“I brought you both flowers.” I show her the bouquet in my hand that’s for her.
“They’re beautiful,” Sadie says, admiring the bouquet. “You’ve found the vase. Can you put them in the water while I dig out something for Allie’s flowers?”
Allie opens the top drawer and hands me a pair of scissors. I run the sink and cut the stems under the running water before filling the crystal container with water and placing Sadie’s flowers into the vase.
Sadie opens the bottom cabinet under the sink and grabs an empty glass bottle. She hands the empty container to Allie. “Here, use this.”
“That’s cringy, Mom.”
Sadie laughs under her breath, and her cheeks burn even more. It’s not her makeup causing her skin to heat up. “So is your attitude.”
“Burn,” Allie says. She snatches the glass bottle and cuts the stems down to force the flowers to fit.
Sadie mouthssorryto me. I’d bet anything that Sadie was probably like Allie as a kid.
Defiant.
Independent.
And doesn’t take shit from anyone.
“Are you ladies ready for dinner?” I ask.
Allie heads out of the apartment and to the elevator. She hits the button, waiting for the elevator to arrive, while Sadie locks the door. I wait beside Sadie, my hand falling to the small of her back, keeping her close.
“Thanks,” she whispers.
I don’t ask what for. The ruse isn’t up yet. We have an entire night to get through, and it’s not like we have anything planned. We’ve texted a few times but nothing substantial.
The place is within walking distance of her apartment, a couple of blocks north. Once we head out of the building, Allie strides ahead while I slip my hand in Sadie’s. “Is this okay?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says with a shy smile. “But she’s in front of us.”
“I’m sure she’ll turn around at some point,” I counter. “We have to make it look convincing that we’re together.”
Sadie tugs her bottom lip between her teeth.
“What is it?” I ask.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve dated anyone.”
“Pretend dated,” I whisper, reminding her this is all a game to keep Allie from knowing the truth.
Which is what, exactly? That Sadie brought me home, and we slept together? There’s no crime in that, and I’d know, considering the number of felonies I’ve committed.
What we didn’t wasn’t even illegal in most states. I’ve had kinkier sex. Not that it was boring by any means, but it was vanilla. Very delicious and addictive vanilla. What I wouldn’t give to lick actual vanilla ice cream off—
Sadie snaps her fingers in my face. “Dmitri, did you hear a word I said?”
Shit.
“Sorry,” I apologize, smiling sheepishly. I lean in, my lips brushing against her ear. “Just thinking about all the things I’d love to lick off your naked body.”
Her eyes widen, and her cheeks and ears redden. The girl can’t hide a blush even if she tries.
It’s cute and sexy as hell. I’ll bet her chest is flushed too. I’d love to see that color all over her naked body.
Sadie clears her throat and squeezes my hand hard. Like she’s trying to bring me back to reality.