Rough Edge
Page 32
“Hmm, well, I’ll say my father would disapprove, but I understand what you mean,” she says, stepping closer. “You know, Mr. Goldstone . . . mind if I call you Tom?”
“If you wish,” I reply, sizing her up immediately. She must be up to something, she’s coming on too hard, too boldly.
It wouldn’t surprise me if she’s been sent here on a mission. Her father’s a weasel and would see no issue with using his only daughter this way.
She takes my arm, as if she expects me to suddenly escort her and be happy to do so, giving me a false coquettish giggle. “Ooh. I’ve heard your reputation Tom, that you’re pretty rigid in your fitness routines, but wow, this tux is hiding a beast underneath all this worsted wool.”
“Clean eating and good habits,” I reply, already tiring of her and her lazily flirtatious innuendos. She tries to lead me back to the main wing, and I follow along simply to avoid any issues, but when she sees one of the press and starts trying to angle us in that direction, I pull my arm free. “Excuse me, Miss Langlee.”
She looks surprised, anger hiding in her eyes. I doubt she’s used to being denied. She reaches out and grabs my arm again, pulling herself close.
“Come on now, Tom. I’m sure we can find a little bit of fun.”
I can’t tolerate this any longer, and I pull away, my voice tight. “Sorry. I haven’t had my rabies booster this year.”
I walk away, cursing myself at that last crack. Turning her down cold? That’s one thing.
But essentially calling her a disease-infested slut was probably too much.
“One of these days, you’re going to piss off someone important,” she says threateningly to my back. When I don’t reply, she stomps her foot like a petulant toddler, loud enough to cut through the hubbub of the party as she calls out, “Bastard!”
Everything stops, and I nod, glancing back over my shoulder at her with a charming smile. “That’s one of the things they call me.”
I keep going, and as I pass by the governor, he gives me a dirty look. Reaching out, he puts a hand on my arm.
“You know, my daughter—” he starts, already conciliatory, which makes me think he knew exactly what Meghan’s game was tonight.
I don’t let him finish. I just shrug him off, ignoring the snapping cameras. I only pause at the door to reach into my jacket and pull out an envelope that I slide into the donation box.
It’s unmarked . . . but that’s just what I want.
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About the Author
Standalones
The Dare || My Big Fat Fake Wedding || Filthy Riches || Scorpio
Bennett Boys Ranch:
Buck Wild || Riding Hard || Racing Hearts
The Tannen Boys:
Rough Love || Rough Edge || Rough Country
Dirty Fairy Tales:
Beauty and the Billionaire || Not So Prince Charming || Happily Never After
Get Dirty:
Dirty Talk || Dirty Laundry || Dirty Deeds || Dirty Secrets
Irresistible Bachelors:
Anaconda || Mr. Fiance || Heartstopper
Stud Muffin || Mr. Fixit || Matchmaker
Motorhead || Baby Daddy || Untamed