those words yet. I take a deep breath, collecting myself. “We’re telling the world that we’re in a relationship now. We’re still us, just in different clothes, showing up at strategic places in a very public fashion, with a driver who will be able to help us part the sea of photographers everywhere we go. But under all that”—I take another deep breath, partly to reassure myself—“it’s still just you and me, Maximus.”
“And the coat.” He winks my way, clearly proud of his droll charm, while swooping the jacket back into his lap. “We can’t forget our stylish third wheel, can we?”
I break into a giggle as the driver slows the car and takes the turn up the steep hill that leads to the restaurant. My laughter’s short-lived, because I am not missing the chance to watch this beautiful man slipping back into the luxurious, if sweltering, garment.
The car slows as we near the final, sharp right that’ll bring us to Yamashiro’s ornate front gate. Straight ahead, the city is a glamorous array of bright buildings against a movie-worthy sunset. I hear the snaps and rush of voices before I glimpse the swarm of photographers through the tinted windows. Mother came through on her promise to tip them off, that’s for certain. As if I had any doubt.
As we roll to a full stop on the painfully narrow drive, I tighten my grasp on Maximus’s hand. Ready or not, it’s time to introduce him to the world. At least we have the advantage of knowing when and how, which gives me the smallest comfort.
The driver steps out and opens my door, removing the only barrier between us and the shutters and shouts, not to mention the full sensory assault of the throng’s frenzy. I tense and turn my body to step out, bracing myself for the impact of the crowd. When I do, Maximus uses our connection to reel me back the small distance. The resistance throws more panic into the tornado of my senses.
I whip my stare back, preparing to convince Maximus that venturing into the crowd under these circumstances isn’t total insanity. But who am I trying to kid? It definitely is.
But it’s what we have to do. And somehow, I’ve got to let him know that I’m here. That I won’t let go. That we’re in this together.
My train of thought derails when Maximus shocks me with a soft smile. With one hand on my cheek, he draws me close, suspending time and drowning out the chaos outside with his proximity. Then his lips are on mine, his fingertips twisting in my hair, holding me in the moment. As if I’d ever want to escape his embrace, unexpected as it may be.
When he swipes his tongue into my mouth, a fervent heat skitters across my skin, making me feel wild enough to forget the audience impatiently waiting a few feet away. I twist my hand into his shirt, holding on to him as tightly as he is to me. I don’t know how long we stay that way, sharing breath and essence and a sliver of peace in the contact. But it’s long enough to calm me down and wind me up all at once.
He’s the one to pull away first, giving me a moment to catch my breath. Rapid flashes reflect in his gorgeous blues.
I smile. “You sure know how to put on a show,” I whisper so only he can hear.
He touches his nose to mine, gifting me with a sexy smile that melts the last of whatever was stressing me out moments ago. “That wasn’t a show. That was me kissing the hell out of you because I needed to.”
The bustle outside seems to grow the longer we delay, probably caused by all the people who aren’t getting the shot. Maximus doesn’t seem to care.
After another unhurried brush of his lips across mine, he nods toward the door. “Now let me take you to dinner.”
Chapter Seven
Maximus
Our server, who’s checked in at least a hundred times during the meal, now appears at the table with dessert menus and a sugary smile to match. If there was anything normal about this dinner out, I wouldn’t mind extending the evening. But Veronica’s been texting Kara nonstop, and the two paparazzi who sneaked into Yamashiro’s bar are about as subtle as the table of women beside us who have been snapping enough selfies-that-aren’t-selfies with Kara and me in the background.
“Hmm, what looks good?” She leans into me.
I take