hide the sensual curve of her breasts. It’s held in place by nothing more than two sashes crossing just above the swell of her chest to tie around her neck.
One tug of the knot at her nape and she would be naked in front of me.
“Explain to me how you managed to sneak a computer into the hotel wearing that.”
A frustrated growl. “I snuck it in earlier today and rented the room using the trust account my parents left me. Every once in a while, I have a half hour when I can sneak away and get some work done, and you happen to be ruining this one.”
So devious, this girl.
She deserves a conspirator.
My eyes lock to hers again. “Why only a half hour?”
“Because I know at some point Grant will notice I’m gone. I’d stay away longer if I could.”
Stepping forward, I stand close enough to send a shiver down her body, but not close enough to touch. “Do you happen to have the burner phone on you?”
She looks away, but I tip my finger at her chin and tilt her face to mine. “I’ll take that as a yes, and even refrain from asking why you’re still carrying it around with you.”
Her cheeks flame.
“Why don’t I keep an eye on Grant, and I’ll text to let you know when and if he looks for you?”
Surprised excitement fills her eyes. “You’d do that for me?”
What the fuck am I agreeing to?
“Yes, but you’ll owe me for it.”
“Owe you what?”
The barest tilt to my lips as I lean forward to whisper against her ear. “Don’t worry about that. I happen to think you’ll be very agreeable when the time comes to pay up.”
The blush chases down her body, pale skin turning pink as my lips brush her cheek. She turns her head so that our mouths come within a teasing inch.
I step back to deny her that kiss.
She can fucking wait for it.
“Keep your phone where you can see it. I’ll send word if you’re missed.”
Without giving her a chance to respond, I leave the room and walk down the hall, an image in my head of how flushed she’d been before I left.
I have no problem doing Adeline the favor by distracting her husband, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the game.
After making my way back to the ballroom, I weave through the small groupings of people, nodding politely to those I pass, not recognizing any of them, thank fuck.
Being a social creature is exhausting, and the likelihood that I’ll meet one or two of these people in a less-than-social situation later on in life is high. But that’s how it is when your world is built on money. The minute someone threatens it, they’re taken out.
By me.
So, it’s best I keep as low a profile as possible.
Grant stands in a grouping of four men when I finally find him, his mouth flapping a mile a minute until he catches sight of me and waves me over.
Slapping my shoulder as I step up, he turns to his buddies and makes the introductions. I forget all their names as soon as he says them.
“Are you enjoying the party, Harrison?” His eyes flick down to my empty hands. “Where’s your drink? Let me grab someone.”
Snapping his fingers at a server who passes, he orders me a vodka and cranberry. I roll my fucking eyes that he remembered, but smile regardless because I’d created my own personal hell the second I decided to get involved with Adeline. I feel obligated to suffer the consequences.
Green eyes back to me. “You didn’t bring a date?”
“No, and I missed the dinner beforehand. My apologies for that. I had an unexpected business meeting. You know how it is.”
The truth is I intentionally skipped it for two reasons.
One, because Adeline put me down for the vegetarian option, and I wasn’t about to force that down my throat. And two, I was sure she’d stuck me at a table with the most obnoxious people she could find, because she’s a monster and that’s what she does.
“Don’t worry about it,” he answers, a fake smile on his face as he turns to his friends. “Gentlemen, let me tell you how hard Harrison is to nail down as an investor. I’ve been chasing him for several weeks now.”
The server comes back over and hands me my drink. I smile to take it from his hand, but refuse to pretend to drink it.