Page 17 of Falling in Between

I fight against the need to lean into his touch. Grabbing my half-empty glass, I raise it in an imaginary toast and take a sip—okay, a gulp. “At least the wine isgood.”

“You haven’t smiledonce.”

“And exactlyhowlong have you been watchingme?”

“Long enough.” The light from the chandelier sparkles in his eyes, creating a hint of mischief just before his gaze drops to mymouth.

“Creeper…”

Elijah tsks. “You ignoredmytexts to come on a date with TomBrown?”

“You know Tom?” My eyes widened in surprise. “I’m totally judging you rightnow.”

“He’s a former client and anasshole.”

“An arrogant asshole, and”—I hold up a finger— “I wasn’t ignoring you; I simply postponed aresponse.”

“I see.” His gaze drifts to my glass. “Are youdrunk?”

“Notenough.”

His lips purse as he takes the wine from my hand and sets it on the bar. Grabbing my hand, he gently pulls me to my feet. “Let’sgo.”

Elijah’sslightlyarrogant, but in an addictive way that’s charming—no other man could pull it off with anysuccess.

“I can’t leave. In case you didn’t notice, I’m on a horrible double date with my bestfriend.”

He nods, his thumb drawing soft circles over my knuckles. He’s touching me, and it’s weird, but what’s even stranger is that I like it. “Do you plan to go on another date withTom?”

“Not that it’s any of your business”—I brush lint from my dress— “butno.”

“Then you don’t need to make a good impression.” A devious grin forms on hislips.

A group of men stand from the table behind us. One of them pats Elijah on the back and whispers something in his ear before theyleave.

I narrow my gaze on him. “You know… it’s odd that I keep running intoyou.”

“Isit?”

“Yes.” I tilt my head to consider him further. “Are you a stalker? While I’d be flattered if you are, I’d really have to decline any futurerendezvous.”

“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m afraid I was here on business.” His fingers lace withmine.

I’m aware it’s rude to leave in the middle of a date. Even ruder to leave with another man, but still, I find myself mindlessly following Elijah through the bar like he’s the Pied Piper and I’m one of his mice dancing to histune.

As soon as the security notices us approach, they open the door and let us through. “Enjoy your evening, Mr.Banks.”

“You as well, David.” ElijahBanksnods as we step onto thesidewalk.

The muggy heat wraps around me like a sticky blanket, and I immediately pull my hair into aponytail.

Steam puffs from a manhole in the street, drawing my attention to the sleek, black Tesla idling at the curb. The way the driver stares when we walk past gives me an eeriefeeling.

“Oh.” Elijah squeezes my hand and drags my attention away from the car. “Congratulations by theway.”

“For?”

“Being the first woman to ignoreme.”