Memories of her lips assault me. And now, visions of her body naked …Just how far does Gianna plan to go?
This is going to be the longest,hardestsix weeks of my life.
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
Gianna
“If all else fails, I look hot.”
I give myself a final once-over in my floor-length mirror, turning side to side to get a full view of my outfit. The black leather pants I bought on sale a few months ago came in clutch. I was starting to think I’d never find a place to wear them. They paired perfectly with a champagne camisole that I stole from Lucia, a pair of black heels, and a few thin gold rings, necklaces, and a bracelet. It gives exactly what I wanted it to give—namely, fuckable.
My phone rings on the bed, and I reach over and grab it. Astrid’s name is on the screen.
“Hey,” I say, putting her on speakerphone and dropping her back on the bed. “What’s up?”
“Are you ready for your date? And why am I looking at the ceiling?”
I groan. “You’re so needy.” I pick her up and prop her on my dresser. “Better?”
“Much. You, my friend, look amazing. Seriously. Drake isn’t going to be able to help himself.”
“That’s the plan.”
As surprising as it is, I’ve been more excited for this date than I have been for one in a long damn time. There’s something fun about it. There are no expectations. He could take me to a drive-thru, and I won’t be upset about it because it doesn’t matter. If we go sit by the river and have terrible conversation, that’s fine. If he wants to take me back to his place to fuck as most men prefer, I’mseriouslynot going to be upset about that.Why?Because this isn’t for real. It’s fake for real.Who cares?
“Do you like my hair like this?” I ask, twisting my head so she can get a glimpse of the back. “I left it kinda messy on top but pulled it back at the nape of my neck. It’s too late to fix it if you hate it, so lie to me if you must.”
“It looks great. I love it like that. And your makeup is perfect. Did Lucia do it or you?”
“I did it, thank you very much.” I pucker my lips and add a dollop of gloss to the center of my lips. It makes my Cupid’s bow pop. All the attention I can bring to my mouth tonight, the better. “I got a little wild with the eyeliner, but I think I smoked it out enough that it looks all right.”
“What time is he supposed to be there?”
“He said he’d pick me up at seven. It’s currently …” I glance at the clock. “Six fifty.”
Astrid yawns. “Do you know where he’s taking you?”
“Nope.” I sweep her off my dresser and carry her to my closet to grab a cardigan and my purse. “I don’t have a clue where we’re going, which made it hard to decide what to wear. He just said he had it handled, which, may I add, is so super hot. A guy takes control, and all I have to do is show up and enjoy myself? Yes, please.”
I hold up my accessories and make sure they look good with my outfit. I like what I see.
“Men taking care of things is so sexy,” Astrid agrees. “I remember the day when Gray set up an appointment with an attorney for me. I didn’t ask him for help. He just saw a need and knew he could fill it, so he did.” She sighs happily. “I think that cemented what I wanted in a man. Someone who can get things done, who wants to take care of me, and can problem-solve.”
“You just described me. I get things done, take care of myself, and solve problems.” I gasp. “Are you calling me sexy?”
“I think that goes without saying.”
We laugh as my heels click against the floor. I make my way through the house, admiring the little touches that make this house so special. The exposed brick wall in the hallway. The fireplace separating the dining room from a perfectly odd, circular space that I use as a library is lovely. The molding, which probably isn’t original but is old and intricate nonetheless, makes my heart skip a beat. It’s so charming. So special. So mine.
“Are you taking your Taser tonight?” Gray asks from somewhere in the distance.
Astrid laughs, shaking her head.
“Nope,” I say. “He’s not the kind of guy who warrants a Taser, unlike some men I know.”
“Someone should call your date and warn him to bring one,” Gray jokes.
