Page 24 of Trust Me
“You did your best, which is all I ever ask of you,” I tell her. “You probably tuckered yourself out with all of that studying.”
She makes a noise like she’s stretching. “I should get up to clean my room. The headmistress of the dorm says I need to take better care of my space.”
Eve has always been a ball of energy and a little messy. She applies so much energy to studying that it’s like she’s in another world when focused on something. Then there are other moments when she seems all over the place, focus wise. Kid stuff, I’m sure.
“Put it off for the night. Go rest if you need to, Ladybug.”
“Okay,” she murmurs with a yawn. “Love you.” The two words come out mumbled as if she’s already falling back asleep, but they fill my heart with joy.
“I love you, too, Ladybug. I’ll call you tomorrow after you get out of class.”
After I hang up, I contemplate my next move. Sharonda’s words come back to mind. At that moment, I make a decision. She’s right. It’s my final night in Miami. I’m going to enjoy myself, even for a little while.
“Fuck it,” I mutter.
Though Shonda hasn’t started DJing yet, a club mix of a Lady Gaga song begins to play. As I sway my hips, the white dress that falls just above my knees starts to swing against my thighs.
The corporation Shonda’s DJing has spared no expense for this evening beach event. I snatch one of the mojitos from a passing waiter and down half of the glass in one swallow.
“Another interesting business approach.”
I almost stumble over my two feet from the deep, rumbly voice behind me. I turn to face Kyle. He stands there in another button-up top, this time with a dark blue jacket and dark pants with suede loafers.
His eyes are at half mast, and there’s a tiny smile creeping across his mouth. He looks … relaxed. Almost.
I suspect he’s had a few drinks already.
“Do you always aim to look like a GQ model?” I ask out of nowhere. As much as I would like, I can’t blame the alcohol. I’ve barely had any.
As I would’ve expected, his expression doesn’t budge. He is the true epitome of poker face. Except, I do know he’s intrigued by me. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come up to me out of nowhere.
“GQ models wished they looked this damn good.”
“And he’s humble, to boot.”
He grunts. “What’s the point of humility?” he asks and looks as if he truly wants an answer.
“Spoken like someone born with the proverbial spoon in his mouth.”
His eyes ignite with intensity as he steps forward. “I’m not humble because I don’t need to be. I work my ass off,” he says through clenched teeth.
I hold up my hands. “I would never dare to contradict that statement.” I infuse my voice with innocence.
“Townsend Industries is the success—” He breaks off when I suck my teeth and look heavenward.
“This isn’t a Townsend event, is it?” I already know the answer.
“No.”
“Great. Then how about we leave business talk for a different day?”
“There won’t be another day for you and me,” he insists.
“Fine.” I swipe another mojito and hand it to him. “Then why don’t we enjoy the night for what it is? No talk of mergers, acquisitions, or anything else business related.”
He hesitates before taking the drink from my hand. His fingers brush against mine, and my pulse kicks up. When our gazes clash, I know he feels it, too. Considering our past interactions, I expect him to tell me to get lost before he walks away from me again.
Yet, Kyle is full of surprises, I suppose. Instead of leaving me standing there, he gets closer.