“Thank you.”
“I also confirmed Ms. Cartwright’s invitation to the dinner on Saturday. You’re all set.”
“Perfect.” I never looked forward to these functions but having Kara with me would make it bearable. “Can you do something else for me?”
“Of course.”
“Send Kara and Zoey flowers. Have the florist do two separate bouquets. Zoey’s should match her mother’s but a smaller version. She likes pink and purple.”
“No problem.” She typed notes into her tablet. “What would you like the card to say?”
“Tell them I’m looking forward to having dinner with them on Thursday.”
“I’ll do it now.” She smiled before turning to leave.
Things had been going better with my nervous assistant. Perhaps it was because my demeanor had changed in the last few weeks. Kara and Zoey had a positive effect on me. Even John noticed it. He still didn’t approve of my methods but he couldn’t deny my recent outlook on life.
Taking out my phone, I glanced at the photo Kara had sent me. She had captured such a pure moment between me and my daughter. Zoey had no idea just how responsible she was for the expression on my face in that photo. The interaction between us was natural and honest.
Talk about irony.
I closed my eyes, trying to keep John out of my head.
“Tell them the truth.” He’d ended our last session with those words.
As I committed the photo to memory, I’d also thought about how I didn’t have a legal leg to stand on. If I told them the truth, I could lose it all. I wasn’t the type of man who was willing to lose anything, especially not Zoey.
9
Kara
“Did you pack an overnight bag?” Carla asked as she zipped up the dress she had lent me for tonight.
“Why would I need that?” I clasped my bracelet on my wrist.
“Because you don’t want to slink home in this tomorrow morning.”
“Where do you think I’m sleeping?”
“In Xavier’s bed and if you’re lucky, you won’t be sleeping.” She winked. “I want all the details.”
“No.” I dropped my lipstick in my bag as I turned to face her. “Well? How do I look?”
“Like a freaking goddess. I knew this dress would be perfect for you.” She snapped a picture of me. “If anyone asks, it’s a Versace.”
“Who’s going to ask?” I probably wouldn’t remember, anyway.
“You’d be surprised.”
“Are you sure I’m not showing too much cleavage?” The plunging neckline may have been a bit too plunging but the dress was fabulous. The black, sparkling material clung to my frame in all the right places. I’d never felt so alluring.
“Of course you are. That’s the point.”
“And this slit.” I pointed to my thigh. “Isn’t too high?”
“I can’t see your underwear.”
“Thank you for everything. The dress, doing my hair and makeup.” I stared at myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back. “I hope X likes it.”
“He’ll love it.” She hugged me. “Men like when we get sexy for them. He’ll have the hottest woman on his arm.”
“If you say so.”
I hoped I didn’t screw anything up. Carla and Keith had money but they were pretty down-to-earth. Xavier was filthy rich but when I was with him, he was a normal person. I’d been worried about fitting in with the high society types all day.
“Seriously, you should pack that bag.”
“Would you stop it? I’m far too nervous to think about having sex. I need to get through tonight.”
“You’ll be fine.” She took another picture of me. “Just drink lots of champagne. That’s what I do.”
Carla gazed out of my bedroom window. “Wow.”
“What?” I joined her by the window just as Xavier stepped out of the passenger side of a luxurious Mercedes. “Um, that’s new.”
“It’s classy.”
“It’s expensive, right?”
“Let’s just say its pocket change to a man like him but some people don’t pay that much for their house.”
“Oh.” I placed my hand on my stomach and took a calming breath like I’d learned in yoga.
“He’s really sexy in person,” Carla observed as X came up the walkway. “I can’t wait to meet this gorgeous specimen.” She took my hand and led me down the hall as the doorbell rang. “Just think, in a few hours, you could have your legs wrapped around his hips. A man like that has to be a beast in bed.”
“Wait.” I stopped at the top of the stairs, ignoring her crude remark. “Are you sure I look okay?”
“You look better than okay.” She guided me down the steps, remembering that I needed to take my time in the high, strappy heels. “This isn’t a blind date. You’ve been out with him before.”
“Never without Zoey. What if we’re not compatible?”
“If you can’t find something in common with the hottie waiting on the other side of that door then you’ve got big problems.” She took my hand. “You’re an amazing woman who deserves a night like tonight with a man like Xavier. Don’t be insecure. Let’s open the door so he can see you.”
“Okay.” I bit my lip. “Let’s do it.”
Carla moved to the door before I could and quickly opened it. There stood X looking better than a man had any right to. His beard was trimmed tight to his face and his hair perfectly groomed. His tuxedo was tailored for his body and again, I pictured him standing there with his arms spread out while someone took measurements. When his gaze connected with mine, I stood perfectly still as he took me in. Do you approve? Can I compete with what you’re used to?
“Mr. Trapp.” Carla extended her hand. “I’m Carla Del Valle.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” He shook her hand. “Please, call me X.”
“Come in.” Carla stepped out of the way. “Doesn’t Kara look awesome?”
God! I joined them in the foyer. “Hi.”
“Hello.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and tenderly kissed my cheek, trailing his lips to my ear, he said, “You look amazing.”
“Thank you,” I whispered as a chill coursed through me when his stubble grazed my jaw. He smelled of spice and man, and I wanted more than anything to wrap my legs… “You look very handsome.”
“X.” Carla interrupted us. “My friend here hasn’t been out in a really long time. I’m sure you’ll give her a night to remember.”
“Carla.” I shook my head, trying not to look as awkward as I felt.
“That’s the plan,” X said. “We should probably get going.”
“You two have fun.” Carla kissed my cheek but thankfully didn’t say anything. Not with her mouth, anyway. Her eyes said it all. Have a good time, overindulge, have sex, he’s hot… “It was nice meeting you, X. Take good care of my friend. She’s very special.”