Page 34 of Rich Girl
I don’t say anything, just walk as fast as I can, while holding her hand, our fingers intertwined. To the onlookers, we must look like a regular couple.
“During dinner last night,” she starts again. “I didn’t think it would work out, me taking you to the wedding.”
I remain silent. Sometimes, the less you say, the more information you get.
“I didn’t think we’d be compatible,” Hayden continues, basically echoing my own thoughts from last night. “I need it to look believable, you know?”
She squeezes my hand, and I return the favor.
“And you are beautiful.”
I let out a snort of laughter at hearing that.
“No, that’s a compliment,” she assures me. “That was the main reason why I reached out. Looks-wise, you are my perfect match, and everyone would love you.”
“Hmmm…” We wait for the pedestrian light to turn on so we can cross the street. “What changed your mind after meeting me?”
She squeezes my hand tighter, this time keeping the pressure on for a bit longer.
“You didn’t seem to be attracted to me, for one.” I hear the nervousness in her voice. “And the way you talk, your confidence, they are a bit rougher around the edges than the circles I’m used to. They would not buy that we’re together, only because of that.”
“I see…”
We continue walking, and I let out a sigh of relief when the parking garage comes into view.
“I am plenty attracted to you.” I finally give her a little morsel.
“So I noticed during the night,” she deadpans, and I chuckle.
“You’re hot as fuck, Hayden Benedict.”
I know she knows it, and I can’t believe she’d doubt I’m attracted to her. Anyone with red blood running through their veins would be attracted to her.
“But…” I drag the word out. “You’re a bit of a snob.”
I almost trip when she stops walking, right in the middle of the sidewalk. Thankfully, since it’s the weekend, it is not as crowded as it would normally be, other than with tourists visiting the city.
“A snob?” With her sunglasses lowered down her nose, she presses her free hand to her chest in utter shock.
I point at her face and laugh. “Just like that!”
We start walking again, this time so much closer to the parking garage.
“Ray Parker, I can’t believe you would say that to my face.”
“I’d say it to your back, too,” I shrug carelessly. “You have a beautiful back. I don’t mind talking to it.”
She huffs and puffs all the way to our destination, a fact that I find amusing. The more she does it, the more I find that I actually like her. She is funny and doesn’t even know it.
We head to where I parked my Jeep, unlocking the doors, then opening the driver’s door for her.
“Wait, I have to drive now? In the city?”
“Yes,” I nod and help her up without giving her the chance to run.
I stick the key in the ignition, adjust her seat and mirrors, then slide the buckle into the lock. As soon as it clicks in, I give her a quick kiss on the tip of her nose and slam the door shut in her face before walking to the passenger side.
“All good?” I ask once my own seatbelt is on. “You’re comfortable?”
