Make Me Yours(61)

“You don’t say.” Stephen’s voice sounds bored. I slant my eyes at him, and he takes a sip of what I assume is vodka. “So you slept with him.”

He catches me mid-sip, and I almost choke on my wine. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?”

“What’s the point?” He half-heartedly pats me on the back. It’s okay. I’m not coughing much. “We’re all adults here. Don’t act like you’re shocked.”

“I’m not shocked.” I shrug my shoulder. “I guess I’m used to people being a little subtler with their digs.”

“It wasn’t a dig.” He eyes me up and down. “I appreciate you bringing him out of retirement. Remi was too young to lay down and die like he almost did.”

“I really don’t know what you mean.” My voice is quiet as I take a sip of wine. It pains my heart to think of Remi wanting to die. “We’ve only known each other about a month. Less than a month, actually.”

“So how’d you meet? Are you in tech?”

Inwardly, I cringe. I’m not sure how this confession is going to play out. “He hired me to be the nanny.” That sounds wrong. “To be Lillie’s nanny.”

Stephen chortles… yes, he literally chortles. “Classic. Remington’s sleeping with the nanny.”

The way he says it irritates me—probably because it’s the way I expect everyone to say it. “I only took the job to help him out. He was having some sort of conflict with his mother-in-law. It was very frustrating to him.”

“Eleanor.” Stephen nods, taking another sip. “Dragon lady.” My eyes narrow, and I try to decide if I’m offended. He doesn’t give me the chance. “Oh, please. Everyone’s so ready to get their panties in a knot these days. Eleanor’s not even Asian, but you know what I mean when I say it.”

I do know what he means.

“She can be a bit much.” My mind returns home briefly. “I’m going to have to resign. I don’t see how we can go back to having a platonic relationship.”

He turns, putting both elbows on the table. “In my experience, there’s no putting that genie back in the bottle. What will you do if you’re not Lillie’s nanny? Do you have another position waiting in the wings?”

Finishing my wine, I shake my head. “I have a master’s in social work. Before I started with Remi, I was a therapist at the clinic in town.”

“So you’ll go back to shrinking heads?”

“That’s not technically what I did. It’s not really what I want to do again. The idea was I’d figure it out while I worked for him.”

“Did you?”

I swallow the knot in my throat. “I got a little distracted.”

Confessing my lack of direction makes me feel irresponsible, guilty. The crowd is growing thicker, but through the bodies, I see my prince making his way toward us. His entire demeanor has changed. His eyes are bright, and a victorious smile is on his lips. Just the sight of him sweeps the dark feelings away.

“Good luck with whatever you decide, Miss Banks. I hope it works out for you.” Stephen leans down and air-kisses at my temple. “Thank you again for bringing my boy back from the dead.”

He leaves me to meet Remi in a handshake. “How’d it go?”

“I got him.” He passes Stephen and catches me around the waist, lifting me in a squeeze that turns into a spin. “You’re my good luck charm. It’s time to celebrate.”



Leave it to Remi to find a karaoke bar in walking distance of the gala. I’m sitting in a round vinyl booth in a dim-lit, brick-walled cellar, and he’s onstage belting out “She Believes in Me.”

He’s singing it with gusto, clutching his chest and going down on one knee for the final words, and I can’t stop laughing. It helps I’ve had several more glasses of wine.

Stephen is across from me grimacing, and when Remi returns to the table, he complains loudly. “That song is the musical equivalent of a Lifetime movie.”

“It’s Ruby’s favorite Kenny Rogers song.” He slides in beside me, kissing me long and hard on the mouth.

He even pushes my lips apart and goes for a little tongue action, which elicits more groaning from our companion.

“Time to call it a night.” Stephen stands, tossing some bills on the table and pointing at Remi. “I remember when you could hold your liquor.”

“I’m holding my liquor.” Remi grabs me by the waist and hoists me out of the booth. “You’re right, though. We have an early flight tomorrow. Time to head back to the hotel and get busy.”

“Oh my God,” I gasp a laugh.

“Good work tonight.” Stephen grasps him by the shoulder. “Glad to have you back in the game.”

They clasp hands, and we say goodnight, heading out to hail a cab. Remi dismissed the limo when we took off on foot to the hall. It takes a little time to maneuver the traffic all the way to Midtown, and I wish I’d worn walking shoes.

It’s a lie. I love these heels and this dress and Remi in a tux. I feel like a true Cinderella.

In the elevator, Remi holds me by the waist. “You’re sleeping over at my place again. Don’t argue with me.” He gives me a little tug, and I grin.