“You bought her a Masako Hayashi original?” she shrieks.
People’s gazes swing toward her. “Why don’t you say it a little louder? I think there might have been some people out in Palm Springs who didn’t hear you.”
“But you bought her—”
“You’re screeching like this over a ring? You must want to make the tabloids, too.”
Erin’s palm is twitching against mine. I pat her hand to let her know I got this.
Shelly’s chest rises and falls. “It’s not just a ring!”
“True. I plan to give her much more than this. A mansion here in L.A. A nice vacation home, maybe in the Hamptons. Children.” I lower Erin’s and my hands, but don’t let go. “Now listen, Shelly. This is a company event. And you weren’t invited. So get lost.”
Even Shelly’s cleavage is bright red now. “How can you talk like that? You’re humiliating me in front of everyone.” Tears instantly glitter in her eyes.
She must’ve taken some acting courses. She couldn’t pull that off so easily when we were dating.
People from the company are craning their necks now. But I’m not going to stop. If she thoughts tears would affect me, she thought wrong. I don’t give a damn about her anymore.
“David, we’ve known each other forever. Doesn’t that mean anything? I need you now. As my man, not my friend.” She reaches for me again.
This time I’m ready. I pull away before she can grasp my arm. “Go back to Seattle, Shelly. I’m not interested in anything involving you.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Erin
David stands and walks away from his ex, pulling me along with him. Shelly’s gaze pierces me from behind, but I ignore it. She betrayed David in the worst way possible by sleeping with another man while they were still dating. She doesn’t deserve him. I would’ve been disappointed if he’d weakened at the sight of her tears. I hate people who cry to get what they want, and I hate it even more when others buy the transparent act.
Besides, I’m thrilled to pieces that David was on my side the entire time, sticking up for me and letting everyone know he’s on my side. It’s probably part of the act, but I don’t care. I’m going to enjoy the moment.
He threads his way through the bar, not letting go of my hand. I like the warm, slightly rough and callused feel of his strong palm against mine, and I hope he keeps holding on.
“Sorry about that,” he says when we’re away from Shelly. He signals to the bartender for a glass of champagne for me and whiskey for him.
“It’s okay. You warned me about her, so I wasn’t too surprised.” I sip the bubbly slowly, enjoying the fizzy sensation.
He frowns and shakes his head. “It’s like she doesn’t have any pride left.”
“Well… You are quite a catch.”
He cocks an eyebrow. “Oh?”
I nod, trying to hide my amusement at his “convince me” face. I’m used to seeing him at work, all coolly professionally and in charge. Seeing this personal side of him… He’s just so adorable. It’s all I can do to quash an urge to press a quick kiss the corner of his lips. Even if we are just role-playing, it’d be a bad idea to get physical, especially when my pulse is starting to grow more erratic, and I’m damn curious about feeling his skin under my mouth, something I haven’t experienced yet. Bet it’s different from his lips. Slightly scratchy…but still warm. Hmm.
“Hey, don’t stop now.” He elbows me playfully. “Keep going.”
I laugh at his shameless fishing. “Well. You’re handsome. That’s definitely important.”
“Anything else? That sounds kinda shallow. Not that being good-looking isn’t a big deal, but still…” He winks.
“Mmm.” I consider, taking another sip. “You’re rich.”
“Yeah, but money comes and goes. There has to be more.” He leans closer.
His breath tickles the delicate skin on my neck. Shivers run through me, as my heart skips a beat. Something hot and fiery sparks in my belly, but it isn’t just physical want. I love this easy, fun side of him… I feel like I can let my guard down because he won’t let anything happen to me. “I don’t know…” I try not to let my lips twitch.
“What else is there after tall, dark and rich?”