though I just need to think about her to get hard these days.
It’s red—a deep, sexy red—with one arm bare, the other covered by a long sleeve lined with a lace insert that catches my eye before the sloping neck lining her breasts draws my attention. The matte fabric clings to her curves all the way to her hips before draping down to the ground, a knee-high slit giving me a peek at black heels with a red sole.
Her golden hair is a mass of loose curls, pinned to the side and flowing over her bare shoulder. My lips ache to kiss her neck, and I clench my fists to stop myself from reaching out and trailing my hands down her sides. My cock strains against my suit pants, unfortunately reminding me that I can’t stand on her doorstep all night, or ensconce myself inside her apartment and spend the night buried inside her.
“Uh, Cade? Do you plan on standing in the doorway all night staring at me or are we gonna get this show on the road?”
My eyes clear from their lustful appreciation and drift up her body until I reach her face. “One look at the club that first night and you had me. Had you worn this dress, I would’ve dropped to a knee and asked for your hand in marriage.”
We stand there staring at each other, sparks coursing through me along with thoughts I really shouldn’t be having about my—what did she call it?—mother buffer.
Without giving her a chance to hand me a sassy reply, I hold out my hand, and I grin when she laces her fingers in mine. Her eyes blaze with unspoken emotion, and as much as I’d love to walk her backwards, slam the door, and process whatever just happened between us, I know we have to get out of here. It’s the danger zone right now. Pissing off my father would be more than worth it, but with her looking like that, there’s nothing I want more than to walk into a room filled with the who’s who of the city and know that for all intents and purposes, she’s mine.
“Let’s go, Spitfire. I have a feeling tonight is going to be fun.”
Walking into the ball room of the Peninsula Hotel, having already made our way through a gamut of photographers and reporters, I lead Abi towards my waiting parents. They’re immaculate in their appearance, as always. Abi’s breath hitches when she sees them, and my fingers instinctively draw her closer into my side.
“It’s just my parents, Spitfire.”
“They look like the Graysons from Revenge,” she whispers, turning her head towards me.
I chuckle because she’s not far wrong. “The difference is they’d never dare try and double cross each other. It would be uncouth.”
Looking down, I’m met by wide eyes and her cute-as-fuck slow-growing grin. “Uncouth? Are you serious?”
“Unfortunately so.”
“So I better get my best mother-buffer game on?” she asks with a knowing glint in her eye.
“Just be yourself, Abi. I’ll never ask you to be anything you’re not.”
A strange look crosses her features before she hides it. “The exception being your fake girlfriend,” she says quietly, and I fight not to grit my teeth, second-guessing my decision to put her in this position. Too late now, Carsen.
I look down at her, determined to keep this show moving along. “Be the woman who kicks ass and takes names.”
“Now that I can do,” she says before planting a beaming smile on those perfect lips of hers—the ones I love seeing wrapped around my cock—and facing forward.
“Caden,” my mother croons, stepping towards me. Letting Abi go, I place a hand on Mom’s arm and kiss her cheek. “Mom.”
“And is this the mysterious Abi?” Mom asks, turning to her. “You’re beautiful. No wonder my son has kept you a secret.”
Abi’s body tenses before she checks it and sets about her task. “Mrs. Carsen, it’s wonderful to meet you.”
“And you, my dear. I’d love to get to know you better. You and Caden should come for dinner one night. Don’t you agree, Cade?” she asks my father.
“Indeed. Hello, Son,” he says, holding out his arm. I shake his hand but don’t miss his calculated scan of my date.
“Good evening, Mr. Carsen,” Abi says warmly. Something weird passes behind my father’s eyes as he focuses on Abi’s face before he quickly schools his features and turns on the charm.
We’re saved by Thomas, Noah, and Zoe, who magically appear by my side.
“Annabel, you look ravishing,” Thomas says, embracing