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)
“Time to go home, beautiful.” The term of endearment slips out.
“But I’m having fun!”
My lips twitch but I don’t want to encourage her, so I hold back a laugh. “And it’s a good idea to leave while you still are.” I hook my arm around her waist and when Kaylee turns, I grasp her arm. “Tell me you two didn’t drive here,” I say.
“We each took a rideshare,” Kaylee replies.
They wouldn’t be going home the same way. I don’t want either tipsy woman alone with a stranger driving them. “I’ll take you both home.”
“You’re such a good guy.” Rainey leans into me. “I accept your offer. Right, Kaylee?”
“Ummm. Think Tristan wants to drive me home?” she asks on a giggle, and I realize she’s more wasted than I thought. She’d never admit to those feelings sober.
“Let’s go. I’m the only ride you two are going to get tonight.”
Kaylee wobbles on her heels, following me off the dance floor and through the club while Rainey obediently clings to my arm. I stop by my office to lock it up, then lead the women out to my car.
“I’ll take the back seat!” Kaylee says too loudly in my ear.
“I’ve got the front.” Rainey releases my arm, and I manage to open the back door for Kaylee and then the front for Rainey.
I don’t think either woman is at the going-to-puke stage, but I send up a prayer anyway.
I ask for their addresses and since Kaylee lives closer, I decide to take her home first. On the drive, both women are quiet. A glance in the rearview mirror and I see Kaylee asleep, her body leaning over and her head at an awkward angle.
To my right, Rainey is snoring lightly, her head tipped backward. I take in her lovely profile, her pert nose with freckles across the bridge, and the pouty lips I always find hard to resist. Also, as usual, I wonder what her mouth would taste like. Thank God I pull up to Kaylee’s apartment building before a groan escapes the back of my throat.
I park the SUV and climb out. Once I walk Kaylee to the door, sign in with the doorman, and make certain she gets inside safely, I head back to deal with my final passenger.
I slide into my seat and shut the door.
“Hi,” Rainey says from beside me. “I appreciate you driving us home.”
“I didn’t think either of you belonged in a rideshare with a stranger.”
She nods. “I’m much more sober than I was. I’m sorry if you had to go out of your way.”
I shake my head as I start the car. “I’m not, and even if I were, it’s not a big deal.”
“It is.” She grows silent as I drive toward her apartment building and pull up in a circular driveway. After cutting the engine, I reach for my door handle. “You don’t need to get out,” she says.
“I’ll walk you to your apartment.” My tone brooks no argument.
Despite her saying she’s sober, I’ve kept an eye on her for most of the night, and I don’t want her tripping as she walks. Or maybe I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.
She wrinkles her nose at me but finally lets out a sigh. “I know better than to argue with a determined man.”
I chuckle. “I take it you have a lot of experience.”
“Have you met my father and brothers?” she asks with a smile.
I step out of the vehicle and round the back, then hold the door open and extend a hand so she can more easily get out. I shut the door behind her and press the handle to lock the vehicle.
We walk toward the building and use the revolving door, stepping out into a white-and-gray marble lobby. I live a couple of buildings down the road, also on the ocean, and had no idea Rainey and I were within walking distance of each other. Given that we’ll probably be working together, is it too close for comfort? Doesn’t matter. I’m in it no matter what.
“Hi, Carl,” Rainey says to the concierge. “Lucas is leaving his SUV out front. He’s just going to walk me up to my apartment.”
He nods. “No problem, Ms. Dare.”
I place my hand on her lower back, and a subtle tremor runs through her at my touch. I clench my jaw and look straight ahead as she guides me toward the elevator. Though my palm presses against her dress, I swear I feel her body heat on my skin.
Once inside, she taps the PH button and steps away, placing her back against the wall so she’s facing me. I’m not surprised she lives in the penthouse. She comes from old money and a father who would insist she has the best.
“I looked at this building before I bought my place,” I tell her.