Page 114 of Just for the Plot

“You, my dear, truly dazzled,” Adalade says while holding Bower’s hands. “I know there was no purpose in you being here, since Draco did not show up, but I know for certain I’m the belle of the ball because you were my guest.”

“Thank you,” Bower answers with drunken sincerity. “It was such a fun night.”

She shivers, so I take my jacket off and drape it over her bare back. She glances up at me with a look of gratefulness.

“Yes, thank you for tonight,” I add. “I had such a good time.”

“I’m glad you could spend your night off with us.” Adalade pats my cheek. “You’re a good one, Bennett. I just hope you find that girl you’re looking for, because you truly are a catch.” Then she smiles wickedly. “If I was fifteen years younger, you very well might be going home with me.”

I chuckle and say, “And I’d take you up on the opportunity.”

“Hey,” Bower says, her face cutely scrunched up.

“What’s your deal?” I ask with mirth. “You’re the one always saying we’re the best of friends. A guy needs to strike when he’s admired.”

“He’s very right about that,” Adalade says while I feel Bower study me, but I don’t give her any indication of nerves.

Even though I feel like fucking melting right here, right now, because it was a bold statement, a statement that if she takes it to heart, she will see that I have been waiting for my moment with her.

“Anyway, thank you for coming. Feel free to take the day off tomorrow, Bower. You’ve done a lot for me today.” With that, Adalade places a kiss on both of our cheeks and then takes off.

So I wrap my hand around Bower’s, my coat still draped over her shoulders, and I lead her to the elevator that takes us to the lobby.

I texted my driver that we’d be leaving, so when we reach the front of the building, he’s waiting with the door open.

I help Bower into the car and then follow in behind her.

Once we’re buckled, I say, “I liked Adalade. Think she was serious about dating me?” I wiggle my eyebrows and Bower’s lips turn flat.

“She is far too old for you.”

“I don’t know. I think we could make it work. She seems pretty interested.”

“Not happening.” She shakes her head and crosses her arms.

“You seem pretty adamant about that.” I poke her side, causing her to laugh.

“The last thing I need is for my boss to date you. You’re so clingy and needy that Adalade will have me running all around San Francisco to purchase items for you.”

“I’d make sure of it.”

Her eyes widen with mirth as her mouth curves up. “You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, I would. I’d be persistent.” I press my hand to my chest. “Oh, my dearest Adalade, Daddy needs those special pastries from an hour away. Please send your minion to go get them.”

“Ew, do not call yourself Daddy.”

I let out a boisterous laugh.

“And there is no way I’d go get them.”

“Then enjoy your unemployment, because I’d demand it,” I tease.

“Fine.” She lifts her chin in indignation. “Then I’ll move to Almond Bay and be with your sister, win her over, and make sure she never speaks to you again.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh…I would.”