Don't Go Baking My Heart

She was aware of glances being thrown her way. If she broke off from Devon, it would give the curious ample time to circle and try to find out if she was anyone important. She could already imagine what story they were concocting about her. She was no stranger to gossip.

“You’re not quite getting what I’m saying. I’m not worried about me in this situation.”

Oh. She drained her wine glass, stashing it on the tray of another passing server. “You think I’m gonna cause havoc amongst the one percent? I see.”

She hadn’t done a single thing but show up in a fabulous dress, a show-stopping wig, and makeup that was perfection. Yet Devon was concerned that her mere presence would somehow ruin this for him. She couldn’t help the laughter that burst from her. Devon’s eyes reflected his surprise.

He had clearly thought she would be upset by his admission. She waved down another passing server, plucking a drink off the tray. “Be a darling and keep these coming, will you?” The man gaped at her but nodded before resuming his stroll around the room.

“Don’t worry,” she told Devon. “I won’t embarrass you.”

“That’s not it. Dax is somewhere around here, and you two somehow hit it off. I…” He folded his arms, serious mode activated. She could pinch his cheek just to aggravate him but decided to let him continue. “Look, can I be frank?”

She gestured for him to go on. “Oh, don’t let me stop you from speaking your truth.”

“He likes you, and I don’t think that’s going to work in my favour. Can you promise you won’t get caught up in some ridiculous scheme of his?”

She took another sip of her wine, enjoying the sweet taste on her tongue. She would need to try some of the finger food that had been floating around as well or take a trip over to the food table that offered something a bit more substantial. Keeping her wits about her tonight was crucial because Reba had every intention of scheming with Dax if that’s what he wanted. It was too fun to resist.

She reached up to rub the collar of Devon’s blazer between her fingertips. “He does, it won’t, and I definitely will not be making any such promises.” She patted his cheek, deciding not to resist after all. “It’s easier to just give in, you know. Fun things happen when you do. Like in the kitchen.”

Oh, he definitely didn’t like to be reminded of that. He had given in to her kiss, which she could have counted as a success where the bet was concerned, but Reba didn’t. Not until he initiated something himself. She wasn’t going to let him forget it, though. He caught her wrist, trapping them in the same tableau from earlier. Why was that move so damn sexy? She took another sip of her drink to wet her suddenly parched throat.

“I’m not playing your games again. Not here.”

She tugged at her hand. It didn’t budge from his grasp. “You’re the one holding me again like you want to play a game. Just FYI, I do enjoy a little rough play.”

He dropped her hand like it was suddenly hot to the touch, his chest rising and falling as if breathing was difficult. She supposed it was. If he was as affected as she was, yeah, breathing was a bit of a challenge at the moment.

“It’s okay to want things that don’t fall in line with your perfectly planned life.”

He rubbed at his forehead for a few seconds before moving his hand to refocus on her. “I agreed to come with you because this isn’t an opportunity that just anyone has. This,” he spread his arms wide to encompass the room, “is what I like to do for fun. I don’t want to be a pawn in your seduction plan. Or whatever it is you’re doing.”

“I want you to have your fun, Devon. I really do. But I want something more.”

She pointed at the area that was set for the food. It was time to fortify her stomach if she intended to try as much of the fancy liquor as possible.

He looked confused. “Food?”

“Yes, but I want you to watch my ass as I walk away, knowing that I’m not wearing a single thing under this dress.” She threw a wave over her shoulder and sashayed away.