Page 120 of Faking it For Summer

She’s wearing a sheer silver dress that leaves nothing to the imagination. When I say nothing, I mean nothing. It’s quite obvious that she’s not wearing a bra because the gauzy metallic of her dress is see-through, and I can clearly see her nipples.

“Why, darling Luke, you look absolutely gorgeous,” she says as she reaches over and gives me a big hug, pressing her breasts against me. “And you smell divine.” She presses her nose against my neck.

“Well, it’s nice to see you as well, Talia,” I say, trying to be polite, taking a step back. “How are you doing?”

“I am absolutely loving the party. Your parents took on every suggestion that I gave them, and I think I’ve rather surpassed myself with this shindig, don’t you?”

“Well, it looks like a lot of people are having a lot of fun. It also looks like it costs a lot of money.”

“Well, well, you’re a Haverbrook. You guys don’t have to worry about money. At least that’s what Rex said.”

“He is in charge of the family business and the accounts, so he knows,” I say, nodding, not even wanting to think about it.

I hate the fact that I’m still irritated by the fact that Rex had taken over the family business without even having a conversation with me about my possible role. “So, have you thought about my suggestion?” she says softly.

“Sorry, I’m confused. What suggestion?”

“Did you not get my text message? I’m going to be in New York, and I don’t have a place to stay yet, and I was thinking maybe I could stay with you.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’s a good idea, Talia,” I say, trying to be polite.

“But I think we could have so much fun, Luke.”

“Well, as you know, I’m dating Mia, and?—”

“Oh, but she’s such a Goody Two-shoes with her bookmobile on the beach and her romance books and running around the island taking photos of tourists. Do you really want to be with someone like that, or do you want to be with a woman who you can have on your arm at dinner parties and who can discuss politics and the stock market? I bet you that Mia doesn’t even know what an index fund is.”

“I don’t care if she knows what an index fund is, Talia. She very much is the woman I need and want in my life.”

“If you say so, Lukey,” she says, shaking her head. “You don’t know what you’re missing—you know that, right?” She runs her fingers down the front of my shirt. “All those muscles wasted on her.” The disdain practically drips from her tone.

“Hi, sir. Here’s the pinot grigio and the beer that you wanted,” the bartender says from behind me, and I’m grateful that he’s finally shown back up.

“Thank you.” I take them from him and drop a twenty-dollar bill into the tip jar. “Well, it was good seeing you, Talia. I’m going to?—”

“Oh, I’ll come with you,” she says, cutting me off. “Let me say hello to the girls.”

“I’m sure you don’t have to do that.”

“I’d love to,” she says. “I’d love to see what little dinky dress Mia picked up from the local boutique. Probably something that the girls inLittle House on the Prairiewould wear.” She laughs loudly, but the sound is like a cackle to my ears.

“Okay, well, let’s go,” I say, walking back across the room to Mia and her friends.

Mia looks up, and I can see the way her expression hardens when she sees Talia.

“Hey, here’s your drink. Talia wanted to come and say hello.”

“I’m sure she did,” Mia says. “Hi, Talia.”

“Oh, well, look at that dress. It’s so cute, Mia. Let me guess—you got it at Walmart?” She cackles again.

I see Juniper’s expression change, and she looks like she wants to slap her. I watch Mia grab her friend’s arm and squeeze, and Juniper looks at her. Mia shakes her head, and Juniper releases a small sigh.

“No, I didn’t get it at Walmart, but thank you for admiring the dress.”

“Let me guess—Target?” Talia says.

Mia just shakes her head. “Nope.”