“Maybe?” He grins, inching his lips closer to mine. “Just maybe?”
“I could be swayed.”
“Oh? Really?” A teasing smirk tilts his lips to the left. “What would you have me do?”
“I’ll take a kiss.” My hand drifts up his stomach to his chest, even though an uneasy feeling settles like a heavy weight in my heart.
His lips meet mine and like always, the way his mouth moves against mine is too good. His lips are softer than they look, gentler than what he appears to be with his dark blue suit trimmed to every muscle on his body.
“Come on,” He groans, breaking the kiss. “Put this on for me so I can show you off at the restaurant.” Luca hands me the box and I know whatever is inside is expensive. He hasn’t told me what he does for work, and I haven’t asked. But whatever it is, they must do well for themselves.
My fingers drift over the large silky black bow tied around the box. “Luca, you don’t have to buy me gifts.”
“I know, baby. I wanted to. Come on, let me take you out.”
I nibble on my bottom lip, that voice in the back of my head is stronger, louder, and persistent.
I shove it down, holding the box against my ample chest. “I’ll just be a second.”
He kisses my cheek. “Can’t wait. There are shoes for you in the car. I didn’t forget about those.”
Of course, he didn’t. When the man buys something, he buys everything to create an outfit.
I rush to the bathroom and close the door until it is cracked. I’m afraid to open this box. Peeking out through the crack, his attention is on his phone, smiling. My stomach turns, the pesky voice in the back of my head is louder.
Maybe there’s someone else.I pause, the anxiety knotting up in my stomach, but I shove it away.I’m being ridiculous. Look at how he treats me.
Tugging the bow free, I pry the box open to reveal a beautiful dark teal satin dress that takes my breath away. He even managed to get the right size.
I’m a curvy girl,everywhere.I’m not sure how he knew my size. We’ve never talked about it before, but maybe he peeked in my closet.
“Wow.” I pick up the very thin straps and lift the light material free.
The dress is long, nearly touching the floor with a high slit on the left side. That must nearly go to my hip. The neckline is cowledand the back laces like a corset. I’m stunned. I undress quickly, folding my jeans and shirt, then place them on the counter.
I slip the dress over my head, tug it down, and manage to tie it in the back.
Luckily, the bathroom I’m in is personal and not open to the public. I touch up my makeup, placing a shimmering champagne-colored eye shadow across my lids, go a bit heavier on the mascara for a bolder look, then apply gloss. Then, I use a gold clip to put my hair up in a twist with a few loose pieces hanging down.
Stepping out of the bathroom, Luca looks up from his phone, and his eyes look me up and down, hungrily. “You look fucking beautiful, Jovie. Wow.” He strides forward, takes my hand to spin me around. “Come on. I don’t want us to be late.”
I grab his hand as he tugs me towards the front door. “Wait!” I protest and he stops for a second so I can grab my keys to lock up.
Flipping the sign to close, I barely manage to slide the key in to close for the night. Luca’s arms wrap around me, and he kisses the side of my neck. My hackles raise, the alarm bells going off. I wish I had evidence to prove my instincts are right.
“Maybe later, I can get this dress off you.” His lips find my throat again, soft and eager.
We’ve done everything except the actual act of sex, so that’s why when I say, “Maybe,” I mean it.
With a grin, he takes my hand and drags me to the black sedan, opening the door for me. I slide into the cool leather seat, andhe comes in behind me, slamming the door shut. His arm wraps around my shoulders, his fingers sliding up and down my bicep.
I’m just a goal. Another notch for him to add to his post.
The driver doesn’t need to be told where to go apparently as he pulls onto the road.
“I’m thinking dinner and then we go back to your house to give you that massage I’ve been dreaming about. I cannot stop thinking about my hands on your body.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his finger dragging across my jaw.
When I met him, his touch awakened my body, but now, I’m only on high alert.