Lucy sipped her milkshake, trying not to flinch when Miles’ hand snaked under the table and up her thigh. She might be acting like a well-versed senior, but she wasn’t. She’d never had sex and no matter how much pressure her “boyfriend” was putting on her, she wasn’t going to cave. She’d been forced to allow him to second base a couple of times, but she drew the line there. Shorty would just have to deal with it. In spite of his annoyance, she was still getting the job done. Miles had bought her plenty of things already that they’d managed to re-sell. Today he wanted to buy her a necklace for Christmas. As soon as the shakes were done, they were heading to Tiffany’s. Lucy was relieved. If she managed to convince Miles to go rich on her, they might be able to make this the final act of the con. Although she had a sinking feeling Shorty would want to play him for more.
“So, after we go shopping, I thought we could go back to my place and celebrate Christmas a little early.” Miles’ lips fluttered over her neck, his hand inching higher up her thigh. His fingers were wriggling their way beneath her skirt, when she caught them and forced a light chuckle.
“You know I can’t tonight. My parents have a dinner planned.”
Miles shifted back with a growl. “And why won’t they let me come?”
“Because they’re weird and over-protective.” She ran her fingers into his hair, putting her flirt on full power. “If they knew I was dating a bad boy like you, they’d freak out.”
Miles’ crooked grin was practically malicious as he grabbed the back of her head and shoved his tongue in her mouth. She tried not to gag, but it was an effort. His kisses were always so invasive. She hated them, but she had a role to play and so she clutched the back of his head and moved her mouth against his, only pulling back when his free hand tried to slid between her thighs.
“Not here.” She pushed him back with a giggle, her heart thudding with relief when he slumped back in his seat.
“Then when?” His voice softened as he reached for her hand. “Come on, Riley, I’m ready. You can be my Christmas present.” He grinned.
“Christmas is still two weeks away.” Lucy tried to keep her voice light. “Besides babe, we’ve only been dating a month. I’m getting there.” Her voice turned smoky as she leaned towards him. “Please be patient. When it happens, it’s going to be epic.” She wiggled her eyebrows, making him laugh.
He was about to lean forward with another slobbering kiss when a voice stopped him.
“That’s not Miles Filmore, is it?” The man laughed as Miles shot back with a nervous grin. As soon as he saw the person behind Lucy, his face relaxed.
“Hello, sir.” He stretched out his hand.
Not really wanting to, but knowing it would look bad if she didn’t, Lucy spun in her chair to acknowledge the man.
Her insides froze.
Not again.
She couldn’t do this again.
Miles stood from his chair and grabbed Lucy’s hand, guiding her up. Her legs felt like straw as she stood. She briefly glanced at the blond man with his pale green eyes and then couldn’t take it.
“Excuse me,” she whispered, grabbing her purse and walking away from the table.
“Riley? Wait!” Miles sounded pissed, but she kept walking. She heard him say, “Sorry about this, I’ll be right back.”
Lucy was tempted to run, but forced herself to walk elegantly out of the food court and towards the escalators. That’s what Riley would do.
Miles captured her elbow before she made it.
“What the hell is your problem?” He leaned into her ear, whispering fiercely. His grip was tight and cutting. She tried to wiggle her arm free, but he held fast.
“I have to go.”
“Not before you meet my dad’s friend. He’s an important business associate. You can’t be rude to him like that.”
“Look I don’t care who he is. I want to go. I’ve got a headache and I don’t feel like meeting some old fuddy-duddy businessman.”
“Bullshit you’ve got a headache. Now come back and meet him.”
“No.” Lucy heard the tremor in her voice and hated it. She couldn’t afford to give herself away. She peeked over Miles’ shoulder and saw the man slowly approaching them. Her insides buckled, her heart rate accelerating so fast she thought she might pass out. What if he recognized her suddenly? They’d met once before and she wasn’t in disguise either time. Would he remember Sorrento’s?
She stole one more peek and the way his eyes were narrowing made her think he did.
Shit. Shit! She had to get out of there.
“I’m sorry to be rude, but you’ll just have to apologize on my behalf. I’ll meet him another time.”
“No, you won’t. You’ll meet him now.” Miles’ jaw was clenched tightly, his anger matching the grip he had on her arm. She winced as he tried to yank her back, unable to hold back a small cry of pain.
And then it happened.
Something she never expected.