CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
EMILY
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How appropriate Sebastianordered me a red dress.I feel like a scarlet woman.At least when I look in the mirror.
It’s my fault.I shouldn’t have asked him the question.What did I think was going to happen?That he’d confess he was falling in love with me.
His eyes showed something...I’m not imagining it.
Clearly I am.
Surely other women you’ve dated, or are dating, would’ve been a better fit than me.
His expression had darkened.
I do not fuck multiple women, and that includes you and this fake engagement.Nor am I interested in getting married.
His harsh words were a stark contrast to the man who’d scattered kisses along my neck and caressed my body for way too long in the shower this morning, almost making us late.
Well, you play the part well.
I couldn’t help my snarky response, and I don’t regret it.
Fortunately, it has been a busy day in the office, and when the dress arrived midafternoon, I sent him a text to say I was leaving.There was no way I was going into his office to speak to him.God, I could barely look at him.The rejection was still too sharp.Rejection I had no right feeling.
Because, as Sebastian kindly pointed out, our relationship is fake.
My orgasms aren’t fake...neither are his.
I also don’t believe Sebastian kisses every woman the way he does me.
Or I’m delusional.
Either way, it’s time to face the music.I’m all primed and polished, ready for the gala.
Josh opens the door, and I climb out of the vehicle, arranging my skirt.
“Emily,” Josh says, and I glance up at him.“If...fuck this is completely inappropriate, but I’m going to say it, anyway.If Mr.Remington doesn’t tell you tonight, you look stunning.”
My cheeks heat.“You heard us this morning.”
Josh nods.“Listen, I’m married and...fuck, it’s none of my business, but you look incredible and sometimes the man who...we don’t say it.”
I know there’s a message in there somewhere, I’m just not sure what it is.But I take the compliment and as I go to smile at Josh, suddenly I’m overwhelmed and throw myself at his chest.
Josh lets out anoomphand holds me like I’m his kid sister, while I take in the padded vest he’s wearing under his shirt.
Wow.
I’m a million miles from home and should have protected my heart, but I didn’t.
“Sorry.”I release him and wipe the tear that threatens to slide down my cheek.“This entire situation is weird.”
“It kind of is.”Josh pats my head.“Come on.”
We walk to the elevator and it opens.Josh presses the button and stands in front of it.For some reason, because we’re not facing one another, I feel confident asking a question I know I shouldn’t.
