“Here you go.” The hostess stops at an open door that leads to a small dining room, the interior done in cool greens and blues. Gage lets me walk in first, and I spot them sitting at the table. I smile nervously at Archer and his fiancé. Gage’s freaking sister.
God help me, I hope I don’t make a fool of myself in front of her. I want her to like me.
It doesn’t matter if she likes you or not. You’re not looking for a relationship with Gage. You’re having dirty, awesome sex with him. Nothing more, nothing less.
I really wish I could believe that.
Plus, I need to focus on what I really want out of this dinner. A chance to gain exposure for the bakery and my aunt’s desserts by having them featured at his hotel. That’s what matters tonight.
Gage rests his hand at the small of my back, his simple touch making my heart hammer. I watch helplessly as Archer stands and approaches us, a warm smile on his handsome face as he stops in front of me. He’s wearing a suit, just like everyone else in this restaurant save for me and Gage, and he’s intimidating despite the friendly expression.
“Marina, it’s wonderful to see you.” Leaning in, he presses the requisite society kiss to my cheek. “You’re looking ravishing tonight.”
Oh. God. I want to die. He is so close to the truth it’s embarrassing. Does he know Gage ravished me? Can he tell? Am I wearing a flashing sign on my forehead that screams freshly f**ked?
Gage’s low chuckle doesn’t help matters either. If he doesn’t watch it, he’s going to end up with an elbow in the ribs.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice shaky, and I clear my throat. “So glad you’re able to have dinner tonight with us, Archer. I know it was last minute.”
“Anything for Gage.” He flashes him a quick, smug smile. “I may think he’s a complete ass**le, but considering he’s going to be my brother-in-law in less than a year, I guess I need to start thinking of him as part of my family.”
“Oh, stop being so rude.” His fiancé approaches us as well, her expression open. Friendly. Curious. “I’m Ivy. Gage’s sister. You must be Marina.” She extends her hand toward me.
“Nice to meet you,” I offer weakly, overwhelmed as she takes my hand and shakes it. I don’t want to screw this up, and I’m going to if I don’t watch it. I can barely keep my crap together as I stand before these two people.
I need to chill out.
Ivy’s wearing a red wrap-style dress, looking effortless and elegant, and again I feel like an idiot in my jeans. I blame working at the bakery for my lack of dressy clothes. I have them, I just don’t bother wearing them much anymore. I’m always in jeans.
Though Gage doesn’t seem to mind me in jeans . . .
We all sit at the table, Archer and Ivy resuming the spots they occupied and Gage and I sitting across from them. The table is small, the setting intimate, and I keep my gaze on the place setting in front of me, trying to calm my racing heart.
Gage settles his hand on my back, reaching up to tickle at the sensitive skin of my nape. I jerk my gaze toward him, giving him a look I hope he can interpret: one that says stop touching me.
He doesn’t seem to get it. Clueless bastard. Instead he’s smiling at me, as if he enjoys my slight discomfort, and I grimace at him, my breath catching in my throat when he laughs at me.
“Why are you so worked up?” he asks after the waiter sweeps out of the room with our drink orders. “You seem upset.”
“I’m not upset.” I glance toward Archer and Ivy, who are arguing over what to order for dinner. God, they’re cute. “I feel woefully underdressed compared to everyone else in this stupid restaurant.”
His smile turns wicked as he leans in closer, his voice lowering. “Baby, when we were in my car just a few minutes ago? Now that was woefully underdressed.”
His words set my cheeks on fire, and he chuckles, shaking his head. “One minute you’re the sexiest, most naked thing I’ve ever seen, and now you’re blushing like a sweet schoolgirl.”
“There’s no such thing as ‘most naked,’ Gage,” I say irritably, earning a bigger grin for my effort. “You’re either naked or you’re not.”
“Well. You were very naked.” He kisses my cheek. Again. It’s like he can’t stop touching me, not that I’m protesting. “And right now? You look amazing.”
I feel my cheeks heat further, which is silly. Three simple words and my heart is hammering. He touches my elbow, my back, tucks my hair behind my ear, and I want him to touch me more. I think he sees it too. His knowing smile—which I should find completely annoying—instead sends a shivery little thrill down my spine.
“You don’t think I should be wearing a dress?” Why am I acting like a simpering, self-conscious girlfriend? I need to stop.
His gaze roves over me, taking me all in, and my skin heats as if he’s physically touched me. “I think you look perfect,” he says when his eyes finally meet mine, dark and serious and so intense I can hardly look away.
Oh. My. What is happening between us? I don’t . . . don’t know what comes over me when I’m with him. He’s acting like he’s truly interested in me and I . . . just don’t think that’s possible. Sexually, we’re compatible. But two people can be in a sexual relationship that doesn’t go beyond that point, right? Not that I’ve ever experienced anything like that, but I know people do it all the time.