“It doesn’t matter what we say, we just have to keep our stories straight. If I improvise, all you have to do is go with it. Agree with whatever I say and spin the story.”
Claire nearly vibrated with fury. He suspected she wanted to stamp her foot and yell at him. “No, you have to stop changing the strategy on me. In case you didn’t notice, my mind shut down over there and I couldn’t speak.”
“I promised I would take care of you and I am. I had to get you away from those men. That guy with the glasses was about to make a move on you.” It bothered him and it shouldn’t. He had no claim on Claire. Their fake relationship was beginning to feel real.
She dismissed his words with an angry wave of her hand. “You went off script and I didn’t understand what you were doing.” She crossed her arms tightly. “I needed to think what to do next and I couldn’t. I can’t always catch up with you...and I hate that feeling.”
Jason felt the pinch of guilt. He had yanked her out of her comfort zone without any warning. “You don’t have to think about it,” he assured her. “Just follow my lead and I’ll do all the work.”
Claire’s dark blue eyes narrowed. “How would you like it if I suddenly changed the strategy on you?”
“I could roll with it.”
Her scowl deepened. “What would you have done if I went up to you and announced to everyone that you...you were...my sex slave.”
Jason raised an eyebrow and ignored the jolt of heat from her words. “Bring it on.”
Frustration billowed from her. “You don’t think I could do something to shock you? Say something you couldn’t work with?”
“I’d like to see you try.”
“Fine.” Claire was still for a moment before she grabbed the lapels of his jacket. He lurched forward as she opened the bathroom door and shoved him inside. She followed him and slammed the door.
He watched her carefully. “Okay, Claire, what’s your plan?”
“No plan. I’m improvising. We are having sex in a public bathroom.” She turned the lock behind her and leaned against the door. “Or at least, that’s what everyone at this event is going to assume.”
* * *
“I’M WAITING,” JASON said a couple of moments later. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and one ankle hooked over the other. His smile was wide and crooked. His eyes twinkled, daring her to make a move and knowing she wouldn’t.
“Shut up, I’m thinking,” she whispered as she glared at him. She looked around the room for inspiration. The small bathroom had white walls and a black-and-white-checkered tile floor. Her gaze rested on the towels that sat on the porcelain sink. She had no idea what to do next.
“Shouldn’t we be making noises?” he asked as he checked his watch. “Moans? Whispers? Bump rhythmically against the door?”
She marched over to him. “Okay, so you can act quickly on your feet. You can adapt and I can’t.” She splayed her hands out. “Congratulations.”
Jason’s smile dipped. “Claire, I’m not trying to test you. If you needed help, I would have stepped in.”
“Can you step in right now?” She gestured wildly at the door. “We’re in the bathroom together and I’m pretty sure most of the guests saw us and they’ll think we’re getting naked right now. Should we walk out and act like we can’t find this nonexistent ring?”
“If anyone asks, it’s huge. Stunning. It took your breath away.”
Claire’s mouth dropped open and she refused to look past his chest. “I beg your pardon?”
“The ring,” he clarified as laughter glowed in his eyes. “But no one is going to believe you dragged me in here to search for your ring. We should stay here for at least a couple of minutes. At least long enough for a quickie that left you satisfied. My reputation is at stake.”
She pressed her hands against her forehead and closed her eyes. “I’m glad you are amused about this.” But Jason always found the humor in every situation. He didn’t worry because he believed it would all work out in the end. She wished she could do the same.
“And you can’t go out like that after having pretend sex with me,” he declared. “No one will believe I even touched you. You should be more wrinkled.”
She lowered her hands and studied her dress. The dark red fabric was smooth and taut. Claire bunched the skirt in her hands and pulled it down her legs. “Like this?”