Page 8 of The Attraction
I want to remind them that they are all grown women who survived long before they met us. But I’m also realistic enough to know that because they are with my friends who are all high-profile, now there is an added risk to them, so I can understand the extra worry.
* * *
After a few drinks and an amazing dinner courtesy of my brother’s ex-chef prowess, the night is getting close to winding up. The girls as expected pretended to be annoyed that we were going away and then went straight into planning their weekend at Felisha’s villa in France. They will take the Kentwall private jet, and we will take the Darby jet. It’s a privileged life we live.
“I’m taking El home before she slips into a deep sleep here on the couch.” Rem stands and holds his hand out to help her up.
“Hey, that’s not fair, those two tiny humans at home are exhausting.” And as much as she sounds like she is complaining, Elouise is the perfect mother to Rem’s son Blaise and their little girl Gemma.
“No one is arguing that, I just want to give you the chance to get some decent sleep before those same tiny humans wake up bright and early in the morning.” Rem tucks her under his arm as we all stand to say good night.
And it starts the procession of all of us realizing how tired we are.
“It’s been a great night, thanks, guys.” Cherie is getting a lift home with Rem so heads to the elevator with them.
“I have messaged my driver, and they will be here shortly. Do you and Harper want a lift?” Nic looks at us both, and I hope like hell Harper doesn’t make a fuss about getting the same car.
“That would great, thanks, Nic,” she accepts without argument.
“Will save me flagging a taxi, thanks.” I look at her and see her glaring at me like I should’ve taken the taxi option.
I’m not budging, Harper can suck it up.
I choose sitting in the front seat with the driver, and as we pull up to the front of my apartment building, I do like any normal gentleman would and get out and open the door for Harper.
“Not necessary,” she mumbles as she gets out after saying her goodbyes.
This woman infuriates me.
“And yet I do it anyway. It’s what you should expect from any man, it’s a sign of respect.” I trail behind her as we walk toward the front doors and see Ferris there waiting to greet us.
“Nice night out together, Mr. Taylor and Miss Williams?” It’s a simple question but both of us barely give him more than a grunt in reply and continue toward the elevator.
We stand in silence waiting for the doors to open, and nothing much changes as we step in, and I hit the number for each of our floors.
As it starts to move, I wait to see how long it takes before Harper cracks and tells me what she thinks of me.
It’s almost like I could count it down, three, two, one…
“What is wrong with you, why don’t you find me attractive?” Harper blurts out, the alcohol helping her to say exactly what she is thinking.
Damn, how do I answer that? With the truth or what she expects to hear?
Either way, I’m about to get myself into trouble, that’s a given.
“Harper, let’s not play this game,” I say, trying to deflect long enough that the elevator can reach her floor.
“When will you realize I’m not playing?” She turns to face me, and I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
“Isn’t that what men are to you, just toys to play with and then throw away?” I’m almost growling, as she irritates me with her believing she doesn’t play games.
“No, they are there to have a good time with and then move on from afterwards. A mutual arrangement.” The noise around us of the elevator slows, telling me we are approaching her floor. “And you haven’t answered my question, why do I repulse you?”
And that’s when I crack.
I grab her hand and drag her out of the elevator and to her door.
“Open it. Now!” I’m not having this conversation in the corridor.
