Charity Case - The Complete Series - Piper Rayne Page 0,173

legal thing I’m not interested in.

I’m wondering if I should’ve gone with my gut and taken Dean up on his offer to head straight to bed. Suddenly I really don’t want to share Dean.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ever notice how time flies when you’re happy? It’s been three weeks since Dean and I declared our love to each other and I’m not sure I’ve stayed at my own apartment since.

The saying ignorance is bliss comes to mind, too.

I haven’t spoken to my mom more than I’ve had to with Skylar’s wedding nearing. I’m still surprised she’s kept Dean and my relationship a secret from my entire family. I know this because cell phone towers would crash if they knew. I’d be getting calls from Skylar, Zoe, Mikey and whoever thinks it’s their business that I’m back with Dean.

Tonight it all changes. Tonight is Dean’s coming out party. Actually it’s a birthday party for my Aunt Liz but I have a feeling Dean will be the center of attention rather than my aunt.

“I really wish you’d told them.” Dean steps out of his bedroom in a pair of charcoal slacks and a t-shirt with a long coat that only enhances his broad shoulders. He clasps his silver watch around his wrist.

“Surprises are better.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Says you. I’m the one people are going to give the cold shoulder to. Sky and Zoe will have you hidden in the bathroom.”

My heels click on the floor as I break the distance between us. “Good thing you’re a lawyer.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you know how to set everyone at ease.” I lift my heels and kiss the hollow of his neck.

The smell of his cologne awakens my lady parts.

“I think you’re getting lawyer confused with mediator.” He squeezes my hip and pats my ass to get moving.

I walk in front of him to grab my purse.

“Sorry, Grover.” I bend and pet his head. “They don’t even know about the big guy yet. Next time.” I reach over on the end table, grab a Kleenex, and run it along the flaps of his mouth.

“I think Grover is pretty smitten with you. Maybe you should just move in.” Dean winks then busies himself putting his wallet into his pocket and his cell phone into the front of his jacket.

“Moving a little fast there, cowboy,” I remark.

“Oh, I forgot, we’re still going five under the speed limit.”

I laugh, throwing away the Kleenex and grab my clutch.

“You’re catching on.”

Neither of us taking it very seriously, he opens the door, I file out and we enter the elevator.

“Remember the days when you wanted to make-out?” I joke because this might be my first elevator ride with Dean where his hand isn’t on skin. Skin that he shouldn’t be touching in public.

“The night is young.” He winks and straightens forward.

Just when I think we’ve already moved into comfortable territory, his hand reaches for mine, grabs my wrist and tugs me next to him.

“Sorry, I’m just a little nervous.” He kisses my temple.

“Look at me.” He glances down as I tilt my neck to look up. “Don’t be. I don’t care what they think.”

His smile is tight and I’m not sure he believes me, but he will.

The elevator dings open and I walk out, nodding at the night doorman.

“Evening Mr. Bennett. Ms. …”

I tilt my head and wait for him to figure out my name. The poor young kid’s face reddens.

“I’m sorry.” He looks to Dean like he’s going to be mad.

“Tell me, Sean, do you not know my name because Mr. Bennett has so many women come through here?”

His eyes widen. “No. You’re the only one I’ve seen.”

Dean’s chest hits my back, his hand molding to my hip. “Let’s leave the new guy alone, shall we Ms. Walsh?” He chuckles.

“Sean, you seem like a good guy. You’d tell me the truth, right?”

I’m totally joking, and this kid looks like he might have a panic attack if I keep it going.

“Yes. Honesty is the best policy. For sure, Ms. Walsh.” He smiles over my shoulder to Dean.

He can’t be more than eighteen. Where did they find this guy? A gnat could intimidate him.

“Don’t worry, Sean, she’ll be Mrs. Bennett soon enough,” Dean says.

I shake my head at his assumptions. “Can you believe the arrogance of this guy.” I thumb behind me.

“How many times have I told you, it’s confidence, not arrogance.” Dean pulls me by my hand away from the doorman’s desk.

“Have a great night, Sean.” I wave.

“You too, Ms. Walsh. Mr. Bennett.” He