Page 36 of Not Safe For Work

I avert my gaze over his shoulder and vow to keep this professional for the rest of the night.

“Well, if you have questions about the wine or the terroir, I’m more than happy to answer them for you,” I continue, hoping it sends the right message. This is good, this is professional. We may not be talking about my work at Sizzl, but educating about wine has been my job since I was nine. It’s the most natural thing in the world for me.

“I do have a question, actually,” Tristan continues. The music has slowed down again, and he tugs me a little closer, letting his hands slip over the silky material of my dress. “Why are you here alone tonight?”

So, not exactly a professional conversation then. “Oh, Gavin doesn’t really care for these events. He hates wearing a suit.” I don’t know where that comes from, but now I can’t help picturing Gavin in a suit. I wonder what he’s doing tonight, if he has his hands on another girl, just like Tristan’s are on me.

Tristan somehow leans in even closer, so much that I have to tip my head back to avoid us touching. “Gavin, huh?” He says the name like it’s a bad taste in his mouth. It’s oddly offensive.

“Yes, Gavin.” It may just be a fake relationship for Mitch’s sake, but each day I’m finding myself happier for the shield he creates. His friendship means something to me.

Tristan must not hear the conviction in my voice, or maybe he just doesn’t care. He strikes me as a man who’s used to getting anything he wants. Just like the 2007 Vega he bid on that rarely goes for anything under five grand.

“Now, why would you be with a man who wants to be anywhere else but with you?”

I can feel his breath on the shell of my ear. It makes me shiver in a way that I can’t decide is good or bad. His brazen flirting might be hot if it wasn’t for my job, but I’ve never felt more uncomfortable in my life.

“Excuse me. I just need to run to the restroom.”

I move as quickly as these beautiful shoes will allow and grab my purse from the table. Finding a dark corner to hide in is all I want right now.

Once I’m settled in the women’s sitting room, I pull out my phone, looking for a distraction. My heart skips a beat when I see a new text from Gavin.

Shit. Do I have a crush on my fake boyfriend?

Gavin Scott:

Everything quill be all right

Beneath the words is a photo of Churro. It looks like Gavin is holding him in the palm of his hand. I know from my experience with dogs that it’s not real, but I could swear Churro has a huge smile plastered on his face.

Something compels me to hit call before I have the chance to talk myself out of it.

“Hey, Sparkles.”

Shit. I have absolutely no reason to be calling this man. I don’t have anything to say. My palms are getting sweaty with each second the silence continues.Jesus, Liv. Say something!

“Did you get the pic?” Gavin asks, saving me from further embarrassment. “Sorry about the cheesy line, I just know it’s been a tough week for you.”

Damn, that’s sweet. It’s Saturday night and I’m sure he has plans, but just knowing he took a moment to think about me makes me feel all gooey inside. I really do have a crush.

“Liv? Hello?”

“Sorry, I’m here.”

“Thought you pocket-dialed me for a sec.” He sounds relieved and it makes me happier than it should.

“Nope, no pockets tonight.”

“Oh yeah? What are you wearing?” Flirting with Tristan made me nervous, but this feels fun. Gavin’s voice is so playful that it makes me want to play back.

“Why don’t you come find out?” As soon as the words leave my lips I’m mortified.Who am Iright now?“I’m just k?—”

“Yeah? You at home?”

“No. Sorry. I umm…I don’t know why I said that. I don’t even know why I called you. I’m at a charity event, my family’s event, actually.” Great, and now I’m rambling.

“Not having a good time, then?” he asks. I can’t decide if I should tell him about running into Tristan here.

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