Page 36 of Forbidden Bond

“I’ll tell Dany what you said. She owns a gallery downtown. You should check it out one day.”

A Malone walking into a D’Angelo establishment sounds like the beginning of a disaster.

“Maybe one day,” I echo, knowing I probably won’t.

Jameson probably would, though. He used to draw a lot before his mom passed away. I don’t think he has picked up a pencil since, but I know he loves art. Maybe I could convince him to go to a gallery with me. It might help him.

The thought of Jamie makes me sad and I sigh softly, looking up at Topher.

“I think I need a drink.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You don’t drink.”

“I don’t drink often,” I correct. “But I indulge on occasion. Come on, it’s just a few drinks,” I urge him, heading into his kitchen. “I know you’ve got some good stuff hidden somewhere.”

He leans against the doorway as I ransack his kitchen, looking for booze. I finally find a bottle of wine hidden in his cupboard.

“That’s expensive,” he says slowly.

“Perfect.”

“No, not perfect.”

He moves forward and grabs the bottle of wine. I pout as he returns it to the cupboard. “We’re not drinking that,” he says sternly.

I watch as he opens another cupboard, pulling out some whiskey.

“How about this instead?”

I nod in agreement. Then Topher’s eyes get that gleam they usually get when he’s cooking up something mischievous.

“Care to make this interesting, princess?”

“I’m listening,” I say cautiously.

“We can play a game. To get to know each other better. I ask you a question, if you don’t want to answer you drink. If you do answer, I drink, and vice versa.”

“And the purpose of this game?”

“I told you,” he says, grabbing some cups. “Getting to know each other better.”

I follow him out of the kitchen and into the living room, settling down on the couch.

“Is there a reason why we can’t get to know each other sober?” I ask.

“Why are you single?” He asks.

“Oh, so you’re asking personal questions, got it. On second thought, the game sounds great but take it easy.”

“Don’t worry, I promise not to do anything untoward.” His eyes flick over my face, causing my cheeks to heat.

“I would never sleep with you, Topher,” I say because, for some reason, I feel the need to clear that up.

“Careful, princess. That almost sounds like a challenge.”

“Let’s just play your stupid game.”

He pours each of us a cup. “I’ll go first. Something easy. Body count?”

---