Page 57 of Mistlefoe
It’s not acting, though. If I really was her boyfriend, I’d be desperately seeking skin right this second.
“You might want to reciprocate for the audience,” I murmur.
“You’re right.” Clearing her throat, Sierra twists in my embrace until she can free one arm. Next thing, her hand slides into my back pocket and gives my ass a little squeeze.
I’m proud to repot I manage to keep a moan in check. Somehow.
The caterer meets us at the counter, takes one look at how Sierra and I are suddenly fused to each other, and fortunately decides not to blow our cover. “So, how did you like it?”
I like it. Very much. I don’t even want to drop the act.
“The food was even better than advertised,” Sierra says smoothly, if a little throatier than usual. “No notes from me. What about you, Conor?”
“No, it was perfect. The eggnogs from earlier too,” I manage to add at the last second. We sampled the drinks first since they contained alcohol, and I’m driving us back to the office after this.
“Fantastic, then we’ll proceed with the order as we agreed.”
After a few more pleasantries and handshakes, we head out of the store still touching. Her walk squeezes my hand slightlyin the crease of her upper thigh and hip as she walks, and I’m pretty sure the palm of her hand has a perfect map of my gluteus maximus now.
At the door, I pause to glare over my shoulder and sure enough, the blonde woman is gaping at us like she’s never seen a more shocking sight in her life. The man beside her is stuck in a conversation and if that’s the level of attention he typically gives her, I figure she’s already got the punishment she deserves.
It physically hurts to tear myself away from Sierra so we can jump in my truck. The silver lining is that since the walk was basically non-existing because we parked right out front, I didn’t need to put on my jacket and the freezing air keeps my boiling blood in check.
Still, since Sierra is deathly quiet inside the truck, I ask, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I guess.” She props up her elbow on the window and glances out of it as I drive us out of the parking lot. “I’m just annoyed at myself that I had to drag you into it just so I could save face.”
“Er, don’t worry about me.” Especially not when I enjoyed it so damn much, which actually makes me a complete douchebag. “I’m sorry, though. I feel like I took it too far.”
“You didn’t.” She expels a big breath. “In fact, you saved me from leaping over that tiny table and pulling at her hair. How did you know exactly how to get her to back off?”
“I know her type. I dated one just like her.” Sierra whips around to stare at me and I’m glad that traffic keeps my eyes off what no doubt is disgust on her face. “I know, I’m not exactly proud of myself.”
“Huh. How did that even happen? That’s not the kind of woman I’d picture for you.”
It’s just on the tip of my tongue to ask her who she imagines me with, and see if her answer matches mine. But this isn’tthe right time to feel her out. She’s obviously hurting and eager to steer the conversation away from that.
I’m happy to oblige, even if it’s at my expense.
“I was young and naive once,” I say, wrinkling my whole face in distaste at myself. “This hot, blonde woman approached me—and not any other player—and I caved right away. Ignored all the red flags waving in my face like the shithead I was.”
“Yikes.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” I tap the steering wheel with my thumbs as I keep driving. “She dumped me right after the accident, when it was clear I’d never play again.”
“Oh, wow. What a dirtbag. I’m so sorry, Conor.”
“Me too, especially because Gramps could see all along what kind of vain creature I was dating.” I clear my throat, embarrassed as hell. “Anyway, this Blondy or whatever reminded me of Nikki, and all Nikki ever cared about was showing off, so…”
“Well, thank you for thinking fast.” She makes a pause and speaks quietly, “Although I’m really sorry you had a Brandy in your life, too.”
We’re stopped at a red light, so I turn to her. I lick my lips, bracing myself for what I’m about to say. “You know, I used to be real sour about her but this whole thing made me realize something.”
“What’s that?” Sierra blinks in confusion.
“That I can now recognize who’s worth keeping around and who isn’t.” I search her face for any clues that she understands the meaning behind my words, but she gives me nothing. She could win a poker tournament on her expression alone.
I decide not to push it further. There are other ways to show her I’m going wild about her. I just need to have patience.
