“Ah, there’s nothingjustabout your date, darling.It’s ZacharyfuckingRothwell.Cha-ching!The guy’s got like a bazillion dollars.And don’t even get me started on how damn hot he is.”
I giggle like a schoolgirl and Pippa joins me, making a sizzling noise just in case I wasn’t sure how hot Zachary Rothwell is.
“Hey.”Drew’s indignant.“I do not want to hear the two of you drooling over Rothwell.Especially you.”
Given the laughter and squeals, I surmise Drew is now chasing Pippa.Their dog barks in the background and the laughter drifts farther away, as have their voices.Did they leave me on speaker to do the deed?
Why am I even asking?Of course they did.
All is quiet.Well, notcompletelyquiet and I imagine the two of them wrapped up in each other, without another thought of me on the line.
“Helllooo, in case you forgot, I’m still here,” I shout.
Nothing.
“Guys, so not cool,” I mumble more to myself than anyone else because clearly, they are getting it on, and I am long forgotten.
With a smile and a shrug, I give it the college try, saying loudly before ending the call, “Annnd we’re done.Bye.Love you both.”
The doorbell rings as I’m halfway down the stairs.The flare at the end of the dress makes for a lot of fabric and I’m taking my time so I don’t trip.I can’t believe Zach got me this dress.I feel like I’m going to the Oscars.
Only then do I consider I might be over-dressed.It is a board dinner; I have no idea what one would wear to something like that.From the little I know, I’d guess it’s formal but stuffy, no glitz or glam.Surely, Zach wouldn’t have bought a dress so out of sync with what others are wearing?
I grab my clutch resting on the small entrance table and open the door to Zach.He grins, flashing a dimple.An adorable dimple I can’t believe I’ve never noticed before.I like it.A lot.
Unapologetic, his blue eyes languidly rove my body in the curve-hugging red mermaid dress, stilling at the subtle vee neckline of the strapless gown.His darkening gaze lingers at the dip of the dress, revealing a hint of cleavage, before landing on my slightly parted lips, where he stills.
His attention is fixed on my mouth for a more than comfortable amount of time and while I beat back any self-doubt at his fascination, his tongue peeks out to wet his lips.I moan at the gesture and his eyes flick to mine, now liquid heat, and a flush sweeps up my neck and into my cheeks.
“Paige, you’re stunning.”The deep, warm quality of his voice, coupled with his avid perusal of my body, does funny things to me.
My heart hammers against my ribcage and there’s an odd tightening of my lungs.“Thank you.”
It’s tough but I finally drag my gaze away from his handsome face to drink in all his hotness in a tuxedo.“You’re looking mighty fine, too.”
The black fabric of the jacket drapes his broad shoulders perfectly, tapering to his trim waist.He could easily be a poster boy for how a man should look in a tux.He chuckles and lifts his forearm toward me, gesturing for me to take it.
“Shall we?”
I nod, somewhat giddy and not quite sure what I’ve gotten myself into.Warmth floods my insides, yet goosebumps pimple every time his searing indigo eyes land on some part of my body.
Both the driver and Zach help me into the back of the limousine in this dress, and I can’t help but feel a bit like a princess even if the task is ungraceful and I never much cared for fairy tales.
I’m too wild and headstrong to double down on Prince Charming or any other kind of man for that matter.Sure, men are awesome, and things can be more fun with one, but I’m fine on my own.
As proven by the men I’ve been involved with to date, I’m good at taking care of myself.Most could barely take care of themselves let alone bother to think about me.
Once on our way, Zach makes what sounds to be a work call as if I’m not even there.I fiddle with my hands in my lap and with each passing minute, my nerves kick up a notch.
“Soooo,” I finally say, hoping he’ll talk but his head stays down, no indication he’s aware I’m even here or that I said anything.
“Should you have given me homework for tonight?”I stare directly at him.
“Pardon?”He finally glances away from his phone screen and the knit in his brow suggests whatever he was looking at was troublesome.
“I don’t know the members of the board.What if I say the wrong thing?Or don’t have anything to say at all?It’s kind of late to ask, but tell me what I need to know.”
“Nothing.”He drops his phone into a holder on the side of the door.“Just be yourself.I don’t expect you to know their names or even recall them after this evening.”
