“What do you do when no one is looking, Valerie?”
“Depends on the day.” I smile.
He considers that and then taps the bottom of my water. I drink it obediently. We say next to nothing as we sit together and I hate that I still don’t know where his mind is. The simple, everyday psychology hacks aren’t getting me anywhere and I’m not sure what to do with him. Which excites the shit out of me. This never happens. Most men are so predictable.
Even Roman would givesomethingif I fished carefully. Lief isn’t eventhatopen. I cross my legs and look out over the crowd with him. There’s a girl that’s obviously interested in Hunter, despite the ring on her finger, and she’s making her way over slowly, finding people to talk to along the way, things to distract her so it almost seems accidental.
A more brazen blonde drapes herself in Gunner’s lap after faking a fall. He’s so tired, he doesn’t realize it’s a come-on – sets her back on her feet – then continues his conversation without giving her a second look.
I smirk slightly. “He’s a good one.”
“Gunner?” Lief asks.
“I don’t know if it’s that he’s tired or that devoted to Sophie. To avoid a setup that obvious, he must be distracted.”
“I see.” Lief takes a drink from his glass.
Our silences are normally comfortable, but now I’m overthinking like crazy. “What do you think of meteorology?”
“Not everything that ends in ‘ology’ is a science.” He murmurs. “Like Astrology.”
“Oh no. You’re telling me astrology’s not something you believe in. That everyone in the world falls into one of twelve categories? What a shock.” The sarcasm flicks off my tongue “What sign are you?”
“Scorpio.” He says.
“Makes total sense then. I’m an Aries. Celebrating my birthday in two weeks,” I say simply. “Scorpio … they’re normally discreet and secretive. Fearless and bold, but more on the mysterious side. I think there’s something about loyalty and passion, but they like stability and routine.”
He turns his icy eyes on me and I have the feeling he can read my mind, see through all the bullshit, and to something much deeper than I want him to know.
“Does it fit?” I ask.
“In some areas,” He responds.
I laugh and see the corner of his mouth tick up. Maybe he’s not completely hopeless when it comes to showing emotion. I take his hand and stroke a few lines. “I bet if I could read your palm it would tell me more about you.”
His fingers close around my hand. “Better not to. I believe most women find mystery attractive.”
“It’s intriguing. There’s a difference. Lief.” I stand up, feeling a bit steadier than before. “I can’t leave Gunner alone too long. Best friend code.”
“I see. I appreciate our conversations.”
“Almost a compliment.” I clink my ring against my glass. “Bravo.”
“You look … very nice.” He says so softly, that I think I’ve misheard him.
“And a real one. Thank you.” I bend down slightly, hesitate, then press my lips to his cheek. “You look sexy in a suit.”
With that, I walk back to our table, not wanting to see the lack of expression on his face. When I sit beside Gunner, I see his energy flagging. I pat his thigh. “Come on, Gun, you’re the life of the party.”
“Pregnant wife, red-eye, charity event, and you.” He lists on his fingers. “A recipe for sleep.”
“I’m not that bad.” I insist.
But Gunner is struggling. I think of Sophie at home, the way she vents to me, the frustration she feels. Time to clue Gunner in.
“Hey. I’m … pitying you, so I’ll give you some tips with Sophie,” I offer.
He perks up immediately. I tell him to bring her home things she’s been craving before she can ask, to spend time with her like he did before she was pregnant, and not to hesitate being close and involved and giving her plenty of massages and post sexy time cuddles.