Tangled Games (Dating Games #5) - T.K. Leigh Page 0,71

away. “I know most men bring flowers on a first date, but I’m not most men.”

“You don’t say.”

He flashes a brilliant smile, the white of his teeth bright against his tanned complexion. “So while I don’t have any real flowers for you, I do have something I hope you’ll find just as acceptable.” He reaches into his jacket and produces a small, black velvet box.

“Anders…,” I begin.

“Gabriel,” he reminds me.

“Of course.” I nod, playing along. “Gabriel.”

At one time, the name felt foreign on my tongue, the man in front of me not resembling a Gabriel. But in this moment, I actually see the crown prince and future king. But that’s not all I see. Mixed within the pieces of the man who will one day rule this country, I still see bits of Anderson. More than I have recently.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I admonish, as I always do whenever he spoils me with something he just couldn’t resist buying.

“I know. But I still wanted to do something for you. A token of my appreciation.” He extends the box toward me.

When I pop it open, my hand flies to my chest. All the air is ripped from my lungs as I stare at what I can only assume to be Prince Gabriel’s version of buying flowers for his date. Technically, they are flowers. But instead of something that will wither and die in a few days, it’s something I can keep forever — a pair of earrings in the shape of a flower.

“That’s a yellow diamond in the center with five pear-shaped diamonds around it. Total weight of each is about a carat.”

“They’re gorgeous.”

“I bet they’ll be even more gorgeous on you. May I?” He extends his hand again. I nod, passing him the box before quickly removing the simple diamond studs I’d been wearing. He takes them from me and drops them into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. Then he steers me toward the large mirror in the foyer of Esme’s townhouse.

There’s something inherently intimate about watching our reflection as Anderson secures the earrings to each ear. Once he’s finished, he stands back to appreciate them, his hands on my shoulders.

I cover one of his hands with mine, squeezing. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, gorgeous.” He holds my gaze in the mirror for a beat, then releases me. “What do you say we get this date started?” He offers me his elbow.

I face him and hook my arm through his. “I’d love to.”

“Have fun, kids!” Esme calls after us as we walk toward the door.

I stop abruptly. I’d forgotten she stood just a few feet away. That always seems to happen whenever I’m around Anderson. And now Prince Gabriel, too.

Excusing myself, I rush to Esme and hug her. “Thank you.”

“I only did your hair and makeup.”

I pull back and shake my head. “No. You did a lot more than that.”

She holds me at arm’s length, squeezing my biceps. “You both deserve to be happy. If you’d both just get out of your own way every once in a while. Now go. Enjoy your fairy tale. And come midnight, neither one of you better turn into a bloody pumpkin, or you’ll have me to answer to.”

“We won’t. Promise.” I give her one last hug, then allow Anderson to lead me down her front steps and into the back seat of the idling SUV.

Once I’m situated and Creed pulls away, that same nervous energy returns, a heat caressing my skin. As I steal a glance at Anderson, I know exactly what’s causing it. His eyes flame as his gaze rakes over me, exploring, craving. The hair on the back of my nape stands on end, my pulse picking up with each longing stare.

“Did you do as I asked?” His voice is low and seductive.

“What’s that?” I squeak out.

He glances at my legs and leans toward me. His hand caresses my flesh, starting above my knee and leisurely moving higher before disappearing up my slit. His breath heats my neck, my libido screaming at him to keep going and not stop until he touches me between my thighs.

The poor girl’s been quite neglected these past few weeks.

“Did you wear any panties?” he murmurs.

I close my eyes, my breathing becoming more ragged with every inch his fingers creep toward my center. Swallowing down a moan, I curve into him. “A little farther, and you can find out for yourself.”

He pinches his lips together. “True.” He moves his hand farther north,