Dating Games(31)

“Guinevere,” he murmurs as he leans in, kissing my cheek, his lips lingering on my skin, turning the exchange from a friendly one into something more sensual. My heart seems to do backflips in my chest, his proximity overwhelming me. “You’re stunning.” He inhales deeply, a subtle moan escaping his throat on the exhale. “And you smell even better, if that’s possible.” He pulls back, his delectable smile disarming me. “I get the feeling with you, anything is possible.”

The innuendo in his tone sends a shiver down my spine. I remind myself of the list I’d made of conditions that must be in place for me to agree to this. No sex is right at the top. Perhaps I should add no sexual innuendos to that list.

Remembering my friends’ advice that I keep the ball in my court, I smile coyly, increasing the distance between us. “I thought you said you’d be wearing a suit. That’s more of a blazer and jeans.”

When he flashes a devious grin, I have to fight the urge not to jump on him and ride him until he erases every last trace of Trevor from my life. The old Evie would never think such a thing, but the energy buzzing between Julian and me is electrifying. Add in my sudden ability to only get off with the assistance of inanimate objects, and I’m on edge.

“Would you hold it against me if I admitted I lied just so you’d wear a dress?”

I pass him a demure look, batting my lashes. “You wanted me to wear a dress? Any reason for that?”

My breathy voice surprises me. Is this how people act in relationships? Like whoever they think the other person wants them to be? How will that work? Won’t they get tired of pretending to be someone else, causing the relationship to go up in flames?

Isn’t that what I’m doing with Trevor? Aren’t I trying to convince him I can be serious instead of wanting him just to love me for me?

“I’m staring at the reason for that.” Julian leans even closer, his breath dancing on my skin, intense, warm, thrilling. “You’re exquisite, Guinevere. And any man who couldn’t see what he had doesn’t deserve you.”

I meet his heated gaze, losing myself in the darkening blue. For a second, I almost believe his endearing words. Then I remember it’s all an act. He’s putting on a show, making my friends think this is a real date. He has no idea they know the truth. Stepping back before I do something I’ll regret, I glance to my right, Nora grinning at me.

“Julian… This is my other friend, Nora.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” he says, reaching for her hand and taking it in his. “Do you live here, too?”

“No. I live in Queens with my fiancé, but when Evie said she was moving out of her old place and needed our help, we were more than happy to take time off and lend a hand. It’s a worthy cause.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He shifts his gaze from Nora, looking between the three of us.

“Well, we should get going then, shouldn’t we?” I look to Julian.

“Where are you going?” Chloe demands, her tone surprising me.

“Chloe,” I hiss, furrowing my brow, an unspoken question as to the origins of the stick that now seems to be firmly shoved up her ass.

“It’s a fair question,” Julian responds with authority, not even batting an eye. “I’m sure you’re both skeptical about her going out with a guy she barely knows, but I promise, you have nothing to be worried about.” He adjusts his posture, the smile gone from his face. Now his expression appears all business. “I’m taking Evie to dinner at Maison Noir in Hell’s Kitchen. After that, I’ll bring her straight back here.”

“Or maybe you should take her back to your place,” Nora interjects, waggling her brows.

“Okay then!” I interrupt, nudging Julian toward the door. This is officially becoming more awkward than when I brought Trevor home to meet my parents. “Time to go! See you girls later.”

I hurry onto the stoop, wanting to get out of here before it gets even worse. However, I’m not used to the three-inch heels Chloe dressed me in and my ankle catches. Everything happens in slow motion as I try to right myself, but my weight is already crashing forward. Suddenly, I’m stopped mid-collapse, a pair of strong arms wrapping around me and pulling me upright. My heart is caught in my throat as I stand chest-to-chest with Julian, peering up into his eyes.

“Got ya.” His smooth voice sends a shiver through me.

“Thanks.” The safety of his embrace and passion in his gaze turns me into a blubbering fool, unable to form a coherent thought.

“I have a feeling you’re going to keep me on my toes.”

“Me, too,” I whimper.

He holds me a moment longer until he’s confident I have my footing, then releases me. I don’t say anything as he helps me inside an idling town car, a driver standing next to it. Once the door closes, giving me a moment to myself as he runs around to get in beside me, I blow out a breath.

I’m in deep trouble.





Chapter Thirteen





“Am I overdressed?” I ask as the car pulls up in front of a building in Hell’s Kitchen, Maison Noir etched on a gold plate next to a nondescript wooden door. The nearly thirty-minute drive through the typical Manhattan traffic was unnerving as I attempted to ignore the sizzling electricity between us.