Page 43 of Revenge Puck

She spots me, relief in her expression—as if she half expected me to be a no-show.

Not a chance. I’m here for a purpose.

She reaches me, and I do that thing where I lean down to peck her on the cheek, borrowing the move from heartthrobs in the movies.

Big mistake.

Juliette smells like she spent the morning baking muffins. My eyes dip to the exposed skin on her chest before I can stop them.

A modest dress. Scooped neckline, delicate gold buttons down the front. Capped sleeves. Glowing skin. Innocent, in a way that’s not meant to be devastating.

Her tits look great, as tits often do. Smooth and full and I would know because I had a lace-filled glimpse of them at her place.

I give my head a shake.

This is attraction, nothing more.

Big fucking deal.

“Hey,” I say, gruffer than necessary, annoyed that she exists this vividly. “You look nice.”

Color blooms across her cheeks instantly, and she ducks her head. “Thanks.”

Jesus.

I’ve dated models and social media influencers. Women who treat blushing like a medical emergency, but I’ve never dated someone who blushes this often—as if her body can’t lie, even when her mouth tries.

We slide into the booth, knees brushing, and I remain planted in place, unwilling to move mine.

Juliette is nervous.

Her lashes flutter when she looks up at me, and she doesn’t hold my gaze long—drops it to the table, hands in her lap, eyes anywhere but my face.

A waiter appears, materializing like this is a stage cue.

“Can I start you off with drinks?”

Juliette opens her mouth.

“A vanilla milkshake,” she says sweetly. “With a shot of brandy.”

I look at her.

She looks back.

The waiter nods and scribbles on his notepad.

“Amilkshake,” I deadpan.

She shrugs, and I’m sure she’s blushing again. “They’re supposed to be fantastic.”

“We’re at one of the most expensive steakhouses in the city,” I say slowly. “And you want ice cream.”

Of course she does—look at her! Innocence wrapped in a satin dress.

“Is ice cream on the list of things you hate, along with having fun and smiling?”

I stare at her.