“Did you get my gift?”
“Alex.” She cleared her throat. “It’s gorgeous, but I can’t accept it. It’s too expensive.”
“You will accept it. Do you remember what I asked?”
“How could I forget?”
“Good. I want you to trust me, Dana. Can you do that?”
“Yes.”
“This evening is going to be all about you. You’re in charge.”
“I get to call all the shots?”
“Every last one, but I’d like you to keep the dress. As for the rest of the night, I’ll do whatever you want.”
Any words she had dissolved at the tip of her tongue.
“When can I expect you?”
“Soon. I just need to freshen up.”
“Good. Don’t be long. I can’t wait to see you.” He hung up.
Dana stood still for a moment, fingering the fabric of the gown.
She could do this. There was absolutely nothing holding her back.
In the corner of her suite, the minibar hummed.
She knew for a fact the maid had restocked it with several new tiny bottles of Bailey’s and wine.
“No.” She’d been clear with Alex about what she needed from him, and she didn’t need any liquid courage. “It’s just sex. No emotions, no ties.”
Determined to have the night of her life, she raided her shoe collection for a suitable pair of heels.
Chapter Nine
“So.” Standing at the Covet VIP suite bar, Marissa sipped her Bloody Mary. “That woman you introduced me to. Dana. She seems nice.”
Alex leaned his elbows on the bar and played dumb. “She is nice.”
“You like her.”
“You noticed?”
“I’ve always had a head for detail and I can see you’re smitten.”
“I didn’t realize I’d made it obvious.”
“To anyone else? Probably not.” Marissa smiled. “But I know you. It’s good to see you getting back in the game, Alex. You deserve to be happy.”
“Do I?” He glared at his glass of water. The ice cubes floated around in the glass. He poked at one of them with the tip of his finger.
“Yes, you do. It’s been too long.”
“It’s only been a year.”
