“You’re
fucking
up
everything.”
Gideon instantly released me, turning me to face him. His grip on my shoulders ensured I stil couldn’t get away.
“Christ.” He crushed me against him, his lips in my hair. “Don’t cry. I’m sorry.”
I beat my fist against his chest, which was as effectual as hitting a rock wal . “What’s
You can go out with a catty bitch who cal s me a whore and thinks she’s going to marry you, but I can’t have lunch with a dear friend who’s been pul ing for you from the beginning?”
“Eva.” He cupped the back of my head with one hand and pressed his cheek to my temple. “Maggie just happened to be at the same restaurant where I had dinner with my business associates.”
“I don’t care. You want to talk about a look on someone’s face. The look on yours…How could you look at her like that after what she said to me?”
“Angel…” His lips moved ardently over my face.
“That look was for you. Maggie caught me outside and I told her I was heading home to you. I can’t help how I look when I’m thinking about us being alone together.”
“And you expect me to believe she smiled about that?”
“She told me to tel you hel o, but I figured that wouldn’t go over wel , and there was no way I was ruining our night over her.”
My arms slid around his waist beneath his jacket.
“We need to talk. Tonight, Gideon. There are things I have to tel you. If a reporter looks in the right place and gets lucky…We have to keep our relationship private or end it. Either would be better for you.” Gideon cupped my face and pressed his forehead to mine. “Neither is an option. Whatever it is, we’l figure it out.”
I pushed up onto my toes and pressed my mouth to his. Our tongues stroked and dipped, the kiss wildly passionate. I was vaguely aware of the multitude of people mil ing around us, the buzz of numerous conversations, and the steady rumble of the ceaseless midtown traffic, but none of it mattered while I was sheltered by Gideon. Cherished by him. He was both tormentor and pleasurer, a man whose mood swings and volatile passions rivaled my own.
“There,” he whispered, running his fingertips down my cheek. “Let that go viral.”
“You’re not listening to me, you crazy stubborn man.
I have to go.”
“We’l ride home together after work.” He backed away, holding my hand until distance pul ed our fingers apart.
When I turned toward the ivy-draped restaurant, I saw Mark and Steven waiting for me by the entrance.
They made such a pair with Mark in his suit and tie, and Steven in his worn jeans and boots.
Steven stood with his hands in his pockets and big grin on his attractive face. “I feel like I should applaud.
That was better than watching a chick flick.” My face heated and I shifted on my feet.
Mark opened the door and waved me inside. “I think you can ignore my previous words of wisdom about Cross’s womanizing.”
“Thanks for not firing me,” I replied wryly as we waited for the hostess to check our reservation and table. “Or at least feeding me first.”
Steven patted my shoulder. “Mark can’t afford to
lose you.”
Pul ing out a chair for me, Mark smiled. “How else wil I give Steven regular updates on your love life?
He’s a soap opera addict, you know. He loves romantic dramas.”
I snorted. “You’re kidding.”
Steven ran a hand over his chin and smiled. “I’l never admit it one way or the other. A man’s got to have his secrets.”
My mouth curved, but I was painful y aware of my own hidden truths. And how quickly time was passing before I’d have to reveal them.
Five o’clock found me steeling myself to divulge my secrets. I was tense and somber when Gideon and I slid into the Bentley, and my disquiet only worsened when I felt him studying the side of my averted face.
When he took my hand and lifted it to his lips, I felt like crying. I was stil trying to adjust after our argument in the park, and that was the least of what we had to deal with.
We didn’t speak until we arrived at his apartment.
