Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Poppy
Another day, another date, and another public kiss.
At this point, I was wondering if I was seeing it the way I wanted to, or if I was actually ignoring all of the signs that pointed to this being a public launch.
Donovan was, of course, on his best behavior because I, of course, needed to look blissfully in love if this was all about the public launch.
Unfortunately, I was still meeting with my brothers weekly, though I wasn’t exactly sure why. I was on my best behavior, as well. There was no need for them to constantly dangle Jane over my head like they did every time.
I leaned over and struggled with my heels again.
I hated wearing heels, but tonight was some kind of fundraiser, and therefore, I needed to wear something Donovan’s personal shopper had picked out for me.
The dress was a complete knockout. It was tight enough to show off my curvy, athletic figure, but modest enough to not bring the wrong kind of attention my way, especially since I would be on Donovan’s arm.
With a growl of frustration, I tossed the shoe at the door just as it was opening. I winced as Ivan caught it easily. One of his brows lifted on his forehead. “I can come back in a few minutes, but if I do, you will be late.”
I gritted my teeth. “It’s the stupid heels. Something is wrong with the buckle. What’s the point of spending so much money on these things if they are so difficult to put on?”
In a few quick strides, Ivan knelt down in front of me, and I swore my breath caught in the back of my throat. “May I?”
I could barely manage a nod.
His fingers brushed the soft skin above my heel as he fastened the buckle, and I forgot how to breathe. It was the lightest touch, but it felt like something far more dangerous.
“Better?” His voice was low, a rasp that slid down my spine like smoke.
I nodded, but the sound that left my throat was almost a moan. “Yes.”
He didn’t move right away. His thumb lingered against my ankle, tracing slow circles, like he wasn’t aware he was doing it. My pulse thundered in my ears.
“You’ll be late,” he murmured finally, but he still didn’t stand.
“I know,” I whispered back, even though neither of us moved.
For a heartbeat, everything went still.
Then he stood and cleared his throat, and whatever spell was over the room quickly faded. “Heels are done.”
I nodded and frowned. “Where’s your suit?”
He ran his hands down the front of his sweatshirt, and his lips curved up slightly, but not enough to even call it a sad smile. “Donovan said there would be enough security tonight so I could sit this one out.”
My brows pulled together as I made a face. “You’re speaking to Donovan?”
He shook his head as he leaned in the doorway. “No, your brothers shot me a quick text.”
Of course they did.
“Donovan’s driver is here.”
“Oh!” I shot up from the bed and stumbled towards the doorway.
“You’re going to trip running around like that,” He reached forward but didn’t touch me.
The words slipped from my lips before I could stop them. “You could always catch me.”
This time, his smile was sad. “Don’t tempt me, Poppy.”