Page 25 of Good Girls Like it Dirty
His chest squeezed for a moment, and he blamed it on the alcohol fast-tracking his cells. They had a deal in place for a reason.
His phone buzzed with a text from Monique. I’m on my way.
He texted okay and put his phone aside. A few minutes later, Monique sashayed into the place holding a few bags, and just like he had expected, men and women discreetly watched her. His pulse pounded, because he knew the smile forming on her plump lips was for him. And the way she swayed her round hips as she walked, making those denim jeans a lot more sinful than they were made to be, was all for him. A possessiveness crawled over him, and he almost considered taking her out of the restaurant altogether. She smiled at him, her eyes locking onto his, silently telling him she only wanted him. Passion roared through him, making him feel…
Stupid. Don’t think about this now. He stood and pulled a chair next to him. As she came closer, her feminine scent swirled around him, doing a number on him. They stared at each other, her smile reaching her beautiful green eyes. His cock strained against his pants, and he decided to sit down after her so he wouldn’t be so obvious.
Someone cleared their throat—possibly Emma—reminding him to introduce Monique officially to the group.
“Monique, this is my buddy Nico, and my other sister, Emma,” he said, gesturing with his hand.
A glint of male appreciation flickered in Nico’s eyes, and Zaine curled his fingers into a fist. Maybe that clocking will happen sooner ratherthan later. “Conpiacere,” Nico said with that annoying Italian accent he used whenever he wanted to impress the ladies. “My pleasure. I’ve heard so much about you I feel like I already know you.”
“It’s not all true,” Monique said, winking at him. “Nice to meet you,” she said, stretching her hand to Emma.
“Hey.” Emma took her hand. “Megan really liked you. And she said you have a way with babies, so of course somehow our mother’s already been given the 411 about you.”
He rolled his eyes at his sister, slowly shaking his head, hoping he didn’t have to blackmail her so she’d shut up.
“Her baby is easy,” Monique said quickly and, thank God, dismissively. “What’s everyone drinking?”
“Simon and I are hosting a dinner next week. Do you guys want to come?” Emma asked as Monique finished her dessert. The happy hour had stretched into a lively dinner, and he, for once, had been pleased they all got along. Of course Zaine knew this meant Emma and Megan would pester him about the end of the relationship once Monique returned to France, but at least the impromptu dinner hadn’t been awkward in any way.
A flutter of excitement moved through him. Actually…quite the opposite. Monique held her own and took Emma’s teasing in stride. If she continued to live in LA, and they dated, he could see them meeting his family and Nico for dinners more often.
Don’t go there, a voice inside him warned. She’s not staying here. She’s too young and deserves to have the future she’s dreamed about. No way would he hook up with someone who didn’t know what she wanted and make the same mistake he’d made with Ashley. Wishing she truly wanted to build a family, a life with him didn’t mean she felt the same way.
“We can’t. We’re going to Hawaii,” he said.
“Are you going to the Annick party you mentioned some time ago? The one Doug is also attending?”
“Yeah,” Zaine said. Darn it. The sooner he straightened out things with Ashley, the better. Maybe Doug would still try for the bid, but without her backing his chances would diminish significantly.
“Is that for the hospital wing you want to name after Zachary?” Emma asked, her voice softer, and her brows came together in a compassionate expression.
He ran a hand down his face, suddenly feeling all their eyes on him. “We’ll see.” He’d mentioned building the wing to honor his twin brother to his sisters once, how he’d love to name the cancer wing of a successful hospital after him. They’d both loved the idea, but he hadn’t bothered to keep them updated, not until he knew he’d nailed the deal. Zachary hadn’t been a famous pianist, even though he had loads of talent. He would have loved to see his name somewhere, especially if that meant in an effort to help sick children.
“Who’s Zachary?” Monique asked.
“He was our brother, and Zaine’s twin. We lost him a couple of years ago,” Emma said.
“I’m so sorry.” Monique lightly stroked his forearm.
He didn’t want her pity, but settled for nodding and changed the subject. However, her eyes watched him the entire time, and he assumed she wanted to know more. When they said goodbye to Nico and Emma, then walked to the valet station, she said, “This trip to Hawaii means a lot then. It’s your chance to wow that lady and convince her to give you the project.”
He gave the valet the ticket, and the young man with tattooed arms quickly moved away from them to grab the car. Zaine glanced at Monique. “Yes.”
Quickly, the valet reappeared, driving his Lamborghini and parking it in front of them. Zaine opened the door for Monique, tipped the man, and then slid inside to find her still watching him, probably waiting for more. “What?” he asked, clasping the steering wheel.
“Why didn’t you tell me? You made me think it was a regular business trip.”
“It didn’t occur to me. I didn’t think it’d matter either way.”
“You know…if this thing between us is going to continue, you need to be honest with me. I won’t write a tell-all book about you, or conspire against you with your ex-wife. I have the right to know what goes on, though. I can’t stand deceit.”
“Fair enough.” He guessed he’d been without someone caring about what went on for so long, he didn’t think she’d mind. But she did mind… He kept his focus on the road, and stepped on the accelerator a tad harsher than needed. This whole sex-for-money charade would be a lot easier if she had no heart.
…
