Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
As if she senses I’m thinking about her, Rainey’s name appears on the screen and I swipe to answer. “Hey, beautiful.” I pause at my words, then think, fuck it. I thought it so said it.
“Hi,” she says, and I wonder if it’s crazy to think I hear the blush in her tone.
“To what do I owe the call?” I’d rather hear her voice than read a text from her any day.
“I wanted to go over your meeting with Adam today.”
My stomach grinds at the man’s name, and I grip the phone harder in my hand. I’m looking forward to dealing with the guy who’s made Rainey’s life difficult and, if necessary, putting him in his place. “Don’t worry. I can handle him,” I assure her.
“I know you can,” she says, a lilt in her voice. Her faith in me feels good. “Listen, I already messaged him a list of the items that will be on display at the museum. He’s supposed to walk you around and show you the layout. He sent me a floor plan, and I’ll forward that to you. Anything you think needs changing, just let me know.”
“No problem.”
She sighs. “I just hate him thinking he’s got the upper hand, that I’m afraid to meet with him when that’s not it at all. I just don’t want him to think I’m sending him signals like I want to be with him. And he’s the type to take a normal business meeting and turn it into she wants to date me.”
In truth, I’m glad I’m going in her place. I don’t want her anywhere near the asshole. “He won’t think you’re afraid. Trust me, I’m going to handle him.”
“Thanks, Lucas. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”
“You’re welcome. Though I can think of a few ways next time we’re alone.” I smirk even though she can’t see.
“You’re a tease,” she says, breathing heavier into the phone.
“But you’re hot thinking about the possibilities, aren’t you?” I can imagine her on her knees, ready to part those luscious lips and suck my cock. Or, I have a real-life vision of her laying on the bed, legs parted, ready for me to feast.
She lets out a chuckle but it’s low and sexy. I hear the entry door open and see Tristan walk inside. “Okay, change of subject,” I tell her.
“How about the charity gala? Kaylee tells me it’s going to be a huge event and it should raise a good amount of money for the Foster Fundraiser.” She sounds excited by the prospect.
“I’m glad. I intend to make a large donation myself. I know how important it is to find families willing to take in kids. Especially the difficult ones. Like me.”
“My aunt Madison and uncle Alex taught me how important it is to give back. I admire them so much. Your parents, too.”
I smile. “Same. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them.” I pause to clear my throat. “Hey, want to be my date to the gala?” The words are out before I can stop them or think them through.
Silence follows and I’m left holding my breath while I wait for an answer. One, based on our agreement, I’m sure will be no.
“I’d love to. I want to. But we said we wouldn’t go out in public like a couple.”
Her first words mean more to me than any agreement we’ve made. “But we didn’t say we couldn’t be seen together as friends.”
“Good point, Mr. Carras. In that case, sure. Let’s go together.”
I feel like I won the lottery. “Great.” I pull my phone away from my ear and check the time, then return the phone to my ear. “Listen, I’ve got to go so I’m not late.”
“Good luck and thanks again.”
Forty minutes and a lot of traffic later, I arrive at the museum. The director sends me to the offices in the back. As I reach the hallway, a guy walks through the entrance, and I recognize him immediately from when Rainey brought him into the club. He has a preppy look with his blond hair and blue eyes. The arrogant tilt to his head is all his own.
“Adam,” I say.
“Lucas Carras?”
He’s been introduced to me before, but I play along. “Yes, that’s me.” I extend my hand for a shake, and he gives me the too-hard-trying-to-impress-me handshake that’s utterly ridiculous. He’s just pissed Rainey isn’t here and unsure of why she’s sending me, a man, in her place.
He adjusts his jacket. “I’m not sure why Rainey can’t do her job herself, but let’s get moving.”
“She’s busy,” I tell him, because I know better than to antagonize him with what I really want to say: You’re an asshole and she doesn’t want to be near you.
He frowns and walks to a separate section of the museum where there are empty cases waiting to be filled. “This is where we’ll hold the exhibition. I already sent Rainey a floor plan, so if you’re happy with the room, we can call it a day.”