Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“Oh, are we?” I roll my eyes.
“Yep.” He rises from his chair and gives one of my arms a tug, dragging me off the bed. “So get your pretty little ass into that shower.”
“You’re not going to join me?”
He shakes his head. “There are a few details I need to take care of.”
I can’t help but pout. “Fine.”
I drift into the bathroom and slip out of my yellow sundress. I hang it on the hook behind the door, then step into the black-tiled shower stall next to the marble bathtub. As the warm water sluices over my sun-kissed body, I lather lavender body wash on my skin.
I haven’t felt this relaxed in years. Actually, I haven’t felt this relaxed ever, seeing as my life is a big ball of stress that revolves around work and school. Relaxation has never been part of the equation.
I have to force myself to remember that although I’m enjoying my time at the resort, my time with Ben, it’s not about to become part of my routine. I can’t forget where I come from. What I’ll be going back to when this trip ends.
My schedule, not to mention my finances, doesn’t allow for impromptu island getaways and sweaty sex with celebrities. It’s easy to lose myself in these luxurious surroundings, but luxury isn’t something I can count on. What happens if I lose my job or fail my exams? Ben has his big pile of money to cushion his fall, but what do I have?
Myself. No family, no roots, no security blankets. I have only myself, and I need to remember that before I get caught up in all this glitz and glamour, or start to believe that a girl like me might actually belong in Ben Barrett’s life.
“Mimi is here to do your hair and makeup.”
I move my gaze from my newly polished fingernails and fight back a yawn. “Is he trying to kill me?”
Denise, the petite blonde who’s been shuffling me around the spa for the past couple of hours, gives a rueful smile. “You weren’t kidding—you really are one of those women who can’t handle being pampered.” There’s a teasing lilt to her voice.
“Is that what you call being poked and prodded for two hours? Pampered?”
She wags her finger. “Don’t pretend you didn’t like it. I saw your face during the mud bath. You enjoyed it.” She takes a step back. “I’ll send Mimi in.”
I wait for Denise to leave before releasing a sigh of contentment. Fine, so I enjoyed the mud bath. And the massage from Paulo the heartthrob. Maybe even the manicure and pedicure.
Okay, I enjoyed it all.
When Ben dropped me off at the spa, I’d ordered myself to have a bad time. To hate every second of the experience and laugh in the face of luxury. But I failed. I’ve wholeheartedly relished every tranquil, self-indulgent moment.
“I’m here to do your hair.” A willowy brunette with a stunning olive complexion strides into the room carrying a large silver case.
I narrow my eyes suspiciously. “Why exactly am I getting my hair done?”
Mimi shrugs. “Afraid I don’t know. Mr. Barrett never said.”
“Of course he didn’t.”
I settle back in the plush leather chair and decide there’s no point questioning Ben’s motives. I don’t voice one complaint, not even when Mimi nearly scalps me trying to twist my unruly hair into a French twist. And I don’t flinch when the woman goes at my eyebrows with a pair of mean-looking tweezers.
An hour later, Mimi finally finishes styling my hair and applying my makeup. But just when I get to my feet thinking we’re done, she holds up her hand.
“One more thing.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, the one part of my face I can touch without ruining my makeup. “I’ve been in this spa for three hours, what more can he want to do to me?”
Mimi smiles, leaves the room, and quickly returns with a garment bag and a shoebox. “He wants you to get dressed.”
I probably would’ve made another sarcastic comment if it weren’t for the spectacular item the hairstylist removes from the bag. I stare at the slinky, emerald green dress. It’s gorgeous, more gorgeous than anything I own. Or have ever owned.
“Versace,” Mimi supplies, seeing the wonder in my eyes. She drapes the dress over the back of the chair. “I’ll leave you to get dressed.”
The second the door closes, I waste no time whipping off my over-sized terrycloth robe. I carefully wiggle into the Versace masterpiece, then spin around to examine my reflection in the full-length mirror.
Wow.
With my hair piled atop my head and the gorgeous satin material clinging to my curves, I look like a different person.
“Oh my, I believe Mimi deserves a raise.” Denise’s voice comes from the doorway.
I blush as I meet her admiring stare. “You think I look good?”