Page 62 of Wicked Dares
God, the man wears luxury the way other men wear T-shirts. How does he make everything look so effortless?
The moment he notices me, he looks at me like I’m the only thing worth watching in this room. The effect of his stare is so potent it sets me on fire, stirring all those places inside me he unlocked last week.
I’ve never been so receptive with anyone, least of all my fake boyfriend.
I compose my mind, thinking of the room again. It’s safer.
Next to Levi stands Arthur, with a very beautiful older woman who looks like a pageant queen in her long silver gown. I guess her to be Ellie Mae, Arthur’s wife. They’re standing apart, but she suits the description he gave back at the restaurant.
They see me when I get closer. I wave, my nerves spiking now.
The woman who ushered me leaves, and I cross the rest of the way, right into Levi’s awaiting arms.
“There you are,” Levi says, leaning in to kiss the top of my head. It doesn’t count as a real kiss, but I still feel it.
“Hi.”
He turns me to Arthur and Ellie Mae.
“Arthur, you remember my better half, as you called her.” Levi smiles.
“Of course.” Arthur steps forward and takes both my hands into his. “My dear, it is absolutely fantastic to see you again. And this time, I get to introduce you to my Ellie Mae.”
Ellie Mae moves closer in the same manner as Arthur. When he releases my hands, she takes them and gives me a dazzling smile.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” she says in a sweet Dolly Parton drawl.
“And you, too.”
“Levi has told me so much about you. We definitely have to talk. I hear you’re starting up a marketing consultancy.”
I glance at Levi and smile. “Yes. I’m just getting off the ground.”
“Oh, wow, you must tell me everything. Levi has spoken so highly of you.”
“That’s nice. Thank you.” I look back at him again, and he gives me that boyish grin.
“There are so many amazing things to tell.” He nods.
“You are such a love.” Ellie Mae taps his shoulder, then turns back to me. “Well, I just started a new business and am in need of a marketing person. When you’re good and ready, I’ll be waiting.”
My entire body stills. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. She—Ellie Mae Lockwood—wants to hire me. And I don’t even have my website up yet?
Good Lord. I can’t breathe, and I’m having a hard time stopping myself from screaming with joy.
“Oh my gosh. Thank you so much.” It’s a wonder how I can speak.
“You are so welcome, sugar. I look forward to working with you. We’ll plan to talk when you’re ready.”
“Absolutely.”
Did I seriously just land my first client?
Things are working out even better than I thought. I look up at Levi and mouth a thank you. He winks back at me.
That cocky wink does crazy things to my nervous system.
“Come along now. We can finish talking at the table,” Arthur says, waving us forward. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes.”
