He doesn’t say anything, he just runs ahand down my sternum between my breasts. “Do you really think it’s a good ideato go shopping with Olivia?”
I shrug, “From what Preston says, itsounds like she’s been declawed. Olivia could use…” I trail off, trying tothink of the right words. “She could use her family. Please don’t be upset.” Irun my finger along Cole’s jaw and down his neck.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea, but weare her family, and we need to stick together.”
I stand on my tippy toes and kiss hischeek. “Thank you.” Phew, the naked idea worked. I bend over and pick up mydiscarded bra.
“Think again.” Cole picks me up by thewaist, walking over to the bed tossing me across it. He lays himself over me.“I’ve been sufficiently seduced and now you, my dear Kate, are going to besufficiently bedded.”
I sit on the bed watching Cole getdressed for work. “I need you to tell me when you’re leaving the villa andwhere you plan to go.”
I scrunch my eyebrows, confused. “I’llhave security.”
“Kate, I’m serious.”
“Okay, why are you so worried? Olivia’sin more hot water than I am, with the whole blackmail thing.”
Cole comes up to the bed, rubbing hishand along my cheek and neck. “I’m worried because I love you and I don’t wantanything to happen to you, even if you do have a bodyguard.”
“Okay, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you, Cookie.” He leans over,giving me a swift kiss.
After Cole leaves, I get ready for theday. I dress up more than I normally do. Wearing navy blue slacks and pair itwith a French blue colored blouse. There’s a small bag attached to the shirtand inside is a pair of white dangle earrings and a matching waterfallnecklace. When I’m dressed, I look myself over in the mirror. Not half bad.This would be a great outfit to wear to work. I frown at myself. If I had ajob. Once we’re settled and somewhere permanent, I’ll be able to get a job.
I’ve decided to show up at Olivia’s hotelsuite unannounced and tell her we are going shopping. After all, she did it tome. Now it’s my turn. Only I’m going to have to play it a bit differently thanshe did. When I’m ready, Luke and Keaton are waiting for me next to theelevator. I stifle the urge to shake my head. Luke has more important things heneeds to be doing than following me and Olivia around shopping. Especially nowthat I know he owns shares in Prescott-Holt. Plus, he runs his own securityfirm, but I smile as I walk up the last step. “Hi Luke.”
“Kate,” he nods.
“Keaton.”
“Mrs. Holt.”
At the Empress, I try Olivia’s cellphone, but she doesn’t answer. It goes to her voicemail. I try the penthousephone and get the same thing. “She’s not answering.” I cringe. Luke’s going toget mad about the next question, but I ask it anyhow. “She hasn’t goneanywhere, has she?” He gives me that look. “I know, I know.” I say, rolling myeyes. “I’m trying to be good here. Will you please humor me?”
“She’s home.”
“Perfect.” I open the car door. “Let’s goget her.”
CHAPTERNINETEEN
I knock on the penthouse door, but shedoesn’t answer and there’s no movement from the other side. Leave it to Oliviato make things difficult. I dial the hotel phone again. “Good freaking hell,what?” Olivia barks from the other end of the line. She yells loud enough thatI can hear her through the door.
“Olivia,” I say with a calm, even voice.
“Oh Kate, it’s you. What can I do foryou?”
“You can start by answering your door.” Iknock again. A few seconds later, the door swings open. Olivia is still holdingthe phone to her ear.
“What are you doing here?” She isn’twearing any makeup; her weave is gone and her hair sits all tangled around hershoulders.
I end the call. Put my phone in my pocketand walk in. “I need you to take me shopping.”
She drops the phone on the table next tothe door. “What do you want to shop for?”
“I need a dress for the gala tonight. Iknow, nothing like waiting until the very last minute. I’m sure you picked outyour dress forever ago.”
“Oh, the gala. Actually…” She trails off,putting her well-manicured finger on her chin, thinking. Okay, maybe she hasn’tbeen declawed. “I did pick out something, but the more I think about it, theless I like it. So yes, I will take you shopping, and then I can find somethingnewfor myself.”
