far enough away they don’t feel bad. The other option was New York, but Mom thought the family would talk if I left during the businesses’ growth. Going to school in preparation to work for my dad sounds better than ‘we wanted Kent as far away as possible.’”
Awkward silence settles and I’m grateful when the waitress comes to take our order. Kent and I both order and when she leaves I stare at him. He keeps checking his phone as if he’s waiting for someone to call. I’m enraged. First I learn that he’s rich and now he’d rather be talking to someone else. I’m his wing-woman. I’m not sure asking about his life is permitted, but ignoring me isn’t either.
“Setting up your couch date for tonight?”
He frowns at me. “My couch date? I’m talking to James. I asked if he wanted us to bring him some food. Are you seriously pissed that my dad has money?” He sets his phone down and clasps his hands together. “Why does that bother you?”
“You’re spoiled. I can’t stand spoiled people.”
“We weren’t always rich. And my dad gives me a grand a month to live on. That’s hardly enough to retire.”
“Let’s talk about something else.”
“You know most girls won’t leave my dick alone when they learn who my dad is. I was overloaded with pussy all summer. And here you are pissed off. Would rather talk about other things.” He shakes his head at me. “You’re turning out to be one insane wing-woman.”
“My pussy wants nothing to do with a spoiled daddy’s boy.” I sit back and glare at him. I’ve always had a thing against spoiled kids. They were such snobs in high school and they never appreciated the things they had, or better, the things they could buy. They never had empty bellies. “So don’t worry about that.”
“Raina,” he hisses, “where is this coming from?”
I look around the restaurant, avoiding his gaze. “Did your dad pay for your drinks last night?”
“Yes.”
Rage moves over me. “I’ll pay for my own lunch.”
“Raina,” he repeats harshly. “Cut it out. I’m paying for lunch. In fact I’m taking you out to breakfast tomorrow and I’m paying for that too.”
“Won’t you be too tired from the couch?”
His handsome face is a reminder that I was right. Kent has a billion dollar company he’s working toward, his father is rich, and he’s got goals in life that will happen. My life is a stop along the way for him. He’s so completely off-limits I can’t stand sitting across from him.
His eyes narrow. “Your smart mouth really wants to play with me right now?”
“My smart mouth isn’t afraid of you, Kent Nicholson.” I cross my arms over my chest and seethe.
“It should be.” He mimics my movements, crossing his own arms and sitting back in his chair. “Your mouth should be terrified.”
I’m mad at him! I reaffirm with myself. Forget the buzzing attraction between us. “Well, it isn’t.” I don’t mention he wanted to kiss me last night, but I want to. “It’s not impressed or awed by anything you do.”
“That’s it. Come here,” he orders, pushing away from the table.
“Where are you going?”
“We’re punishing that mouth right now.” He reaches down and grabs my hand, pulling me up from the table. “I’ve warned you too many times.”
“What about our food?” I try and yank free but people are looking and I don’t want to get Kent arrested. I’m not that mad.
“It can wait.”
I allow him to lead me toward the back, balking when we get to the bathroom. He pushes me against the wall and holds me there by putting his hands on my shoulders. “Just in case you run,” he whispers, eyes burning.
“Kent,” I whisper, losing my cool.
“What?” he asks innocently. “Not as brave as you were a second ago?” He reaches over and caresses my bottom lip with his thumb, this slow erotic movement back and forth that makes my knees week. “I can’t wait to punish this mouth. It’s been a long time coming.”
I may whimper. I’m not sure. When the bathroom door opens and the person inside leaves I look at it longingly.
He chuckles to himself as he takes my hand, leading me inside and locking the door behind him.
My bottom lip is burning from his touch and my breathing is erratic, heaving with something I’ve never felt before.
What are you doing? I demand of myself. Leave!
I wring my hands together as Kent approaches me. He grabs my hips and eases me backwards