There’s soda and leftovers in the fridge. No wine though, sorry.”
I drank all of it Post-Benjamin.
“Anything to stay away from my roommate. You know, we should move in together! I’m dying to get out of that fucking apartment.”
“You’d hate living with me.” I laugh, grabbing my clutch. “I read day and night.”
“At least you don’t party. I swear, Wesley gets smashed every damn night.” He rolls his eyes and shoos me. “What are you still doing here? He’s waiting. Go on!”
“Bye!”
“Bye! Don’t have too much fun. Or do!”
I’m still laughing when I open the building door and step out. Benjamin’s leaning against the car, his arms crossed, but seeing me, he straightens.
He’s in an elegant three-piece classic tuxedo. A great choice to complement his long black hair. It’s gelled back loosely, shining brightly in the sunlight.
Good lord, how can someone be so magnificent?
“Why, Miss Fontaine, that dress looks even better now than it did before.” He smiles wider as I approach him and leans down. I take in a breath of surprise when he presses his lips to my cheek.
“You look amazing,” I blurt, wanting to smack myself.
Keep these things to yourself! You’re just friends! Remember that! Dear God, please remember that!
“Thank you.” He takes my hand and helps me into the car carefully. These heels are practically stilts. I’m praying I’ll make it through the evening without falling on my face.
“I’ve never been to a charity function before. What are they like?” I ask as Dimitri sets course for the Javits Center.
“Immensely boring.” He smirks, unbuttoning his suit jacket.
I glare at him exasperatedly. “And? What else? What happens at these events?”
“Speeches, dancing, auctions, usually really cheap food,” he lists off. “Nothing too exciting.”
“Sounds exciting to me.”
He looks at me, his brows creased in confusion. “I’ve never met someone excited to go to one of these. You’ve never been to formal functions?”
“No. Well, other than when I was your assistant, I haven’t.”
“What about weddings? Parties? Surely you did as a kid.”
“I’ve never even had a sleepover, Benjamin. Parties were a definite no.” I chuckle darkly, shaking my head.
“Why?”
“My uncle wouldn’t let me.”
“Why?” he repeats again, cocking his head to the side to observe me. I’m guessing he’s trying to read me as usual.
“I have no idea. The first time I asked, I was nine. He had me make his lunch and then go to my room. I didn’t eat that weekend.” I glance out the window, watching a woman trying to hail a taxi in a tutu. “After that, I didn’t ask anymore.”
“Hestarvedyou?” Benjamin’s gaze is horrified when I redirect my attention back to him.
