Page 81 of Not Safe for Work

He looks at me from the corner of his eye. “Fancy enough.”

“What would we do?”

“Eat some food, mingle, and pretend we know the happy couple. Get some free drinks.”

“All the drinks are free here,” I point out.

“Let’s not get bogged down in details, Trishara.”

I let out a laugh. “What if we get caught?”

Rafe turns to face me, one arm on the railing as he leans a little closer. “I had no idea you were such a rule follower, Malik.”

My breath catches. He smells so good. Like the shower he just took, and the chocolate cake, and I marvel at the column of his throat as he swallows, wondering what it might be like to lick it. “If we get caught, we’ll run. Maybe we’ll have to leave the country and live in exile on a deserted island forever. I hope you like pineapples.”

“Well, now, you’re just mocking me.”

He grins, and his eyes sparkle. He’s smiling at me again, and I can’t help but feel like this is an extra special one, just for me. My heart stutters in my chest.

I look at the wedding party again. Their guests mill about, elegant in their suits and dresses with glasses of champagne perched in their hands.

“Okay, let’s do it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I’ll go get changed.” Rafe’s smile grows even bigger. “I had no idea you were such a rule breaker, Gallagher.”

He smirks and runs a hand through his hair. There’s no way he doesn’t understand what that does to me. “You’re learning a lot about me tonight.”

I pause and scan him from head to toe, enjoying the view and taking my time before I meet his eyes. “Yeah. I guess I am.”

“Maybe I’ll learn something about you.”

He’s blushing, and it’s adorable.

“You can certainly try.”

I wink and head to the bedroom to change.

About thirty minutes later, Rafe knocks on my door.

“Are you ready yet?”

“I’m coming,” I shout. I’m wearing the killer red dress I bought in Chicago. It’s just as perfect as I remember. It’s sexy and hot, and I feel amazing in it.

The long skirt sweeps to the floor with two high splits on each side, reaching my hips. The low neckline reveals the swell of my breasts, and I’ve curled and scooped my hair into a high ponytail to show off the open back.

I complete the look with a pair of delicate gold earrings, long enough to brush the curve of my neck. I’ve put on plenty of dark eye makeup and opt for a nude lipstick, coated with shiny gloss.

After another knock, I stuff my phone and other essentials into my handbag. “Coming!”

Finally, I open the door to find Rafe pacing back and forth.

He’s gorgeous in a pair of dark dress pants, shiny black shoes, and a fitted white button-up layered with a dark grey vest. I am practically swooning at the sight of his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He’s combed his hair back, but that errant piece that always comes loose is already attempting an escape.

He turns at the sound of the door and then stops dead, his hand running over his mouth and then his chin.

“Fuck,” he breathes as he drinks in every inch of me. “You look incredible.” His voice is rough, and he clears his throat.