Page 51 of Love: Take Two

"Because," he starts, his tone patient, "tonight is the first big publicity event for 'Forced Proximity'. Our clients have to be there. We have to be there. Why take two cars when we can share?"

He starts walking again, and I reach out to grab his forearm. There's no way I'm ruining these heels trying to keep up with his six-foot-plus frame.

"Noah, stop." When he finally comes to a stop and I don't think he'll take off again, I explain the problem slowly, as if talking to an imbecile.

"We can't go together, Noah. We don't even like each other."

"No," he corrects. "You don't likeme. I like you just fine. I seem to remember bringing you coffee this morning."

When he has the nerve to grin again, I barely contain my scream.

"Yeah, but those are to annoy me," I seethe. "We don't get along, and tonight is just the first of many press events. We might be stuck together all day, but that doesn't mean we need to be stuck together all night too."

"Like that would be a hardship," he says with a smirk. "You and I both know I wouldn't kick you out of bed for eating crackers."

"Eating what?" Between the blatant innuendo and the nonsensical phrase he just said, I'm feeling out of my depth.

"It's an expression. It means I'd be happy to have you in my bed," he clarifies smoothly. His smirk is just as devastating as it was in college, despite the fact that I have way more sense and experience than I had at twenty-one.

I tuck my twists behind my ears to avoid his stare.

"What is going on with you today? First, there's a second coffee—"

"Which I noticed you drank," he interrupts smugly. My cheeks heat, but I continue.

"Then you start with the sexy looks. And now you want to share a cab and you're propositioning me?" I plant my hands on my hips. "Have you been body-snatched? Was your smoothie this morning really Soylent Green?"

Noah chuckles.

"Solid reference. I didn't think that was your kind of movie."

"Surprise, surprise," I huff. "A lot can happen in a couple of decades. Now, would you please answer the question?"

I can see him considering whether to needle me further or reply truthfully. Luckily for me and my sanity, he chooses honesty. His playful expression vanishes.

"Awa," he sighs. "What happened between us before…" He weighs his words before continuing. "There's nothing either of us can do about the past. I've apologized—even though you said you don't need it," he rushes to add when he feels me about to argue. "But I'm different now.We'redifferent now. And I'd be lying if I said I don't like how you've changed.

"You're beautiful, you're impressive, and your client clearly loves you." He swallows, his voice suddenly thick. "Is there any way we can leave the past in the past and start fresh?" His eyes are imploring, pleading with me to say yes.

"C'mon, Awa," he presses when he senses my resolve weakening. "For tonight at least, why can't we just be two sexy-as-hell people enjoying an open bar while our clients brag about themselves? Doesn't that sound like more fun than growling at each other for another few months?"

Begging. Noah Park used to be the big man on campus. Then he became agent to some amazing talent. Not more amazing than my client roster, but still. And now he's literallybeggingfor another chance, for me to drop my guard and see what kind of man he's become.

I take a deep breath, and with it, a leap of faith.

Noah hands me another champagne, and I crack a smile.

"I saw that," he teases.

I don't bother hiding it. I'm having a good time. Possibly better than I've had at a publicity event in…years? God, I hope my life isn't that depressing.

Over the years, I've gotten better at these networking things, though they've never been my strong suit. I do better when the social situation has a purpose, like a contract to signor terms to negotiate. I always feel so awkward when we're just supposed to…chat.

Noah doesn't have that problem. From the red carpet through the hors d'oeuvres, he's been smiling, patting people on the back, making everyone he speaks with feel seen, heard, and valued. It doesn't feel like bullshit the way it so often does with industry types, and I'm as drawn in as everyone else.

He rests his warm palm on the small of my back, goosebumps spreading from the contact. He's been touching me all night, keeping me primed and ready, chipping away at the restraint that usually holds my lust in check.

It started when I opened the door to the production office to find Noah standing there in a navy tux. His face split into a wolfish grin at the sight of all the skin my gown left exposed, and my pussy squeezed involuntarily.