Chapter Twenty-Three
Olivia
It’s a good thing I’m sitting down because the words on the note would have had me on my ass. I shake my head, and my legs start to move up and down automatically. “I have no fucking idea what I have that they want,” I tell them, almost shouting. “If I knew what they wanted I would give it to them gladly.” I look up and blink away the tears. “I have no idea what they want.”
“I know you don’t.” Casey comes over, taking me in his arms sitting with me in his lap.
“Is there anything else?” Casey asks Derek.
“Not that I can see,” he tells him. “But we are looking into her phone and there was an application on there that I’ve never seen before.”
“I don’t really have applications on the phone,” I tell them. “I mean, I have Instagram and Pinterest.”
“Um,” Derek says. “You have at least seventeen, and it was in a hidden folder.”
I look at Casey. “I can barely get my computer to work, and when it doesn’t, I do what every single other person does. I shut it off and then hope when I turn it back on everything is working.”
He looks at me. “You do not.” The look on his face is that of utter disgust almost.
“I don’t do computers,” I tell them. “I’m a stylist. I style things. Then I walk over to Kallie’s office and explain it to her, and she makes it come to life.”
“I can teach you,” he says, his voice going soft and I almost forget that my life is a mess. Almost. But sitting in his arms I know that soon this nightmare will be over and someone else will be in his arms.
“Okay,” I whisper out and then Derek cuts in.
“I’ll see you guys tomorrow, and if I get anything else, I’ll let you know,” he says, disconnecting.
“I have a dinner tonight,” Casey says to me, and I nod my head.
“It’s okay. I can stay, order room service, and eat in bed,” I say with a smile. Putting one arm around his shoulder, I lean in to kiss his lips because I can.
“I was hoping that maybe you could be my date.” He looks down, and if I didn’t know any better, I would think that he was nervous.
“Really?” I play with him. “What does being your date entail?” I lean in and put my head on his shoulder. He puts one hand around my waist and another one over my legs.
“Well, it entails you dressing up,” he starts with a chuckle. “Then it entails us leaving and attending a stuffy dinner. Where tech people will be.”
“That sounds interesting and not at all dull,” I say and lean in to whisper in his ear. “Does it end with me and you in bed?” I swallow down the nerves as I wait for him to answer.
“That sounds like something that can happen.” He looks down at me. “It’s definitely something I’ve dreamed of happening.”
“Then sign me up,” I say the whole time, wondering if I have anything that I can wear. “What time does this happen?”
“Six,” he says, and I just nod. Diego comes back with our meal, and when I finish, I lean over and kiss him, telling him I’m going to get ready. I open my bag and take out the only two outfits I brought. I opt for the white off-the-shoulder long-sleeved lace dress that fits tight and ends right above the knee. I place it on the hanger and then take out my makeup.
The whole time it feels like my stomach is in my throat, I get ready. This is silly, I tell myself. I’ve been on dates before. I’ve been dressed up before, except this time it’s with Casey. Casey, who wipes my tears and holds my hand to make me feel better. Casey, who is hands down the most handsome man I’ve ever met. Casey, who I’ve fallen for. Casey, who I’m going to have to leave when all of this is done. I apply my light makeup, not having to use any foundation since my face has a natural tan from being outside. My long blond hair is placed in curls, and when I slip on the dress and turn to zip it at the side, the zipper goes up easily. I sit on the bed and slip on the gold heels that have one strap over the toes and another strap around the ankle. I zip it in the back and get up, having time to look at myself in the mirror before I hear a soft knock. “Come in,” I say, grabbing one of the gold chandelier earrings and putting it in.
The door opens, and he comes in but the sight of him stops my heart or maybe for the first time in my life it fills it so full I don’t know what to do with it. My hand slowly comes down from my ear as I watch him wearing a custom-made black suit with a white button-down shirt. A black tie and on his wrist a silver Rolex. “Holy shit,” I say, and he just laughs.
“Different from the Levi’s?” he says and smirks, and I just shake my head and walk to him. His eyes go up and down. “You have a jacket.”
“No.” I shake my head. “It’s too warm out.”
“But …” He picks up his hand, and his finger traces along the top of my dress. “Your skin is all out.” His voice is going lower by the time he’s done. His blue eyes are now a deep blue and in two seconds his hand is in my hair and his lips are on mine. Unlike his kisses in the past that have been soft and delicate, this kiss, it’s hungry, it’s all tongue and hands, and it’s all Casey. His smell, his touch, everything about him. I don’t care if he’s wearing a three-piece suit or if he’s wearing his Levi’s, he’s still the man who has crept into my heart.
“Casey,” I whisper his name when he finally lets my lips go.
“I’ve never seen anyone so stunning in all my life,” he says in a whisper as he leans down and kisses my shoulder. “Stunning.” I put my hand on his cheek, the smile on my face so big my cheeks hurt.
“You clean up good, cowboy,” I say, and he grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. “Now let's go before I do what I really want to do.”
“What is that?” he asks, and for the first time, I jump without thinking.
“I want to save the horse,” I say, leaning in. “And ride the cowboy.” I kiss him under his chin, and I walk out, grabbing my St-Laurent light pink purse. I stop at the doorway and look over my shoulder. “You coming, cowboy?” I ask, and he shakes his head.
“I just need a minute,” he says and I roll my lips.
“If it helps you at all.” I look at him. “I’m not wearing panties,” I whisper and walk out of the room, and I hear him groan louder.
“Olivia.” He calls my name once, twice, and three times.
“Let’s go, cowboy!” I shout down the hall, and he comes storming down.
“Olivia.” He stands there, and you can clearly see he’s aroused and it looks like it’s going to break out. “You are not stepping foot out of that door unless you put something on.”
“Really.” I fold my arms over my chest. “Is that so?”
“What if you fall and your dress tears?” he asks. “Or what happens if there is an accident and they have to cut your dress off?” He stares at me and his eyes look like the deep end of the ocean. “What happens?”
I walk to him and stand in front of him. “What happens if I get so hot and bothered that I need you right then and there?” I ask him, knowing I’m testing him. I also know that I’ve never been this direct when it comes to sex. I was always shy and reserved, but something about Casey and I’m ready to say exactly what I want. “What if you have the sudden urge to push me against the wall?”