“Pretty cool, right? But throw those fantasies out because your girl here isn’t interested in any of that. I’ve tried.” Anderson looks at me. “Right, Rhi?”
“I don’t share,” Noah says as his hand comes to my waist and he pulls me closer to him.
“Yes, sorry, I thought I mentioned I had a twin,” I whisper back to him.
“Rhi likes to tell people she has a twin, but not that we’re identical. She has done it since we were kids. I’m Rylee, by the way. Rhi’s other half.” Rylee offers Noah her hand, and he takes it, shaking gently yet firmly.
“Rhi’s other half?” Noah questions.
“Oh, yes, no separating the two,” Anderson says with an eye roll before he walks off, leaving us standing there.
“It’s good that you are so close,” Noah says with more confidence now. “I’m an only child but would have loved to have had a brother or sister.”
“We also have a brother, who is obviously not identical,” I say with a smirk. “He’s younger,” I clarify.
“Rylee, I have a client asking about you,” my father interrupts and turns to face me. “Biscuit, I wasn’t aware you would be here tonight.” My father leans in and kisses my cheek before he looks directly at Noah next to me. “Hi, I’m William, and you are?”
“Dad, this is Noah. Noah, this is my father, William.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Noah says, offering his hand.
“Hey, I know you from somewhere.”
“I believe you look after a few of my clients,” Noah says to my father.
“You’re that lawyer everyone is talking about. You are making quite a ruckus, that’s for sure. But, hey, if you believe he’s innocent…”
I know Father is talking about August.
It’s been all over the news and newspapers.
Free August.
“He is innocent, sir,” Noah says.
My father looks to where Noah’s other hand is around my waist.
“So, do you plan to bring Noah to Christmas lunch?”
I feel Noah tense next to me.
“Dad, why don’t you take me to this client,” Rylee says, saving me from answering. My father nods then offers us a wave before he walks off.
“I’m so sorry about that,” I say to Noah, turning so I am facing him. He looks down at me.
“I didn’t expect to meet your family so soon, but never apologize.”
I look up at him and lift my hand to brush away some of his dark hair from his face.
“Third date and no kiss, I’m still waiting.”
“It will be worth it. Now, how about we get out of here fairly soon?”
I nod at his words, just as anxious to be away from here as he is, especially considering Father is here. Looking around, we head to the bar and chat. He tells me how crazy his week has been and apologizes for not being able to see me sooner. Just as I touch my third drink, my sister comes over, and she’s alone.
“Noah, I want to apologize for Anderson’s comment earlier. Sometimes his brain doesn’t register with his mouth.”
“No need to apologize,” he says as I stand. He stands as well, coming close to my side.
“And I guess the next time I’ll see you will be next week?” Rylee finishes. “At our friends and family Christmas party? We apologize in advance for our mother.” I smile at Rylee’s words. Sometimes I get so used to her speaking for me that it becomes natural.
“Can’t wait,” Noah says, to which I look to him, surprised.
“You don’t have to come. I don’t want you to feel like you have to.”
“If you are there, I will gladly be there.”
“Okay, I’m off to break up with Anderson,” Rylee says, winking at me. “Well, actually, maybe after Christmas.” She chuckles before she walks away, giving us a last wave.
“So, that’s my sister,” I say, leaning into him.
Our fronts are almost touching. Almost. He smells so good, and I bet he tastes even better.
“She’s very protective of you.”
“You think?”
“Yes. She talks for you, it’s as if you are one.”
“Well, we kind of are,” I reply, smiling. This time, I touch him, my hands on his waist as I lean into him. When I look up, he’s watching me.
“You aren’t. You are completely different, and I can tell that just from the short time speaking to her.”
“She’s way more confident,” I say.
He reaches up and touches my face, his other hand slides along my waist until it reaches my lower back. Shivers break out all over my body at his simple touch.
“I have a feeling you are very confident in so many other different ways than her.”
I want to touch those lips to mine.
To feel them.
But he kisses my cheek instead.
“We should go.”
“Yes, my place?” I ask, having no shame at all.
“No, I have an early day tomorrow.” I can feel my face start to drop at his words. “But you are more than welcome to come back to mine…” He pauses. “No pressure, of course.”
“Pressure accepted. Take me.” I giggle.
He smirks and shakes his head.
Chapter Eight
Well, he’s rich.
That’s the first thing I think when I walk inside his house. He lives outside the city, in a beautiful old Queenslander, which has obviously had some amazing work done to it. The old frame, which has been painted in natural colors, completely makes you think old-style. But once you walk inside, it’s completely decked out with everything modern.
Surround sound all through the house, which I know because soft music is playing when we enter. There’s also a high-end security system. A kitchen that’s made of stone and is probably worth more than the house. And high ceilings throughout.
I come from money, so I know money when I see it.
I may not live as my family does, but I grew up with it. And I do what I can, as evidenced by the apartment I live in. But I work and make my own money. Other than the apartment, I take nothing else from my family even though they offer.
“This is beautiful.” I see no personal photographs hanging, nothing to show me who he is.
“Thank you. I’ve only lived here for about a year, and I must say, no other houses are built quite like these old beauties.”
“No, they aren’t,” I say.
My family likes everything new and shiny. They upgrade their house every five to ten years.
“Drink?” he asks, walking into his kitchen.
I nod and lean down to take my heels off. After I get one off, I look up to see him watching me with a glass of water in his hand. I smirk.
“Would you like to take off the other? I can’t seem to reach it.” I sit on his stool and put my leg up with the heel still on onto the stool next to me. My dress slides between my legs as he walks around the counter to face me. His eyes travel me, landing on my leg, and he smirks.
“I knew you would be dangerous,” he says in a dark voice.
“All the best ones are.” I lift my heel in the air, turn around, and place it on his chest. “Now, as you can see, I can’t quite reach it.” I smile.