I was still thinking when the guy repeated the gist of his question. "The limo – you need to grab anything? Like a purse or phone?"
My mom gave a little stomp of her foot. "She's not grabbing anything. I already told you, we have plans."
Instantly, an image of those so-called plans flashed in my brain. Dominic was naked and – holy hell – so was my mom.
Eye bleach. I needed it fast, even more so because I just knew that any second now, I'd be making my own appearance.
I blurted out, "Yes!"
In unison, my mom and the stranger turned to look.
My mom's gaze narrowed. "Yes to what?"
I looked to the stranger and said, "A ride would bereallygreat. Thanks."
"What?" my mom sputtered. "You're ditching me? Just like that?"
Technically, I'd ditched her the moment I'd run from the limo. But this wasn't the time to quibble, especially in front of an audience.
I gave the guy an apologetic look. "But Idoneed to grab my purse."
I'd been so distracted that I hadn't thought to snatch it on my way out. Score one for the stranger. At leasthewas thinking.
I turned away, intending to make a quick dash to the limo when my mom said, "Aren't you forgetting? It's notyourpurse."
Heat flooded my face. She was right, of course. The purse – some tiny silver thing – was only borrowed, just like the rest of my loathsome outfit.
Reluctantly, I turned back to face her. "Fine. I'll just take out my stuff."
She frowned. "But what about the dress? And the shoes? Those aren't yours either."
As if I needed the reminder.
My face was burning now. I snuck a quick glance at the stranger, expecting to see surprise or maybe contempt. But he wasn't even looking at us. He was looking toward the limo – no doubt, wondering why I wasn't there and back already.
I looked back to my mom and said, "I'll give them to you later."
"Oh, really?" She gave me a thin smile. "And where would that be?"
I wasn't following. "What?"
"If you think you can just waltz back into the penthouse like nothing happened, you're crazy."
I gave her a look."I'mcrazy? You're kidding, right?"
She stiffened. "What's that supposed to mean?"
I threw up my hands. "You know what? Forget it. We'll talk later." Once again, I turned away, only to nearly collide with the limo driver – a big, beefy guy who'd apparently gotten tired of waiting behind the wheel.
He glowered down at me. "So, did you barf or what?"
I wanted to die of embarrassment. Still, I lifted my chin and said, "No."
"Are you gonna?"
Well, I suddenly felt like it. Didthatcount?
From behind me, my mom said, "No. She's not going to 'barf.' I told you she was lying."
