Say You’re Mine (Falling in Love #2)

Chapter 15

15

LEV

H ow did I find my way back to high school? The two other girls pretty much ignore me throughout dinner. It's interesting to note that both of them are wearing short black sparkle dresses. They might be ignoring me but have all their attention, or at least their eyes, on Eros. It’s starting to get under my skin, but I’m partly to blame because I introduced myself as his coworker.

Don’t get me wrong; I completely understand why the blondes are staring at Eros. The man is so goddamn handsome it’s impossible not to. The two men they are with aren’t the most attractive, but they scream money. Scratch that, they scream wealth. The kind none of us will ever understand, and they’re here trying to buy Eros. Or rather his company.

It irritates me. I pick up my glass of champagne and take a sip. It probably doesn’t help that I’m kind of pissed at Eros too. It’s one of the reasons I introduced myself as his coworker. I have no intention of revealing or acknowledging that.

What would I even say? Hey, I’m pissed you didn’t drool over me ? That he didn't say more about how I got all dolled up for him because that is what I did. He didn’t even seem to appreciate my effort.

I hadn’t been excited about seeing what clothing was sent over for me. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I would have picked out all the items on my own if I had such a budget.

While I was nervous about embarrassing myself and Eros tonight, I was also excited after getting the clothes. I put extra effort into my hair and makeup, taking way too long to get ready. The only compliment I received was that I looked good. From the same man who can never take his hands off me.

I didn’t know what to make of it, and I hate myself for how disappointed and hurt I feel. I know I don’t need Ero’s approval, but I wanted it. It’s stupid really, but knowing it’s stupid doesn’t stop me from feeling it any less. Especially when the two supermodels across the table keep making eyes at him. I have heard about people fucking someone with their eyes, but I’ve never experienced it. Until now.

And yeah, they’re supermodels. It took me a few minutes to place them, but I knew I’d seen their faces before. Splashed all over swimsuit editions and other high fashion magazines. They are everything I’m not.

It's not just about their appearance; it's more about how effortlessly they fit in. Their random judgmental glances toward me and their shared giggles have made it clear that I don't fit in. It doesn't matter if I have the level of clothing they do. It’s starting to piss me off.

“You’ve never been married, Eros?” Coco asks, licking her shiny lips. Okay, her lipstick is nice. I'll grant her that, but I believe a matte lipstick would complement her blonde hair better.

“Not yet.”

“Oh?” The other blonde perks up. “But you’re looking to marry?”

“I can be pretty traditional.” Eros takes a sip of his whiskey. The idea of marriage always freaked me out. I told myself it was something I’d never do. Now I’m picturing myself married to Eros. That does make my stomach turn. The idea of him tying the knot with a different woman stirs my emotions.

“Traditional, you say.” Coco leans forward, giving us all a nice view of her boobs. They aren’t bad. I’m small everywhere. Coco has a bigger frame than me, but she's still thin. Those boobs can’t be real. “Like two point five kids, a dog, and a picket fence?”

I glance over at him to see if he's also admiring her boobs, but his gaze is now fixed on me. “No, I wouldn't say that,” Eros responds.

“Then what do you mean?”

“It would be a cat.” He turns his attention back to her to answer the question. “Not a dog.” The two girls return to their giggles upon hearing his response. I don’t want to come off as a total bitch, so I try to engage in conversation with them. It doesn’t go far. They always end up focusing their attention on Eros. They clearly don’t give a fuck that I’m even sitting here.

“I need to use the restroom.” I start to push back from my chair, but Eros is quicker. He stands and pulls my chair out for me.

“I’ll escort you,” he offers.

“Nonsense, Eros. Let the ladies go; we have more to talk about.”

“I wasn’t talking to you,” Eros clips out. His tone has an edge that I'm unfamiliar with.

“It’s fine.” I place my hand on his arm. “I’ll be right back.”

“Are you sure?” Eros tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear.

“Yes.”

“All right, darling. Five, and I’m going to come looking for you.” That makes me smile. I lift up on my tiptoes and press a kiss to his mouth. It’s time I send a message to the table.

“Maybe give me six. These pants are leather.” I'm still annoyed by everything, but I feel compelled to assert my claim on him.

“Six it is.” I don’t glance back as I leave the table heading for the restroom. I really just need a breather before I pop off at the mouth. I felt it coming and took the high road instead of giving the blondes a piece of my mind. I should get some sort of award for keeping my comments to myself. Now they know Eros and I are together, it might shut down their flirting. I hope for their sake it does.

When I return to the table, I find that not to be the case. It actually looks as though they have ramped up their efforts. My little plan seems to have backfired on me. Anger like I’ve never felt before stirs inside of me at their blatant disrespect.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. The only thing saving their asses is that Eros isn’t paying them any mind. Seeing his reaction to them actually makes the situation comical.

“Eros has never brought a date before,” Nick says. “But you work for him too?” I don’t fully catch which one of the blondes whispers to the other while Eros responds to Nick, but I don’t miss the word prostitute .

“They are called sex workers.” Before I can stop them, the words leave my mouth. Both girls stop giggling. The table goes quiet. “Not prostitutes. Was it me you were speaking of?” I’m over the whispers.

Coco’s face starts to turn red, but the other, Aurora, narrows her eyes on me. I stare right back. "Don't you think that's a little too crude for the table? Or maybe you don’t know any better. Don’t get pissed because you’re not our cup of tea to be friends with. That’s even more clear now.” She lifts up her wine to take a sip. Does she really think it's over? That I've been properly put in my place? Because I haven’t even gotten started.

“That’s—”

I hold my hand out to tell Eros I got this. At least I hope he’s coming to my defense and not shutting this down because I’m out of line; either way, I’m going to say what I want at this point.

“Honey, you two have been at it all night with me. I know what you’re doing. You are trying to rent space in my head; rent is due upfront, and negativity doesn’t cover it.” I stand up, ready to go. “I’d rather be someone’s shot of whiskey than everyone’s cup of tea.” I pick up Eros’s whiskey from off the table and shoot it back. “Cheers to being unique.” Stick that in your pipes and smoke it, jerks.

I turn, leaving the table. I notice the tables around us have been watching too. That’s fucking great. I don’t know if I’m pissed at myself or happy. They got me to go off at the table. I shouldn't have given them the time of day. What is Eros going to say? As soon as that thought crosses my mind, he appears beside me. His hand reaches my hip, drawing me into him.

We exit the restaurant together, and Royce has the SUV already there waiting. Eros opens the door for me but doesn't say a word.

“How was dinner?” Royce asks.

“The food was great.” That's the best response I can come up with. Eros doesn’t say anything. His hand now rests on my thigh. I change the subject, hating the silence that is looming between us. Before Eros, I used to enjoy the quiet, but now I’m finding I don’t like it so much.

“Any updates on the grandbaby?” I try to pay attention to what Royce is saying, but it’s hard. I keep going over what I’d said and done. Wrestling with if I’d done the right thing or not. Obviously, Eros is upset by my behavior.

“Goodnight, Royce,” Eros tells him when we step off the lift before telling Alectrona to close the door.

I stand there staring at him. We're finally alone.

“Eros, I?—”

He grabs me by the hips, lifting me off my feet, his mouth taking possession of mine. This kiss is different. It’s wild and filled with need. I match it, sinking my fingers into his hair, kissing him just as hard back.