Page 35 of The Arrangement
I gritted my teeth and swallowed a swell of frustration. After I got through this disaster, I would have only two more dates to survive, and Rome would make the donation. This hell would be over, and I’d never have to see these people again.
“There’s Rome,” a smiling blond announced, pulling me from my swirling thoughts. The blond stranger wrapped his arm around the shoulders of the slender man with dark hair beside him.
“I’m sure he drove the AMG One,” a frowning blond murmured. The man was built like a tank. “He drives ridiculously slow in that car.”
“I drive thespeed limitbecause the car is my most precious baby,” Rome countered as soon as we reached the group.
My stupid heart skipped at his words. Had he been serious about letting me drive his “precious baby”?
Rome’s hand landed on my shoulder and squeezed. “Dr. Liam Rose, these are some of my best friends, even though they can be assholes. Sebastian Courtland and his boyfriend, Byron Graham. That scowling man is Declan Foster, and next to him is his much nicer fiancé, Parker Cain. And this is Pierce Sutton. No boyfriend.”
“Boyfriends are not a requirement,” Pierce snarled at Rome, who grinned at him.
“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Rose,” Byron greeted as I finished shaking everyone’s hands.
“Just Liam, please.”
“He’s a paleontologist. A dino doctor,” Rome bragged, making me choke on a laugh.
“That means he’s too smart to be your friend,” Sebastian teased.
“Rome mentioned you’re new to the area,” Parker interjected as he threaded his fingers with Declan. “How are you liking Cincinnati?”
“It’s wonderful. The people have been very friendly.”
Parker nodded. “I came here from Arizona for college and never left. The food was the hardest to adjust to.”
“The chili,” Pierce murmured. “The chili on spaghetti confuses people.”
Rome released my shoulder. “Whatever. Everyone knows you’re into a four-way.”
I rolled my eyes at his bad joke.
“Are we waiting for anyone else?” Declan inquired.
“Kaylan and Arden are joining us, but Kaylan texted a few minutes ago to say they’re running late,” Sebastian stated.
Rome cocked his head to the side, his brow furrowing. “Kaylan?”
“My new executive assistant,” Sebastian replied.
“You and Pierce have met him. He worked with me,” Byron explained.
“And Byron trained him, so he’s as bossy as you were. I can’t get away with anything,” Sebastian complained, though there was a huge grin on his face ruining the effect. “However, I was also the person who set him up on his first date with his boyfriend, so he’s nice to me occasionally.”
“Here! We’re here!”
We all turned at the same time to see a couple hurrying toward us, a crooked smirk on one man’s face while the other looked embarrassed.
“So sorry we’re late. It’s all my fault. I misjudged how long it would take to get here and park,” the younger of the two men said.
“Not a problem. We’ve still got time to make it to our seats,” Sebastian reassured him. Byron made quick introductions to everyone.
After some more polite comments, we all filed in with Rome providing the tickets for both of us. As we headed up to the second floor, the giant butterflies that had been dive-bombing my stomach fluttered away. Once we reached our seats, there would be no more conversation. No more chances for Rome’s friends to cut me to shreds with snide comments. In fact, they were all unfailingly polite and kind. It was…weird.
Rome’s hand lightly touched the center of my back, sending a wave of intense heat through the thick material of my suit. My muscles stiffened, and my heart jumped to my throat as he guided me down the correct hall.
“Declan is the one who picked the seats for this season. He has reassured everyone that they are the most acousticallyoptimal seats in the entire hall,” Rome whispered in my ear as he leaned close.
