“Can I go play with my dolls?” Zoey asked as she hurried into the house. “And read my new books?”
“Sure.” I handed her a couple of the books. “I’ll bring the rest up later.”
X followed us into the foyer. “I had a wonderful time today, Z.”
“Me too, X.” She hugged him. “I’m glad we found you.”
When he smiled at me, I realized how much I shared my daughter’s sentiment.
“Will you come back and read some of my books with me?”
“I’d love to.” He stroked her hair. “We could have a standing date to the library every two weeks so you’ll always have new books.”
“Will your schedule allow that?” I asked because now that he said it, Zoey would expect it.
“I’ll make time.” He smiled at her. “Would you like that?”
“Two weeks,” she reminded him before running up the steps to her room, eager to play.
“Thank you for making her day so fantastic,” I said. “She had a great time.”
“And you? Did you have a great time too?”
“The best.” I smoothed out my skirt. “I can’t believe you got the chef to make chicken fingers and Mac and cheese.” I shook my head when I thought about the top notch chef making such a simple lunch for Zoey. “It was very kind of him.”
“I wanted to go someplace upscale for us but I wanted Zoey to be happy too.”
“She had her favorite foods, a chocolate shake, and you. She was happy.”
“I’m glad.”
“She’ll be occupied upstairs for a bit if you’d like to come in.” I wanted an opportunity to get to know him without Zoey in the room. He was so attentive to her needs and she liked having his undivided attention but that left little time for us to have a full conversation. I liked talking to him in the library. I wanted to learn more about who he was.
“I really have to get a jump on that deal before Stan finds a way to outbid me. I have some research to do.”
“Okay.”
“I’d like to see you again.”
I thought about my conversation with Carla. How was I ever going to figure out if we were more than just friends if we didn’t explore an adult relationship? “I was wondering if you’d maybe like to…” This was a stupid idea. If he wanted to go on a date, wouldn’t he ask? “Zoey is spending the night at my mom’s house next weekend. They try to do it once a month.”
“I’m sure Zoey enjoys spending time with her grandmother.”
“It’s their special time together and my mom insists I get a me night.”
“A me night?”
“I usually stay home and binge watch something in my pajamas and fuzzy socks.” I shrugged. “I take a hot bath, do my nails, and have a glass of wine. As you can see, I lead a very glamorous life.”
“Next Saturday?” He took out his phone and opened some elaborate calendar. “Would you like to do something glamorous?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I have to attend a dinner where I’m presenting an award. It’s a black-tie affair with lots of useless rich people.” When his mouth curved into his signature sexy grin, I fought the urge to bite his bottom lip. “I usually have dinner, make a donation to whatever charity they are sponsoring, present the award and slip out when I’m done. No one notices I’m gone.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
“There will be dinner, champagne, and dancing.”
“Sounds exciting.” I’d never been to a black-tie affair. Come to think of it, I hadn’t been out much at all in the last few years.
“Would you like to go with me?”
“Like just the two of us?”
“Unless you’d rather stay home alone and binge watch something.”
“No.” The heat spread from the back of my neck to my cheeks when I realized he was teasing me. “I’ll go.”
“I’ll have Adrian add you to the guest list.”
“Adrian?”
“My assistant. She’s scared to death of me but we’re working out our issues.”
“It isn’t too late to add me as your guest?”
“It’s never too late.” When he stared at me and I wondered what he was thinking. “Do you know how many people will be shocked that I’m bringing a plus one?”
“You don’t normally do that?”
“Bring a date? Never.”
A date. I’ll be his date.
“I’ll send you the details.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” He stepped closer to me. “I’d like to see you during the week if possible. Perhaps I could take you and Zoey to dinner on Wednesday or Thursday?”
“Thursday works.” His presence filled me with a giddiness that came with new and exciting feelings.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
He placed his palm on my cheek, drawing my face to his, tangling his fingers in my hair. My heart beat sped up when I realized he was going to kiss me. This was different from the last time we stood in this foyer. His eyes held an intensity that I’d never seen before. There was a hunger in them, a desire that took hold of me. When he tilted his head, I closed my eyes in anticipation. This time when our lips connected there was an instant spark. It started in my core, tugging from some place deep inside me. His lips were warm but his tongue was hot as it swirled inside my mouth, seeking out mine. As he tightened his hold on my hair, I gripped his biceps, falling deeper into the kiss.
“Mama!” Zoey shouted.
X gently kissed the corner of my mouth before releasing me.
“I need more books,” Zoey called from her room.
“I’ll be there in a minute.” I tried to catch my breath as my heart rate raced inside my chest.
“Take care of Zoey.” He kissed my cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I opened the door for him, trying to steady myself. “Today was incredible.”
“There will be plenty more days like today.” When he spoke, I couldn’t help but focus on his lips. “I promise.”
I believed him.
Xavier
“Where do we stand on the Josh Cartwright situation?” I asked my attorney. Not the attorney who represented me in the Zoey situation. My other attorney. The one who assisted me in other matters. The dealings that some would consider a gray area.
“It’s being handled,” he said. “He’s under some financial strain so I’m sure your offer to walk away from the child won’t be a problem.”
“I want him to give up his parental rights,” I reminded him. “He severs all ties or he doesn’t get that check.”
“I’ll make sure he understands.”
“Good.” I leaned back in my chair. “I want this taken care of immediately.”
“Consider it done.”
I ended the call as Adrian came into my office. “Mr. Trapp,” she hesitantly approached. “Your lunch is on the way.”