Page 23 of The Innovator

We all sat back down at the table, but I was too unsettled.

“If that jerk stayed another second, I would’ve called the police,” Michelle said.

“What if he comes back for you?” Audri asked.

“He won’t. Rafael won’t want his family’s name dragged through the mud. They don’t like the bad press. Image is everything to them.”

I tried my best to convince them Adonis wouldn’t return, but I feared he might. If only I knew what he wanted with me, then I could ensure I didn’t have it so he’d leave me alone. I didn’t need him to become another obstacle in my life.

I sat half-listening to my friends and half-wondering what Grayson and his ex-girlfriend were talking about. He turned and leaned against the counter, crossing his arms, and met my gaze while still chatting with Gisele. My body shivered, sighed, and shivered again as though it was having some weird conversation with him from a distance. A tingle slithered down my body, making me aware of its movement like a seductive whisper against my skin.

I broke the gaze because my body couldn’t take it anymore.

A few minutes later, Grayson brought over a tray of various drinks and a plate of pastries. “Enjoy.”

Audri looked up at her brother. “Why are you here tonight?”

“Supporting a friend’s business.” He took a mango tea drink and offered it to me. “Heard this was delicious.”

“Thank you.” I took the drink from him, and our fingers touched. A zap of energy raced down my fingers and straight to my center. Maybe the event had heightened my senses. Everything he did to me, I felt it in the extreme. “I’ll take it home to try.”

Grabbing my bag filled with dirty clothes, I got up and prepared to leave.

Gisele strode over and stood right next to Grayson, beaming. “What do you think of my drinks?”

“They’re wonderful. I’ll definitely be back.” Kiera smiled.

“I agree.” Michelle finished her drink and took another from the tray Grayson had brought over.

“I’ll take this home for Remi to try.” Audri chose a melon drink. “This is a fantastic shop, Gisele. Congratulations!”

“It’s a lovely place, and your drinks are delicious.” I lifted the mango drink to her.

“Thank you!” She placed a gentle hand on Grayson’s arm. “I’m so happy you made it.”

“Congratulations on your venture, and I wish you all the success,” Grayson said.

While the girls and I discussed our next meetup, Gisele leaned into Grayson and whispered. “You busy tonight?”

“I’m busy.” Grayson offered her a warm smile.

“How about tomorrow?”

“Don’t you have this shop to manage?” he asked.

“I can always make time for you.”

His lips tightened. “My schedule is packed for the next few months.”

“When your schedule frees up, call me and we can catch up.”

He neither accepted nor declined.

Everyone said their goodbyes, and I left the shop, walking toward my car.

“Where are you parked?” Grayson strode beside me.

I looked up at him, surprised he wasn’t still chatting with Gisele. “Just over there in the lot.”

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