His Reverie (Reverie #1)(37)
“You’re a f**king liar, bro. That guy is all over your woman.” Michael pauses, scrutinizing me a little too closely. “Or are you two on the outs already?”
I shrug and look away, my gaze snagging on Reverie yet again. After going days without looking at her at all, now she’s all I can see. All I can hear. She’s treading water in the deep end, her hair slicked back from her face, water droplets still clinging to her cheeks. Glenn’s running around the pool like he’s ten and ready to do a cannonball right in front of her, which is probably what he’s planning to do.
Her gaze meets mine and she flashes me a little smile. A smile that says, look but don’t touch. Diamond studs sparkle in her ears and I wonder where the hell she got those.
Probably Daddy’s the one who got his precious baby girl earrings that could pay my rent for at least two years, maybe more.
How nice.
Her smile falters a little bit but she doesn’t look away and I can’t either. We stare at each other, even though Michael’s still talking to me and the obnoxious Glenn is yelling her name. She mouths ‘hi’ at me and gives me a little wave.
I look away from her and focus on Michael. “I decided you were right,” I say, interrupting him.
Michael’s eyebrows went up. “Yeah? That’s a first. No one ever thinks I’m right.”
I chuckle. Even when I’m thoroughly pissed off, this guy can still make me laugh. “Yeah well, in this situation you definitely are. She’s nothing but a goody goody virgin. I gave up on her.” The words leave a sour taste lingering in my mouth the moment I say them. Because I don’t mean it. I only gave up because I had to. And yeah, she might be a virgin, but I have a feeling it would’ve been real easy for me to show Reverie a thing or two. She would’ve been a more than willing participant. She melted every single time I got her in my arms…
But I’ll never know what could’ve happened because that is over and done with.
“You sure about that? You look kinda wound up. Not that I can blame you since Rev looks pretty damn hot in that bikini. Who knew she was hiding such a bangin’ body?”
Just like that, I go from appreciating Michael’s sense of humor to wanting to bash his face in. This isn’t good. I’m not the jealous type. I need to get my shit under control.
“I’m sure,” I say, my lips barely moving. Breathing deep, I tell myself to get a grip. Wanting what I can’t have is getting me nowhere. “Besides, look at her. She has a new guy to play with.”
“Please. Glenn Williamson has been coming here every summer with his parents since I’ve worked here. He chases after her for a few days, she tolerates him, they have fun but it’s nothing serious. That guy is a complete loser.” Michael makes a dismissive noise but it doesn’t ease the jealousy tearing up my insides.
I need to face facts. I’m not over Reverie. I still want her. Bad. So bad, I feel ready to beat some innocent dude’s face in just so I can prove a point. He needs to keep his hands off her.
“Come on, the party is gonna start in a little over an hour and they want us to finish arranging everything over at the tent,” Michael reminds me.
I follow him away toward the rose garden, keeping my gaze straight ahead versus looking at the pool one last time. But I can feel her eyes on me, watching as I leave. I wonder if she’s flirting with that guy on purpose. Does she want to drive me crazy or is she innocent in all of this? I’m not sure.
She’s unpredictable. That’s half the reason I’m attracted to her.
A tent for the small dinner party they’re having in celebration of Reverie’s birthday has been set up in the garden. A long table awaits inside, lavishly set with a deep pink tablecloth and a scattering of lit votive candles. A local florist brought in colorful arrangements that run down the entire center of the table. There’s even a freakin’ chandelier hanging from the highest point of the tent, casting a rich golden glow that makes the entire setting look like something out of a fairytale.
I bet Reverie is going to love it. She seems like the type of girl who still believes in the fairytale.
Michael and I need to do a few little things to prep for the dinner, including set up the torches around the tent and light them, then wheel over the portable bar, which is a heavy son of a bitch. Once we’re done with that, we can head back to the pool to clean up and then we can make our escape.
Thank God. I’m ready to get the hell out of here. I can only handle so much torture before I’m pushed beyond my limits. And I’m pretty sure I already hit that mark a couple of hours ago.
We work silently, Michael and I. Even the people from the kitchen are quiet as they finish setting the table with the fancy china and making sure everything’s ready. All I can do is think about the birthday girl. I don’t know if I could stand watching Reverie at her special dinner. She’ll probably wear something amazing and look gorgeous. Her parents will shower her with more gifts. Stupid Glenn Williamson will give her something too. Something expensive and out of my reach and she’ll give him a big hug for it. Maybe even a thank you kiss.
My blood boils just thinking about it.
“Uh oh,” Michael utters under his breath.
“You two!” I hear hands clap twice, a sure sign that Valerie Hale has blessed us with her presence. “Hurry up! I don’t want you around when Reverie arrives.”