Page 13 of High Stakes

She looks at me like I’m the biggest idiot on the face of the planet.

“Come on, Tobias. We were inseparable. Just because you cut ties with him, doesn’t mean I did. Even before he took over my security, we still spoke. And just because he protects me doesn’t mean we aren’t still friends. We are. Lifelong. So why did you cut us both off the way you did?”

I scowl. Now is not the time for this conversation. I have my reasons for doing what I did, but I will not explain myself to her. Not now. Not ever.

“There were things at play that you know nothing of. I did what I had to do. But I’m back now and I need to speak to him. So, since you’re so buddy-buddy, why don’t you tell him to fucking answer my calls.”

It comes out harsher than I intend, and I close my eyes, silently kicking myself.

But she doesn’t respond, just twists her bracelet, and picks up her fork.

The rest of the meal is quiet, and my plans for dragging it out seem childish now. I tell the server we are skipping dessert and stand, offering her my hand.

She stares at it for a moment before reluctantly putting her hand in mine. A little gasp escapes her at the same time a spark of electricity zaps my fingers. It’s probably just static, but I’d like to think it was something more.

At the hotel, I offer my hand to assist her out of the car and push her against the side of it. I’ve been staring at those soft lips all night, and I want a taste.

“What are you doing?” Her question is forceful, but there’s a hint of curiosity in her tone.

Despite wanting a kiss, I’m not a monster. I won’t force myself on a woman who doesn’t want it.

“We’re getting married in a few weeks. It would be good to get used to kissing me. You’ll have to do it at least once when we say our vows.”

She puts a hand on my chest, and I think she might refuse. But she leans in and offers me her mouth. I stare at her for half a beat before I lower my head.

When my lips touch hers, I know I’m fucked. She’s soft and sweet, and I want to devour her, but I manage to show some restraint, and I keep the kiss short, but I make sure she feels it. I can’t resist lifting a hand to her cheek and brushing my lips to her forehead before I let her go completely.

To my surprise, she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me down again, initiating a second kiss. Still soft, her lips are inviting against mine, parting to let me in. There is an electricity between us as my tongue darts into her mouth. It’s unexpected and I want to take this further. But I’m already pushing my luck as it is.

Her cheeks are flushed as I pull away, and I regret ending the kiss instantly. In an attempt to salvage my gentlemanly facade, I offer her my hand. “Come up and have a drink with me?”

As soon as the question is out of my mouth, a blank expression falls over her face, and she straightens her shoulders as if the kiss didn’t faze her at all. “No, thank you.”

“Afraid you won’t be able to control yourself?” I tease.

Her eyes flash, and she adjusts her purse on her shoulder. “As fun as that was, I’d like to enjoy my freedom for another few nights if it’s all the same to you.”

So, it’s pure stubbornness keeping her from joining me. At least she thought the kiss was fun. I can work with that after we’re married. I put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re going to have to come to grips with the fact that your life is changing, love.”

“Find another name for me,” she snaps, jerking her arm from mine.

God she’s touchy about the weirdest things. I wish I knew why.

“OK, little vixen,” I murmur.

Her mouth opens as if to protest, but she snaps it shut again.

After another moment of awkward silence, she moves closer to the entrance. “I’m going to sleep. I have an hour tomorrow morning to do a quick photo shoot if you’re free.”

“I’ll be here,” I agree, giving her a little wave.

Before she can walk into the hotel, I call her name and she turns expectantly. “Where is your security?”

She smirks and waves her arm. “They’re around. If you haven’t spotted them, they’re either superb at their jobs, or you’re not so great at yours. Goodnight, Toby.”

Chapter four

Chapter 3

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