Page 50 of Without a Hitch
“Yes. You know,” she whispers conspiratorially, “Jefferson and I had our first kiss in the old Romantics section.”
“I’ll see if I can top it,” Blaine murmurs to my neck, then lifts his head to speak to Audra. “That’s very…dreamy.” He’s so condescending! I elbow him in the gut, and he adjusts his attitude for Audra’s benefit. “Congratulations again, Audra. If you’ll excuse us, I’ll be stealing Abby away for a bit.”
“Have fun.” She wiggles her fingers, and Blaine wraps an arm around my back. His hand falls on my opposite hip, and he uses it to guide me.
“You know, you could have asked if I wanted a tour.” I’m poking the beast, but I can’t stop myself.
He doesn’t reply with words, but he squeezes my hip before releasing it to take my hand instead. Lacing our fingers together, he’s leading me out of the ballroom when we’re interrupted.
“Mr. Blaine.”
Blaine stiffens almost imperceptibly, but I feel it because he’s attached to my hip. He turns us slowly. “John Ross,” he says with a practiced smile. His demeanor has changed, but he hasn’t let go of my hand. “How are you? I didn’t realize you knew the Foundrys.”
The older man smiles but gives nothing away. “For years. I went to prep school back in the day with Audra’s father. She’s my goddaughter. I can say I’m surprised to see you here, though I have heard wonderful things about your date from Audra.”
I smile pleasantly at the uncomfortable exchange.
“Ross, this is Abby.” Blaine stares at me just long enough to conveysomething, then returns his gaze to Ross. “My girlfriend.”
Oh, he is going to pay for this! I smile serenely even as a fire ignites in my core.
Ross’s eyebrows raise a fraction. “Girlfriend?”
“We’ve been together almost two years,” Blaine continues to lie. “But you know how it is to be in the public eye. We try to keep a low profile whenever possible.”
I should interrupt him. I should call him on this farce, but watching Blaine in action is too much fun. How far will he take this fib of his?
“Well, isn’t that…lovely.” Ross casts a questioning gaze my way. “Audra truly has said magnificent things about you and your…work,Abby.”
Oh, shit. John Ross knows my secret.
Now it’s Blaine’s turn to stare at me. So many lies. The skin on my neck prickles, and I feel my cheeks flush. I’d fan myself if they weren’t both watching me so closely.
“I’ll let you two get on with your night.” Ross turns to Blaine, but his gaze darts to mine every few seconds. “Why don’t you give me a call next week. I…” He hesitates, eyeing me like a Rubik’s Cube. He thinks he can solve me, but there’s always that one pesky color. It makes me want to laugh. I’m not that interesting, Mr. Ross. “Perhaps we can discuss your proposal in the coming months,” he finally settles on.
Now Blaine appears to be truly baffled, but I’m impressed with his quick recovery. “I’ll do that. Thank you. I think you’ll be pleased with what I can offer.”
“We’ll see. You two do make a very handsome couple. I’m pleased to see it. Have a great night,Abby.”
“You too, sir.” When he’s out of earshot, I turn on Blaine. “What the hell was that? Your girlfriend? One quick fuck, and you grew feelings?”
“I don’t fuck quick,” he bites out. “And I’m incapable of feelings, remember? But thank you for going along with that. You may have just saved my ass with a deal I’ve worked on for two years.”
Blaine tugs his earlobe and then pulls on the bottom of his vest. I notice he’s always straightening his appearance. What would happen if I just…messed him up a little? His eyes narrow like he can read my thoughts, and my body preens like a peacock.
“Huh. I guess I should be rewarded, now, shouldn’t I?”
His eyes turn molten, and he pulls me deeper into the room until we’re standing in front of a security guard.
Blaine nods. “I’ll be taking a private tour tonight. We’re not to be disturbed. Understood?”
“Perfectly.”
Blaine rubs circles on the top of my hand as he leads me behind a tall velvet curtain. The gentle movement is at odds with his harsh words and cold interaction with the poor guard.
“Aren’t you going to say thank you?”
“I’ll tip him well.”
