“Oh.”I should be relieved, but I’m disappointed.“So, I’m arm candy.”
9
Zach
“Arm candy?I’ve never heard a woman refer to herself like that.”I contemplate grabbing my phone—anything else to look at but her.“And no, Paige, you could never be arm candy, as delectable as you are.”
I wink to offset the faint flush decorating her cheeks at my blatant attempt at flirting.Even if what I said is all true.
She is mouth-watering in the dress, more so than I imagined.Her hair is swept up to one side with cascades of rich chocolate curls spilling over one shoulder.
When she opened the door to her place, a sharp stab punctured my chest and cut off my oxygen.It almost hurt to look at her.Perfect on my arm, that’s what she’ll be and without a doubt, she’ll charm and befriend many tonight, effortlessly.
Paige could fit easily into my life.
It’s the one thing I’ve come to realize in such a short period of time—even with our differences.She could fit into my world.
But this isn’t real.
That’s why I grabbed my phone and reread emails for no reason other than to keep myself busy.I needed to be so engrossed in something else that I wouldn’t have to look at her, talk to her.
“Let’s talk about Donovan, since he’s going to be here tonight.”
This woman.
Headlong into any situation is her way even when the topic is uncomfortable.It works for me.I’m more than fine with direct.Let’s clear the air and clarify a few things.
“The two of you were pretty chummy for only having had one date.”
“He kept in touch while in Europe.He sent letters and postcards.And he called when he came back to Canada.”She shrugs, her expression blank.“And even though I was seeing someone else at the time, my first really serious relationship, we stayed in contact for a while.”
“Only one date.Must have been some date.Did you sleep with him?”
She narrows her eyes, her look implying I’m skating on thin ice.“No, I didn’t.I don’t put out on a first date.”
I’m content with her response.Fuck no,relievedto hear Donovan Wilkes didn’t get her into bed.
“What about on the second?”I’m joking and give her a cocky grin to make sure she’s aware.
“Contrary to any assumptions you’ve made or what you think of me, I don’t sleep around.”She sits up straighter, not a hint of a smile in sight.“I don’t sleep with guys on a second, or third date for that matter, not that I owe you an explanation.”
“I wasn’t asking for one and you don’t owe me anything.But for what it’s worth,” I take her hand in mine, “I’m glad you didn’t sleep with him.”
Our arrival at the dinner causes quite a stir, which is no surprise to me.Paige is the first woman I’ve ever brought to one of these despite the incessant badgering of Nan and the nosy inquiries of board members.
While the dinner is a business affair, since we’re all connected by Rothwell Enterprises, not much business is discussed with significant others present.Tonight’s dinner is one of two times annually where we gather some of our most senior executives and the board for a night of entertainment.
“Zachary.Paige.”Nan glides over to us, beaming at the woman on my arm.“It’s so lovely to see you again, my dear.That dress is simply exquisite, dare I say you’re going to outshine Rosa.”
“Nice to see you, too.”Paige smiles, then follows with a confused frown.“Thank you, but sorry, who’s Rosa?”
“Rosa Drake.She’s the wife of Anton Drake, a member of the board, and she’s also?—”
“One of the most beautiful women in the world,” Paige finishes my sentence, although it isn’t what I was going to say.
“I wouldn’t say that.”Nan pats Paige’s hand and adjusts her position so she’s standing beside my date.“She is a model and beautiful, that’s for sure.As a matter of fact, she’s over there in the Versace.”
Always discreet, Nan tips her chin in the direction of the Argentine model, and Paige’s mouth gapes open.Quickly catching herself, she snaps it shut—but that does nothing for her widening eyes, now double their size and glued to Rosa.
