Owning Violet (The Fowler Sisters #1)(27)

“It’s fine.” She’s five minutes late, tops. No big deal. Funny how she acts like she’s committed an unforgivable sin. “I haven’t been waiting long.”

“Good.” The relieved smile she sends me makes my own lips curve without thought. “Are you ready?”

“Absolutely.” I take her elbow and steer her to the car, opening the door for her so she can climb inside. I let my gaze drop to her ass, watching the way the thin red material hugs her curves, and I quell the lust that rises within me as best I can.

But it’s difficult. Having her close, all of my senses focused on her and no one else, I feel almost overwhelmed—or more like a beast ready to rut. Not the usual experience I have when in the presence of a beautiful woman. They’re the ones who slobber all over me, not the other way around.

I climb into the backseat of the car behind her and pull the door shut, indicating to the driver that he should get going. We have less than fifteen minutes to get to our destination in time for our reservation and there’s no way we’ll make it. They won’t give up our spot, though. I guaranteed the small private room for Violet and me with my credit card. We’ll be alone all night. I’ll start working my magic on her the minute we’re behind closed doors and she’ll be ready and willing within the next few days, if not by the end of the night.

I’m that confident in my abilities.

“I can’t wait to see your ideas,” she says, her voice holding a tremor of excitement. She curls her hands together in her lap, her body angled toward mine. “I’ve been looking forward to this dinner all day.”

Her admission surprises me. Violet’s usually so reserved, holding her feelings, her opinions, close to her chest. But I think back on those emails we exchanged earlier. I read more into them and I think she did, too. I was taking a risk, sending her innuendo-filled emails. Not that I meant to at first. And given that she dumped Lawrence only last night, I’m surprised by her behavior.

But as I also observed last night, there’s more to Violet than meets the eye. I think she’s offering me a glimpse beneath all of those layers she keeps so carefully hidden. Makes me eager for her to reveal even more.

Much more.

“So have I,” I murmur, wishing I could reach across the center console and grab her hand. I’d probably shock the shit out of her if I settled her palm on my growing dick. Would she jerk her hand away, or curl her fingers around my cock and stroke me straight into oblivion?

I’m guessing the former. I’d bet good money she’s never given a hand job to Lawrence in a car. Maybe she’s never given him a hand job anywhere. I have no idea. Just thinking about her sex life with that * makes me want to punch his face in.

Grimacing, I stare out the window at the passing buildings, the sounds of the always noisy city soothing me. Reminding me of who I am and where I came from. Focusing on Lawrence gets me nowhere. Pilar would call this absurd feeling taking over me jealousy.

For once, I’d have to agree with her.

“Did you bring the photos?” Violet asks hopefully, pulling me from my thoughts.

“I did.” I point at the briefcase resting near my feet. Though this plan was partially calculated to help me get Violet completely alone, I’m also going to show her the inspirational photos my team and I found. Images that capture the idea behind Violet’s new cosmetics line and what she hopes it will represent to her buyers.

I just hope she likes what we’ve come up with.

“I spoke with Zachary,” she says out of nowhere, her voice hushed, her eyes huge. The lights from outside shine into the backseat, casting us both in shadow, but I can see that pretty face, those big, sad eyes. “He’s very angry with me.”

“He’s angry with you?” The nerve of this dickhead. He blows my mind. “Isn’t he the one we caught with Pilar?”

“He said it wasn’t what we thought. That they just …” Her voice trails off and she turns toward the door, staring out the window. “That they only kissed. Nothing else.”

If she really believes that, I have more problems than I thought. “Can I be completely open with you, Violet?”

She whips her head around, her gaze meeting mine once more. “Of course.”

“If he said they were only kissing, as in Pilar was kissing his dick, then yes, go ahead and believe him.” I don’t mince words and I can tell I shocked the hell out of her. I didn’t think those gorgeous brown eyes could get any larger. “Don’t fall for his lies. You’re too good for him.”

She clears her throat. “He also told me that if I had any interest in you, I’m crazy. That the only reason you would want to spend any time with me beyond work is because you want to use me to get ahead.”

He should know, considering that’s exactly what Lawrence did to her. “He makes you sound like a silly little girl who can’t think on her own.”

Violet’s quiet for a moment, as if she’s absorbing what I said. “You’re right. He does.” She stares straight ahead, her jaw tight, her lips thin. I can see the delicate line of her throat as she swallows and I want to rain kisses on the fragile skin there. Whisper exactly what I want to do to her in her ear.

Jesus, I have it bad.

“Don’t you want to prove him wrong, then?” I ask.