If I didn’t have confidence in bounds, her words could cut. They don’t, though. I know the effect I have on this woman.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ithink I need my head examined. Excitement fills me. I have butterflies at the thought of going on an actual date with Emmanuel. He wouldn’t tell me where he was taking me, just that it was a nice restaurant. It’s been a good reprieve from thinking about the store and everything I’ve lost.
I also haven’t had a reason to get this dolled up in a while. I might have gone overboard on my appearance tonight, but I don’t want toembarrass Emmanuel in public. I want him to be proud to be seen with me. I also need to feel good about myself, and looking good always helps me stay calm.
I was surprised and excited when he showed up at Rachel’s house. I know he said he was coming, and I didn’t doubt him. I just didn’t expect him to make it so quick. I don’t know how to not want to fall into the comfort he offers me. Right now, I need someone to be a brick of support, and he’s doing that. Without me having to ask him to.
I’ve given this man plenty of opportunities to leave me. And he won’t.
Because you look like her.That nagging voice in the back of my head keeps popping up, reminding me that I’m not Emmanuel’s true love. I’m her replacement.
“Holy shit.” Emmanuel walks into my bedroom.
I’m sitting on the end of the bed, tying the straps of my gold heels around my ankles. Emmanuel squats down in front of me, pushing my hands out of the way. He takes hold of the strap of my shoe and fastens the buckle. His hands linger on my ankle.
“You look fucking breathtaking, mi alma,” he says while his fingers travel up my calves.
I’m wearing a red bodycon dress that ends just above my knees. There’s a small split in the back and the neckline is square-shaped, showing a goodamount of cleavage in a non-trashy way. I curled my hair, leaving it to fall over my shoulders.
“Thank you.” I look Emmanuel up and down.
His dark hair is styled to perfection, almost too good. I want to run my fingers through it just to mess it up a bit. I love when his hair falls over his forehead. And he’s wearing a fitted-to-perfection three-piece suit. Then again, he always is.
“You don’t scrub up too shabby yourself,” I tell him.
“Thanks. You ready?” Emmanuel stands and holds out a palm to me.
“Sure. But this is our first date. Don’t expect to be getting into my panties tonight.” I smirk as I accept his hand.
“It’s not your panties I want, Evie,” he says.
“That’s good, because I’m not wearing any.” I laugh and walk out of my bedroom.
“What? Fuck. Wait. Stop!” Emmanuel calls out after me. I’m halfway down the hallway before he catches up. His arm wraps around my waist and he tugs me towards him. “Seriously, Evie? No panties?”
I nod. Emmanuel’s hand snakes up the inside of my thigh. My back is flush with his chest. When his fingers reach my bare pussy, he groans. I almost tell him to forget the date when he slides those fingers through my folds, only to pull themaway again. Without another word, he straightens my hem and lets go of me. I turn to look at him over a shoulder, watching as he sucks those two fingers clean.
It’s hot. Damn it! Why do I have no self-control around this man?
“You know, if you play your cards right, I might just invite you in for a nightcap.”
“Mmm, I’m looking forward to dessert,” Emmanual says, his eyes dark and full of lust. “Let’s go, and keep those legs closed. If anyone gets even a glimpse of your pussy, I will kill them.”
“I know you don’t usually do this whole dating thing. But most girls aren’t impressed by threats of murder, E.” I pat his chest.
“Good thing you’re not most girls,” he replies, taking hold of my hand. “And that wasn’t a threat, Evie. It’s a promise.”
Why does his possessiveness make me so insanely horny? He knows my worst secrets, the darkest part of my life, and he still wants me. Why?
Because you look like her.I shove that voice down a second time. I don’t want to let doubt ruin tonight.
When we walk into the restaurant, I’m relieved I went overboard on dressing up. This place is swanky as hell. It’s probably the nicest restaurant I’ve ever seen. I’m nervous. I plaster on my pageant smile and grip Emmanuel’s hand as we’re led through the posh interior.
When the waiter opens the private room, I look around, stopping at the entrance. Emmanuel glances back at me. “You okay?” he asks, eyeing me up and down.
“Uh-huh.” I nod, that same smile still on my face.
