Page 21 of The Prince's Game
I grabbed his shoulders for support as my legs threatened to buckle.Holy shit. The man was potent. His hot touch trailed over my jawline and neck and then continued the journey down my left side. When his palm met my hip, the arm around my back guided me into an angle to hide his actions. Those clever fingers removed the slender device from his pocket and slid it into mine without screwing up our beat or detracting from the kiss.
I smiled against his lips, impressed. “Nice.”
“Glad you approve, Miss Summers.” He returned the grin and nipped my lower lip. The wickedness in those dark eyes sent butterflies to my lower abdomen.The things I could do with him. . . Dancing was an aphrodisiac. A man who could move like him? It was my biggest weakness. We could go to bed anytime he wanted, and from the way he was looking down at me, the feeling was mutual.
“That was fantastic!” Paul exclaimed, spoiling the moment. Lost in those sinful eyes, I almost forgot about the cameras. “Sarah, darling, you’ve been holding out on me.” His tsk was unsettling, making me feel like a child.Thanks for ruining the mood, jackass.
“I’ll be by tomorrow night to discuss everything,” Evan whispered against my ear. “I’m going to get everyone a drink,” he said to Paul and let me go.
He walked into the bar, leaving me on the receiving end of several female glares. My skin went from hot to cold. I loved to dance, but I hated being the center of attention. Not that I regretted it. Evan’s skills left me craving to see his rhythmic talents applied to the bedroom. I kept my head high despite the snide comments rolling through the air. My favorite was the one about my oral skills.
“No wonder he needs a drink. I would want to wash the taste out of my mouth, too, after that. She practically ate his face.” It was Georgiana who said it. She flipped her brown hair over one shoulder and gave me the look of death, while Amber eyed me with newfound interest. I was becoming a competitor. Not that any of the feelings between us were real beyond lust. A few nights in bed together would scratch that itch.
“That was hot.” There was a look of envy in Patty’s ebony gaze, but her tone was light. “And I totally hate you.”
“Me too.” Lily grinned. “But only a little.”
“Aw, thanks, guys.” I did a girly twirl, pretending to celebrate sharing a moment with Evan. It elicited more glowers from the group.Oh well. The hot kiss alone was worth the scorn, but I also got a phone out of it. I’d call Rachel as soon as I got a moment alone.
11
Contract Review
“What the hell are you thinking?” Evan must have given Rachel this phone number so she would know it was me calling. She sounded thrilled to hear from me.
“Hi to you, too, Rach.”
“Have you lost your fucking mind? Two months, Sarah. Nine flippin’ weeks. That’s how long you have to stay on that show just to refuse his proposal. You’re giving up sixty days of your life for a man you don’t even know. A rich, powerful man who could easily throw you under the bus. Not to mention you’ll be giving no notice to Stern and Associates, so say good-bye to any good recommendations from them to future employers. When exactly did you become Abby?”
“Okay, ouch.” I pulled my shirt over my head and threw it on the bed. It was close to midnight thanks to the after-date interviews Paul made us sit through. I dialed Rachel’s number as soon as I shut the door because I knew she was waiting for my call. “You realize he could keep me here against my will, knowing I would turn him down in the end, right? At least I get something out of it.”
“You could leave and sue his ass. Hello, you have an attorney for a best friend.”
I snorted. “The same best friend who legally advised me to do the show because it would ruin my reputation otherwise?”
“Well, there’s that, but this is insane. You don’t know anything about him.” Rachel’s distrust in powerful men was what drove her concern more than anything else, which was why I jumped to the point.
“Is it a good contract or not?” I asked, pulling off my jeans.
“Oh, of course it’s brilliant. There’s a reason Evan has Garrett Wilkinson on retainer. The man drew up the contract himself, and I’ve gotta say, he’s more than earned his nickname on this one.” It took a lot to impress Rachel, and her tone indicated Garrett had her respect.
“What’s his nickname?” I asked, curious.
“The Devil. It’s not original, but it’s deserved. He’s charming, sly, and manipulative as hell. The contract he drafted is solid and protects Evan in every way imaginable. I’m begrudgingly in awe of it.”
“I’ll be sure to pass on your sentiments,” said a deep voice from her end of the line.
“Yeah, and speaking of charming”—her sarcasm was palpable—“did you have to send Evan’s cousin to hand deliver the contract? He hung around my office all day. Just lounged on the couch like he owned the damn place.”
I paused in the process of pulling on a tank top. “Are you still at work or at your apartment?”
“You sure are cute pacing around in those stockings, darlin’.”
“Oh, do be quiet,” Rachel snapped, making me laugh. Knowing my best friend, she was roaming around in her sheer tights and skirt suit. From the amusement in Will’s voice, he was enjoying the show. Most men would. “It’s not funny, Sarah.”
“Actually it is, but you didn’t answer my question.” Because the other comment wasn’t meant for me.
“My apartment,” she grumbled. “He stalked me the entire way here.”
