Her fingers brush mine as she steals her glass back. “He deserved that.”
“Just speaking the truth.”
She locks her arm with mine. “You want a drink?”
“Yeah.” We move to the bar.
She wipes her glass. Refills it. Finds my favorite brand of bourbon—did Penny really buy this for me?—and pours.
I take my glass.
Leighton holds up hers. “To—”
“Masturbation?”
Her cheeks flush. “Sure.”
We clink glasses.
Drink.
Her cheeks flush. Her lips curl into a smile.
The rest of the room fades away. I forget about Dean’s flirting. About the possibility of another man. About the reason why we’re here.
I forget until I hear her voice. “Ryan, hey.” Penny’s fingers brush my wrist. “You look great.”
Leighton fights a glare.
I nod it’s okay.
She rests her head on my shoulder. “Oh, Penny—”
“Penelope.”
“Sorry, Penelope. Great party. You look nice.” Leighton forces her frown into a smile. “Not as nice as Ryan though.” She turns to me. Runs her fingers along my cheek. “You look amazing in that suit.”
My eyelids flutter closed. I lean into her touch.
This is for Penny’s benefit.
But it feels so fucking real.
Penny’s laugh is soft. “It is something, seeing you in a suit, Ryan.”
“Thanks.” My fingers curl around Leighton’s wrist. If she keeps touching me, I’m gonna have my lips on hers in two minutes flat. Then I’m gonna have that dress at her waist, and her panties at her knees and—
“Would you mind if we had a moment?” Penny asks.
Leighton shoots Penny a serene smile. “I’m not sure I’m ready to leave Ryan alone. Not when he looks this good.”
“I can imagine.” Penny’s voice is impossible to read.
I nod to Leighton it’s fine.
She bites her tongue. “I’m gonna find a snack.”
“There’s a tray in the kitchen.” Penny’s smile is soft. Sincere. She watches Leighton walk away with that same friendly expression.