With my nod, I followed him outside. Under the watchful eyes of his grandfather and brother, I was confident Adam wouldn’t push the boundaries as long as we stayed within view of the drawing room window.
I was merely steps into the garden when I brought the coffee to my lips. “Oh, wow.” I paused in surprise.
“It’s fucking amazing, isn’t it?” Adam watched me relish another sip.
I closed my eyes as the liquid gold swirled around my mouth. “You’re right. Itisbetter than sex.”
“Most sex,” he uttered, sternly.
“I don’t know about that.” I gazed longingly into my mug. “This is incredible.”
“Cassidy…”
I peeked up to find a storm brewing behind Adam’s eyes. “So, your barista skills have upstaged your bedroom prowess. Don’t be offended. Be proud.” I grinned, enjoying his temper. “You could run a successful coffee shop one day.”
His mouth gaped. “You’ll pay for that.”
“Oh, okay.” I pretended to check my pockets. “How much? Two dollars? You really shouldn’t charge more than the going rate, or you’ll go out of business.”
The corner of his mouth twitched before he pivoted on the stone pathway to resume our walk. “You’re entirely too comfortable with me.”
I matched his pace. “Am I supposed to be scared of you?”
“Most people are.”
“Well, you know what they say…people arewayless intimidating once you’ve seen them in their birthday suit.”
His eyes traveled up and down my body. “You think?”
“You’ve never been so nervous before a presentation that you’ve had to picture everyone naked to feel less vulnerable?”
“No.”
“Well, that confirms it.”
“Confirms what?”
“You’re not human.”
He nudged my side. “Ha-ha.”
“I had my suspicions—especially after last night’s efforts.”
Adam slowed his pace before stopping entirely. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” He lowered his head as he turned to me. “I was a complete dick to you last night, and I’m sorry. I can’t seem to control my mouth when I’m angry, and I guess you’re an easy target.”
“Adam, it’s ok—"
“It’s not okay.” He met my gaze. “And I want to make it up to you.”
“You really don’t hav—”
“I want to buy you a dress.”
I burst out laughing. “A dress?! This isn’t Pretty Woman! Although you did, in a roundabout way, call me a prostitute last night.”
“Fuck.” He winced. “No…I want to buy you a dress so you’ll have something to wear to Melanie’s wedding.”
“Adam, no.”