Reinvention of Chastity by Eve Vaughn Page A

playing dumb? Haven’t we had lunch together on numerous occasions?”
    “Not with Chastity.”
    “Okay, fine. What’s wrong with a little friendly competition?”
    For a second, it looked like Jeremy wanted to deck him before his face relaxed into a smile. “You’re a son of a bitch.”
    Sebastian laughed. “And don’t you forget it.”
    “She’s going to see right through this new interest you have in her.
    You never gave two flying fucks about her before this sudden change.”
    “Neither did you.”
    “Okay, so we’re both bastards.”
    Sebastian cocked an eyebrow and held out his hand. “May the better bastard win?” Even as they shook hands, Sebastian guaranteed himself the victory.
    44
    The Reinvention of Chastity
    The three of them decided to have a meal at a small tavern not too far from the office instead of trekking all the way downtown to the Gallery Mall. When shown to a booth, Jeremy slid in next to Chastity and Sebastian took the seat directly across from her. That was fine with him.
    This way, he could face her, and she’d have no choice but to look at him as well. He wouldn’t allow her to ignore him, if he had any say in the matter.
    The look of agitation on her pretty face told him that he was getting to her as well. Good. He wanted her to be as aware of him as he was of her.
    “I think the Cobb salad looks good. Have you eaten here before, Jeremy?” she asked, turning to the blond. Sebastian knew exactly what Chastity was up to, but if she wanted to play games, she’d soon learn just how competitive he could be.
    Fixing his gaze on his prey, he said, “Chastity, why don’t you try the Oysters Casino. A nice little aphrodisiac, don’t you think?”
    She only spared him a brief glance before her eyes darted away again.
    She fluttered thick lashes at Jeremy as if he were some kind of rock star.
    “I’m not really in the mood for anything heavy. What do you think, Jeremy?”
    “Hmm, I think I’ll have a hamburger and fries. Probably not the healthiest choice, but I’ll just have to hit the gym a little harder tonight.”
    “I think I’m going to stick to the salad. My ass is big enough as it is.”
    She closed the menu with a sigh.
    Jeremy grinned at her wolfishly. “At the risk of sounding like a lecher, I think your ass is just fine.”
    Chastity giggled, dimples popping out. Before Sebastian realized what was going on, his lunch mates fell into a deep conversation, completely excluding him. His fury grew with each passing second. By the time the waitress took their orders, he was ready to strangle them both. He knew what Jeremy was up to, but what was up with Chastity’s cold shoulder act? No woman had ever treated him like this before and it was driving him bananas. He hated being ignored, especially when it was by someone he wanted so damn much.
    45
    Eve Vaughn
    It was time to step the game up a notch. “Chastity,” he said her name softly, but loud enough for her to hear. She turned her head, a frown marring her pretty face.
    “What?”
    “Did I tell you how lovely you look today?”
    The expression on her face told him that his comment came as a surprise. “Thank you,” she murmured, her eyes sliding away from his.
    “You’ve looked lovely every day this week. Pink is definitely your color. You should wear it more often. I like the way it looks against your skin.” Chastity squirmed in her seat. Sebastian smiled. “What’s the matter, Chastity?”
    She kept her lids lowered, not replying.
    Jeremy answered for her. “Isn’t it obvious? You’re embarrassing her.”
    Sebastian smirked. “Is that true? Am I embarrassing you? I thought all pretty women enjoyed receiving compliments.”
    Dark eyes lifted, shooting daggers in his direction. “The compliments I don’t mind but…” Her voice trailed off before she tightened her lush lips.
    Sebastian placed his hands on the table, leaning forward. The smell of her perfume wafted to his nostrils, tickling his senses