Page 61 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

“How much have you actually had to drink, hmm?” he whispers against my lips.

“Just a tiny bit. Promise,” I lie.

“What if you don’t remember this tomorrow?”

“I’m perfectly lucid.”

“No, you’re not. I can still taste the alcohol.” He presses a tender kiss to my forehead. “But I’m glad for it. It gave you enough courage to kiss me. Made you loosen up a bit.”

“You too,” I murmur, stroking his face.

“I only had a few sips. You, apparently, had a whole bottle.”

“It was a very small one. Honestly.”

“Maybe in the world of giants,” he teases, then gets up and offers me his hand. “Come on. It’s not far to your place.”

“Are you inviting yourself over?” I ask boldly, slipping my hand into his.

“I’m just the driver, making sure the precious cargo gets safely to bed.”

To bed?That makes me giggle.

“You’re really cute when you’ve been drinking,” he adds, “but I like you better sober.”

I trail behind him, still holding his hand. When he opens the passenger door, I press it shut again with my palm.

“I think I want to lie down in the back seat,” I say, feigning tipsiness a little more. Another test for you,Mister Irresistible.

“That’s a really good idea.” He opens the back door. But as I go to climb in, I cling to him, tugging at his shirt.

“Have you ever had sex under the stars? Be honest.”

“Not yet,” he replies with a wicked smirk. “But it’s not going to happen tonight either.”

“You don’twantto?” I ask him with a hungry look.

“If you were sober, then yes. But not like this.” He chuckles softly and helps me into the car. Another point for him—but I’m still left wanting. Though… the night’s not over yet.

I lie down on the back seat, and he closes the door and gets back in the front. The gentle movements of the car feel wonderful, and unfortunately, the bit of alcohol in my blood makes me fall asleep again.

When I wake again, I’m in his arms.

“What?” I mumble, clinging to him in surprise. He's taken me out of the car, and I didn't notice at all. Since when do I sleep so deeply?

“Well, someone’s awake again,” he says with a grin. I blink and look around. Yes—this is my building’s parking lot.

“Yeah.” Lying in his arms, one arm tucked beneath my knees and the other supporting my back, sends tingles racing through me. I’m close to him again—but now, under the bright artificial glow of the streetlamps, I can see him so much more clearly. “You can put me down.” I should still be able to walk. “I could make you some coffee to keep you awake for the drive back,” I offer as he gently sets me down.

“I won’t say no to coffee. But only if you also show me your stamp collection,” he demands.

“I actually have one,” I reply with feigned surprise, even though of course I don’t. Alex looks genuinely astonished as he grabs my bag and locks the car.

“Well then…”

I clutch my handbag, fish out the key, and thank heavens there’s an elevator in this building. We walk to it and ride up in silence, stealing only a few brief glances at each other.

I unlock my apartment door smoothly. If he thinks I’m not tipsy anymore, maybe he’ll stay. Nessa did say I should have fun. Once doesn’t count. Wait—did she really say that? I can’t remember, but itsoundslike something she’d say. Or maybe it was just me.