Page 74 of Drop Shot
Elias’s eyes flash with anger. “I’d never let him fire you. You’re too important.”
My stupid heart leaps at his words which is ridiculous. I know he means I’m important for what he needs, not that I’m important to him.
With a sigh, he says, “All right, let’s say he’s watching. Let’s give him a show, all right?”
He waits for my nod before he stands and moves his plate closer to mine. Next comes his chair. A second later he plops down in it, so close that our arms touch, nearly flush.
“I’m so in love with my girlfriend”—he murmurs huskily, lips brushing my ear with every word— “that I can’t help but get closer.”
I lean in, brushing my nose against his. Maybe it’s my imagination but I do feel like we’re being watched.
“That’s good.” He brushes gentle fingers over my cheek. “Look at us. So in love.”
“Mhm,” I hum, my eyes closing. I hate that every part of me wants to kiss him again.
“Can I kiss you?”
I’m pretty sure my heart stops all together. I freeze, lips parted in shock.
“Did you hear me, Whim?” His fingers softly graze my arm. “Can I kiss you?”
My breath leaves me in a shaky exhale. The urge to ask why is on the tip of my tongue—but of course I know why. We need to put on a show.
“Okay.”
He cups my cheek gently, thumb grazing my bottom lip before he leans in and gives me a tender kiss. It’s warm and delicate and perfect and over all too soon.
He pulls away, a tiny smile tugging at his lips.
We eat our dinner and when we’ve cleared our plates, I expect that to be it but then Elias orders dessert. I’m not a huge fan of sweets but I enjoy it.
When he’s paid for the meal, he offers me his hand and guides me outside into the dark street. Music plays from nearby, the air filled with laughter and happiness. He squeezes my hand.
“Want to check it out?” He nods in the direction of the music.
I follow his gaze. “Are you sure? It’s late. Aren’t you tired?”
“I’m okay,” he assures me, straightening his shoulders. “It’ll be fun.”
I let him lead me toward the source the of the noise and we find a large open space where people are gathered—some sitting on benches, some at nearby café tables, and others dancing along to the music.
“Come on, Whim, what do you say? Dance with me?”
His infectious smile is impossible to resist. “All right.” He tugs me further into the plaza, joining the area where others dance. “I’m not a good dancer,” I warn him.
“Lucky for you, I’m fantastic.”
I roll my eyes. “Always so full of yourself.”
“When you’ve got it, you’ve got it.” His hands settle on my waist, and I look around nervously. Everyone dances with such effortless ease. No one’s stiff or self-conscious. They move with the beat like it’s engrained. The warm press of Elias’s thumb on my chin forces my gaze back to him. “Don’t worry about them. It’s just you and me out here. All right?”
I nod.
“Good girl.”
His hand settles back on my hip and he guides me gently to the beat of the music.
“That’s right. Just like that.”
