Page 88 of In Case You Didn't Know
Hudson pinches the bridge of his nose between his fingers, then picks up his silverware and starts attacking his dinner like it’s his prey.
I lift my glass of wine to my lips, trying to figure out how to get this scene into a book when Asher’s hand finds my bare thigh under the table. He squeezes softly, almost like he’s grounding himself. Then he trails a finger along the edge of my panties and I start to choke.
Red wine splatters from my mouth all over Skyler’s pristine tablecloth. Before I can even try to breathe, Skyler is slamming her hand against my back like I’m her worst enemy, making me choke so hard my eyes start to bulge and tears fall down my cheeks.
Hudson shoots to his feet. “Are you okay? Do you need water? CPR?”
“I’m still breathing,” I manage to say.
“She’s fine,” Skyler says, shaking her head at Asher. “Probably amazed that Ben knows so much about finance at such a young age.
Though she’s not really a finance girl,” Skyler continues smoothly, smiling at Ben. “She’s more of a creative.”
Ben perks up. “Oh yeah? What kind of creative?”
I roll my eyes at Skyler. Hello? My job is supposed to be a secret.
“She freelances,” Skyler says. “Design. Media.” She leans forward. “And of course she models.”
Ben’s eyes scan me like I’m on a conveyor belt. “You’re a model?” he says, like that’s just upped my worth.
I kick Skyler under the table. She smiles sweetly back.
“You live in New York, right?” Ben asks. “We should go out sometime.”
“I’m not sure her brothers would like that,” Asher says, giving Ben the side eye.
“Brothers. Salinger.” Ben’s eyes light up. “Wait, are your brothers with Salinger Enterprises?”
“Mmhmm,” I murmur.
“Wow. That’s amazing. I’ve been trying to get a meeting with Myles and Liam for months. Do you think maybe you can?—”
“No,” Asher says smoothly. “She can’t.”
Ben frowns. “I was just going to?—”
“Francie is Hudson’s guest. She’s not here to talk shop or be a secretary for her brothers. So maybe let her finish her wine without being propositioned.”
Well that was hot. I rub my thigh against Asher’s. He covers it with his palm.
Ben blinks. “Maybe I could drive you home later? We could talk… creatively.”
Asher slams his fork down. “She’s already got a ride home.”
Ben frowns. “Skyler picked her up. I figured…”
“And I’m taking her home,” Asher says. “She hit her head yesterday. And you’ve been drinking. Probably not great for you to be navigating unfamiliar, dark roads with a buzz on.”
The way he says it makes me think he means hard-on.
I clear my throat. Amused and turned on. I’m not used to being fought over. Not that there’s any doubt who will win.
Hudson frowns. “Wait, I thought Skyler was driving Francie home.”
“I was,” Skyler says breezily. “But I’m pregnant and tired and Asher is a dear.” She yawns theatrically.
I bite my lip to stop from laughing. Hudson stares, then stabs a piece of broccoli. The table dissolves into silence.
