Page 100 of Tempting Me

“Thank you.”

Another customer comes up, so I wave goodbye and spot Grace heading my way.

She’s still in business attire, but today is a pencil skirt and a sleeveless cream blouse. I’ve known her long enough to know that the skirt comes with a matching jacket, but it's understandable why she isn’t wearing it.

“I didn’t think you were coming,” I say when she stops in front of me.

“The entire Richford family is here,” she says with no emotion. “Plus the King family.”

“Oooh.” I cringe for her.

The King family is the family who probably visits Lovers the most. They are basically honorary locals at this point, but they have a son—a full adult, mind you—who Grace has never been able to get along with. Not since day one.

In fact, she refers to him as his royal dumbass, and I love it. I used to think I needed to give Luca a nickname, but I never got around to it. It’s probably a good thing now that I’m sleeping with him.

“Shit, they see me. I have to go.”

Grace doesn’t wait for my reply before she walks off quickly.

Preston King, also known as his royal dumbass, strides past me, his light gray suit sharp and with a grin that should be on magazines. Which is funny to think about since he has actually been in magazines.

I think the last one called him bachelor of the year or something.

I watch him walk down the street in Grace’s direction. Is he looking for her specifically?

“Like what you see?” A deep voice startles me.

When I look to my left to match the voice with a face, I keep my expression neutral.

“Maybe.”

Luca hums. “Maybe, huh?”

It takes everything I have not to smile at the look he gives me. To fall into his arms and relax under his touch. But then his gaze flickers to my lips, and I step back.

“Whatever you're thinking, stop,” I say and point a finger at him. To anyone watching, that gesture should come off as me telling him off.

His head falls back on a groan.

He looks agitated.

“I’ll see you tonight,” I whisper and walk off.

When I glance over my shoulder, his eyes are on me, and I swear just knowing he’s watching me wakes my body up.

Now is not the time for me to be turned on.

My phone beeps.

Luca

Meet me in the bookstore in ten minutes.

Shay

That’s a very public spot.

Luca