FIVE
CJ
I still can’t believe I convinced Olivia to go along with my crazy plan.I thought for sure she would shoot me down, but she surprised me.She seems to do that a lot.
I love it.
She hasn’t let me in that much, but from what I know about Olivia, she’s a good person.She’s a hard worker, someone who would do anything for the kids at her center or anyone in need.
My cellphone beeps with a text.I curse when I read the message from Declan and realize I’m running late.I’m supposed to pick Olivia up in ten.
I take one last look at myself in the mirror, fixing my hair and straightening my tie and suit sleeves.Then I’m out the door.
Olivia lives on the other side of town, closer to the Youth Center.Traffic is heavier tonight, and I curse as I hit another red light.
I pull up in front of Olivia’s rundown apartment building and jump out of my car.Running up to the front door, I hit the button for Olivia’s apartment.The door buzzes a moment later, and I rush inside and up to her apartment door.
I don’t get the chance to knock before the door swings open and Olivia steps out.My breath stalls in my lungs, and my mind blanks.
She’s wearing a pale pink satin dress that hugs her curves like a dream.Her dark hair is pulled up into some kind of twist and pinned.A few strands have come loose already, and they frame her face, the ends brushing against her shoulders.She’s wearing heels today and is closer to my height.
I stare at her dumbfounded as she locks the door and turns to me.
“Fucking hell, Princess Angel Baby,” I rasp, my eyes devouring her.
She rolls her eyes.“Don’t call me that,” she says, but there’s no force behind her words.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her honestly.
She blushes slightly.“Thanks.You clean up well, too,” she compliments me.“We’re going to be late.”
“Right.”
I take her hand and we head back downstairs to my car.My hand moves to the small of her back as I open the door for her and help her into the passenger seat.
“Do we need to go over the ground rules again?”she asks as I climb behind the wheel and take her hand in mine again.
“Our fake dating rules?”
She shoots me a look.
“Nah, I think I’ve got them all down pat.”
“Clearly,” she says drily, holding up our hands.
“I’m just getting into the role,” I tell her.
She sighs, but doesn’t pull her hand away from mine.
“Are you nervous?”I ask her as we make our way toward the charity event.
“A little.I’m not used to these big…events,” she says.“I’m better with kids or writing grant letters than with big parties.”
“You’ll be great.No one can resist you.”
She snorts.“I don’t need them to like me.I just need them to want to help the youth center.”
“They will,” I promise her.
