Polished by Alyssa Turner Page B

traffic without a minibar and a good movie.”
    “You don’t have to do that, man. But shit, thanks. The only thing I hate more than traffic is crowds.”
    “And maybe dark places full of water.”
    “Yeah, that too.”
    “So Rory’s looking forward to the weekend, but how about you?”
    Spencer had thought he’d managed to sidestep that question. “Oh, you know. I’m not much for hobnobbing with the rich and the richer, but it’ll be nice to get away.”
    Jack laughed. “Is that what you think we’re going to be doing? Hobnobbing?”
    Spencer grinned in spite of himself. “Dude, I know you’re not laughing at me.”
    “I’m sorry.” Jack struggled to calm his voice of any chuckles. “Just get on out here and make sure you bring your appetite. I’m barbecuing tonight.”
    “How much beer do you have?”
    “Plenty, don’t worry.” Jack paused a minute. “Oh, and feel free to use the privacy screen in the Escalade. It’s a long ride.”
    Spencer’s cock surged on that last note. It wasn’t a subtle hint, not the kind you could ignore even if you wanted to. “Nice. See you soon.” Spencer hung up and fought the urge to wait by the window. Instead he made his way to the bedroom where Rory had half of her closet laid out on their bed.
    “Jack’s sending us a car in an hour. So baby, do you think you could start putting some of this stuff in your bag?”
    “A car? Wow.”
    Spencer furrowed his brow a bit. “Don’t be too impressed. It’s probably no big deal to him.”
    Rory climbed over her suitcase and held both arms out in front of her. Spencer caught the bulge of her cleavage in his gaze as she came to him in her bra and panties. He licked his lips, thinking of Jack’s hint about the ride over.
    “I didn’t mean to sound so ga-ga over it. We could drive ourselves.”
    “What? Why? There have got to be some perks of knowing someone with that kind of cash.”
    “I didn’t think you wanted to hang out with him just for his cash.”
    “No.” Spencer’s neck stiffened. “You know that’s not what I’m about.”
    Rory quirked her lips and toyed with him with her eyes. He knew that expression. Sometimes she could read his mind, and that look told him she was doing it right now. But she didn’t make him speak anymore about it. She was kind enough to always let him spill his guts when he was ready.
    The car came before Rory was finished with her makeup. He’d never seen her so obsessed with how she looked. “Babe, come on already. You look amazing.”
    “Just get my bags, OK? I’ll be right there.”
    He sighed and grabbed up the satchel from the bed. By the time he returned, she was still in the bathroom. He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her out into the hall. “Ok, that’s it. You are perfect. Let’s go.”
    Rory huffed, but didn’t struggle. “All right, fine. I’m ready. You got everything?”
    “Yep. All loaded up.
    “Then take me to my chariot, kind sir.” Rory was all teeth. It was nice to see her smiling and relaxed. The last week had been one big ball of stress for her. He was looking forward to spending the weekend hearing her snorty, cute as hell laugh and enjoying her smile.
    He held the door open, making a big show of it. “Getting prissy on me, huh?”
    Rory craned her neck and did a catwalk strut out the door.
    “It looks good on you.” He smacked her ass as she passed him.
    Rory shot him a playful sneer and he tossed his arm on her shoulder. Of course she melted right into his embrace. She was his girl, from his core to hers. One day he’d make it a permanent condition.
    The car smelled new and could hardly be recognized as the same mode of transportation he endured every day. Driving was more like floating in this living room on wheels. The engine was whisper quiet with the temperature control set for perfection. The seats were huge, each one big enough for two. He turned to watch Rory, laughing heartily at the romantic comedy playing on the screen in