“The deal never said I had to leave.”
She gave him a skeptical look. “Don’t tell me you enjoy living at home.”
“I wouldn’t use the word ‘enjoy.’ But it has its benefits.”
“If you still think I have ulterior motives—”
“I don’t trust Salazar.” Before she could say anything, he raised a hand. “I know you like him, but I don’t. He raised me, and I know what kind of a man he is. I don’t believe for a moment he’s going to be different with you. And there’s a further benefit…or torture, depending on how you look at it.”
“Which is?”
“You and I only have one wall between us.” He sipped his white wine. “Feel free to come by whenever you’re in the mood for a little dirty fun.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Dane should’ve never been allowed to say things like that. Sophia flipped over—again—in her bed, unable to stop thinking about sneaking into his room, which was ridiculous and juvenile. Even though she hadn’t really dated while growing up, she knew that much.
Does it matter? Nobody’s going to know but you and him, and he’s not going to tell.
Her conscience really had no morals whatsoever. Skank.
She sat up and stared at the door. Maybe her coming over had been just a suggestion. What he’d really meant was that he’d love to come over.
Annoyed she tossed herself back on the bed. She absolutely had to get some sleep if she wanted to be sharp the next day.
The next morning, he didn’t join her and Salazar for breakfast. But he paraded by topless again, sweat glistening on his exquisitely sculpted torso. She choked on her tea, and Al discreetly handed her a napkin.
Dane flashed her a grin, filched a croissant from her plate and vanished upstairs.
Bastard.
“I taught him better than that,” Salazar muttered, then turned to Sophia. “One of my sons is getting married next weekend, and I think you should come.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I wasn’t invited.”
“You can come as my guest. They’re expecting me to bring someone. Be good for you to meet the family anyway.”
“Let me think about it.”
“Make sure to take Friday afternoon off. The entire family’s going to the grove for dinner.”
She nodded noncommittally.
By the time she needed to leave for work, Dane was already at his car. He watched her climb in with a travel mug. “Coffee for me?” he said, his voice inscrutable.
“It’s actually green tea. Al said I should. If you want, I can go back—”
“Forget it.” Dane pulled away from the mansion. “We’ll be late if we let him make it. He’s too traditional.”
She frowned. “It’s just hot water and a tea bag.”
“Don’t say that in front of him. He’ll collapse from shock.” A small smile curved his mouth. “He brews it with clay pots and wooden scoops and everything. Watch him do it sometime. You’ll be amazed at the man’s patience.”
She sipped the tea. It did taste a bit different—grassier and more fragrant. Maybe Al really was a zen master of green tea.
“My brother Mark is getting married next weekend. You should go.”
She looked over at him. “I should?”
“It’s a good idea to meet the Pryces in the area, figure out who’s who. You are related to us, after all…even though it’s by marriage and in a fairly convoluted way.”
True enough. Maybe she really should go if Dane thought so as well.
“I know Mark didn’t invite you, so you can come as my guest.”
Uh oh. She hadn’t seen that one coming. She cleared her throat and took another sip of her tea. “Um…yeah. Your father already asked.”
“He what?”
“Asked me. To the wedding.”
“Asshole,” he muttered under his breath.
She blinked. Asshole?
When she got settled at her desk and checked Dane’s agenda for the morning, a delivery came. Surprisingly, it was for her. She signed for it, then opened the package. It was a gorgeous bouquet of white tiger lilies.
She read the accompanying card.
Hope you like lilies.
– D
Roxie came in with some papers. “Nice flowers! Who’re they from?”
Sophia shrugged, smiling for her coworker’s sake. “Not really sure. Excuse me, I need to brief Dane on the day’s agenda.” She stuck the card in the stack in her arm and went inside his office before Roxie could pepper her with more questions.
Dane looked up from his coffee mug. “Yes?”
“Your morning agenda.” She gave him the list.