Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101622 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
It’s shallow at best, but he has noticed me. That’s on the record for all time.
Dropping both towels to the floor, I grab one of his T-shirts from the pile of disarray cotton and pull it on before slipping on a pair of panties. No use in getting ready if we end up staying here all day.
Entering the room, he’s no longer in here, but I catch the slightest whiff of his cologne, inspiring me to take a deeper breath. I walk down the hall to see a huge vase of pink roses on the island. My feet slow, but I still walk toward them, noticing a box on the counter next to them. “What’s this?”
“You mentioned roses.”
“So you got me roses?”
He comes from the kitchen to greet me when I reach the counter. Taking my hand, he says, “So I got you roses. You mentioned jewelry.” Picking up the box, he hands it to me. “So I bought you jewelry.”
My hands are shaking so much that I’m afraid to take the dark blue velvet box from him. “I didn’t say it to—”
“I know. The timing was right, and I wanted to.”
My mind runs through a million ideas, trying to correlate the timing to today, but nothing lands for me. “Why is the timing right?” I manage to take the box like it’s not going to bite me. When I pop the lid open, my jaw hits the hardwood floor. My breath catches in my throat as I try to process what I’m looking at here.
I run my fingers over the classic necklace that reminds me of a tennis bracelet I see some of the wealthy clientele wearing at the restaurant. It doesn’t matter that it’s probably cost him a fortune for this, even with the crystals sparkling like real diamonds. It’s a hello and goodbye all in one, since there is no way I can possibly accept this gift. “It’s beautiful, Warner, but I can’t accept this.”
“You can. It will be perfect with the dress you’re wearing.”
“What dress?” I look around but don’t see a dress hanging anywhere, not even draped over the couch. “What are we talking about? What dress could I possibly be wearing that needs a diamond-encrusted necklace as an accessory?”
Sliding his hand around my back, he uses his body to shadow me from the daylight streaming in from outside. With a kiss to my temple, his lips linger only temporarily before he asks, “Have you forgotten about the event tonight? It’s been on our calendar for months.”
And here I thought I was good. He might be better. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“Good. The fundraiser for The Met is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Even an asshole like me enjoys donating for a good cause.” He could have let his tone drip in sarcasm, but he didn’t. “The car will pick us up at six, so take the time you need today to get ready.” He starts back down the hall.
“That’s more than seven hours from now.” Who needs that much time to get dressed?
“I’m going to shower and get a few hours of work done in the home office.”
Looking down at the necklace again, I snap the lid shut. This is too much to keep, but I’m already playing pretend, so what’s another event? “Thank you for the gifts.”
He stops, looking more like someone I might fall for if I’m not careful. “Can’t wait to see you in them. With only the necklace as well.”
I laugh, the release freeing what could have been an awkward situation. “Only if you play your cards right, Hotshot.”
“I’ll be playing them until I win, sweetheart. And I always come out ahead.” I shouldn’t blush, but under the hunger I spy in his eyes, I never dreamed I’d be going to such a prestigious and lavish event.
I’ve heard about this fundraiser before and seen photos in the paper the following day. I’m not worried about us attending. No, this will be fun. It’s a huge event and easy to blend in. But the best part is that I get to dress up like a princess for the night. Real jewels and all.
I lift on my toes to smell the roses. The sweet fragrance is so pretty, but after this knockout of a necklace, it’s the dress he mentioned that has me excited to dress up.
Dashing into the bedroom, I hear the shower running and Warner humming, but the showstopper is the emerald-green dress lying on the chair and the crystal-encrusted heels on the floor in front of it. I should be worried about how I’m going to pull this off with other people around, others who might know Warner isn’t married.
It was all fun and games in what could have been a dream come true. But as I take the gorgeous dress in hand, I must get real with myself. What am I getting myself into?