He turned to her, his face perfectly serious. “What?”
He really didn’t get it. She smiled and shook her head. Men and their cars. “Nothing.”
“If we get going we should be home in no time. There’s not much traffic. And the weather is perfect.” He repeatedly tossed the keys in the air.
Lizzie moved in to catch them. “Let me drive.”
“What? You’re joking, right?” He reached out to take the keys from her.
She pulled her hand behind her back, which drew her blouse tight across her chest. His gaze dipped and lingered just a moment. When his gaze met hers again, she smiled.
“Come on. You said yourself there is hardly any traffic.”
And she’d love to drive an honest-to-goodness exclusive sports car, the kind that turned heads—both men and women, young and old. She may not be a car junkie, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate a fine vehicle. And this car was quite fine. Jules would never believe she’d gotten to drive such an amazing sports car.
“I don’t think so.” The smile slipped from his face. “Can I have the keys so we can get going?”
Enjoying having him at a disadvantage, she felt her smile broaden. She backed up a few steps. She was in the mood to have a little fun, hoping it’d get them back on track. “If you want them, you’ll have to come and get them.”
He didn’t move. “This isn’t funny.” His tone grew quite insistent. “Hand over the keys.”
Her good mood screeched to a halt. He wouldn’t even consider letting her behind the steering wheel. Did he really think so little of her that she couldn’t drive a car in a straight line?
Hurt balled up in her gut. She dropped the keys in his outstretched hand and strode around the car. “I assume I’m still allowed to sit in the passenger seat.”
“Hey, you don’t have to be like that. After all, I don’t let anyone drive Red.”
Her head snapped around to face him. “You named your car?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
She shook her head, having no words to describe her amazement.
“Besides, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy riding in the passenger seat more. You can take a nap or check out the passing scenery.”
It hurt her how easily he brushed off her request as though she couldn’t possibly be serious about wanting to drive such a fine machine. All of her life people had never seen past her foster-kid status and used clothes. Even now as she sat on the butter-soft upholstery of a car that she would never be able to afford in her entire life, she was wearing hand-me-downs. But at least these clothes fit her and they didn’t look as though they’d seen a better day.
She was tired of people underestimating her. She refused to sit by and take it. She would show Dante that she was just as capable as him.
CHAPTER TEN
“I KEPT MY WORD.”
The sound of Lizzie’s voice startled Dante.
She’d resumed her quiet mode after he’d asked for the keys. He had no idea she was so intent on driving his car—his gem. She obviously didn’t know how precious it was to him and he didn’t know how to describe it to her. The fact that his father liked this car almost as much as Dante did meant the world to him. And the fact that he’d bought it all on his own had earned him some of his father’s respect. He couldn’t afford to lose that one small step.
Dante unlocked the penthouse door. “You kept your word about what?”
“The contract. I didn’t say a word while we were at the villa. But now that we’re back and the film crew will be here tomorrow at 6:00 a.m., I need to know if you’re on board with the whole thing.” Lizzie strode into the living room. She fished around in her purse, eventually producing her cell phone. Her gaze met his as her finger hovered over the touch screen.
His curiosity was piqued. “Who are you planning to call?”
“My contact at the studio.”
“Did you already tell them about my grandfather not being able to fulfill his obligation?”
She nodded. “I told them right away.”