Page 47 of Never Till Now

I keep a full glass of champagne close to me as if it’s a comfort item. For the past twenty minutes, we have been talking to people Adam knows and I’m going to need a notebook if I plan to remember everyone I’ve been introduced to. I swear the entire city knows this man. I guess when you’re attractive, tall and a Wheaton, it’s hard not to stand out.

I force a smile at a woman who has the confidence to place a hand on Adam’s arm while batting her flirty eyelashes while I stand by his side. I wish I could say she’s the first to do this tonight. These women have some damn nerve. Adam lets her hand rest on him as she continues to make small talk, ignoring that I am right beside him. His charming smile stays in perfect place as he keeps the conversation flowing. She tells stories to keep the focus on her, so Adam’s attempt to introduce me gets overruled. Her eyes meet mine with the fakest smile I’ve ever seen.

“Give me a call sometime.” Her hand slides down his arm instead of pulling it off before she walks away.

Adam’s hand rests on the small of my back but I arch out of his touch. It’s enough to let him know I’m annoyed, but I also shouldn’t care if another woman is interested. We aren’t dating and I don’t want to cause a scene. As he leans in again, I let him.

His lips brush against my ear. “I didn’t peg you as the jealous type.” His breath sends need through my veins, pebbling my skin with goose bumps.

“I’m not.” Until now, when him flirting with another woman is threatening our arrangement rules.

“The glare you shot her way when her hand landed on me was fucking hot as hell.” His hand moves to my hip and he gives it a squeeze. “Other women touching me don’t light up my body the way your touch does, Lauren.”

You seem to smile an awful lot when women do touch you.

“I’m sure they could get you off.” I step to the side. “Unless you’re viewing us as a couple.” I cross one arm under my breasts and hold my champagne flute close to my face.

He moves in front of me, eyeing my full glass. “I never said you and I were a couple. You’re exclusive to me until one of us decides otherwise.”

“You said we were a couple at my place earlier.” I keep my tone sharp but my voice low enough so no one hears us argue.

“I haven’t seen you take a single sip of champagne, yet I’m still questioning your sobriety.” I take a long sip out of spite and wince as the sour taste ignites my tongue.

“You said a cute couple on the mountain,” I throw back.

“For fuck’s sake, Lauren.” I’ve never seen a man roll his eyes, but Adam rolls his and tilts his head back. “It was easier to describe the photo that way than to go on about two people casually hooking up with no strings attached while they climb the mountain together promising to stay friends and not fall for each other.” He says the entire thing in one breath before tipping back the last half of his drink. “Is that what’s really bothering you? Using the term couple for convenience?”

Is it?

Or was it picturing another woman conjuring explicit thoughts about the man next to me?

He continues as I have no words. “How about last night at the gym?”

I glance around to make sure no one is looking so I can unhinge my jaw and chug a flute of alcohol in the least elegant way. Immediately, I feel it cloud my head. My stomach turns as the bubbles settle. Adam takes the hint that now is not the time or place to talk this over. His arm links with mine as we round the corner to our photo.

The main attraction is an understatement. Everyone gathers around the panoramic photo of us. The length is probably one Adam long and a half of me in height. This is by far a jaw-dropping sight. The orange tint in the far background peeks just above the rolling fog clouds. Front and center of the photo are the silhouettes of us. My arms are locked around his neck as we kiss. Adam’s arms wrapped tightly around my waist, tipping me slightly back. The sun casts a radiating glow from our figures and contrasts beautifully with the white fog. The photo leaves me breathless.

The photographer, Grayson, spots us and makes an announcement to single us out. I blush out of embarrassment as he makes his way over. “I’m glad you guys made it.” He shakes Adam’s hand then leans forward, touching my upper arm while placing a kiss to the side of my cheek.

Adam stiffens as his jaw tics.

Good. I smile inwardly.

“This size is a bit large for my wall.” I giggle, already feeling the champagne kick in. “Have you had any interest in this piece yet?”

“Oh yes.” He smiles. “I’ve had a few magazines reach out and this big baby.” He points to our photo. “Has already sold.”

“Already sold?” Adam chokes out. “I’d love to make you a higher offer.”

“Sorry, this went to an anonymous buyer.” Grayson shakes his head.

“I understand.” Adam clears his throat, straightening his posture. “It’s just odd to think of me and Lauren in a stranger’s house.”

“Well, Adam, you did approve for the image to be sold,” I say through a tight smile. “A businessman like yourself should be aware of what that means.”

While Adam’s eyes roam around the crowd, he forces a snarky smirk and gives my hand a slight squeeze.

Grayson keeps his eyes locked on mine and smiles softly. “I’d love to shoot more of you, Lauren, around the city if you’re up for it.”