Page 53 of Beyond Expectations
Grinning, I knew her response before she even said it.
“Well, I think it’s safe to say you are getting laid tomorrow.”
And we both couldn’t hold back our giggles.
“Listen, I know you’re anxious, and knowing you, you’re probably analyzing every minute detail, dissecting every word uttered. But I’m telling you, you need to stop comparing him to Sebastian. If there was a single part of me that thought he was in any way similar, I promise you’d be the first to shut this down. I know it’s scary putting yourself out there, and I mean really putting yourself out there, but you need to give yourself a chance. You deserve it. Don’t let that pompous asshole keep holding you back. I truly think it’ll be worth it.”
As much as I hated to admit it, I hoped she was right.
***
All morning, I nursed a slightly sore head. Ruby and I consumed two bottles of wine before she decided to call it a night at around one A.M. I’d done my usual Saturday ritual - read the paper, go to my spin class, and do my laundry. I fit in an hour of work, called my dad, did some reading, and then started getting ready.
I always liked to take my time when getting ready, whether it be a date, event, or even work. My hair alone usually took me two hours, especially when I wanted it to look perfect.
My car would be there in half an hour. My hair and makeup were done, I had my lingerie on, and despite living in my apartment alone, I wasn’t trying to kid myself into thinking I was a supermodel, so I had my favorite silk robe covering me.
I’d made myself a martini to steady my nerves and gain liquid courage. What was it about him that always made me feel so nervous? Musiq Soulchild was crooning in the background, and I was trying to work out why it was taking me so long to finish getting ready.
Knowing I needed to fully accept giving him the benefit of the doubt and another chance, I had to do it wholeheartedly. Or end things before they progress any further. He’d messaged me earlier with his address, and despite knowing the street, it wasn’t until my car pulled up in front of his building that I put two and two together.
It wasn’t as if my apartment was mediocre in any way, but I knew this block’s residents were among the city’s wealthiest. And Rhett sure fitted that bill. I arrived at the lobby reception and greeted the man behind the desk.
“Hello, my name is Serena Parker. I’m here to see Mr. Chambers.”
The man gave me a once over, and I guessed I met his approval as he offered me a warm smile.
“Yes, Ms. Parker. If you take the elevator around the corner on the left and punch in this code, it shall take you straight up to the penthouse.”
Of course, he lived in the penthouse. I gave my thanks and took the piece of paper. I did as instructed, and in no time, I stepped out of the elevator and walked to the single door occupying the floor. Raising my hand to knock, the door opened before I could touch it.
He stood before me in blue slacks and a crisp blue shirt that perfectly matched his eyes. He looked hot. His eyes raked me from head to toe before he finally spoke.
“I’m so glad you could make it. Please come in.”
As I walked in, I was mesmerized by the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrapped all the way around.
“Let me take your coat,” Rhett offered.
Slowly, I unbuttoned it and watched as he watched me.
Sliding it off, I saw his pupils dilate, and the way he looked at me made me feel even sexier. He took my coat and walked away to hang it up somewhere.
I saw him checking me out in the reflection of the glass. Ruby was right about the dress.
“You look incredible. I’m glad I’ve already plated up, I’m sure I’d burn myself with you distracting me like that.”
I couldn’t help but run my tongue along my lip. He knew just the right words to say.
Handing me a glass of wine, he guided me to the table that had been beautifully laid out. It was just the perfect balance of simplicity and luxury. My body craved him. But my tummy craved the delicious food I smelled. After a quick toast, he gestured for me to start. And I wasted no time in tucking in.
“Have you always enjoyed cooking, or is it something you save to impress women?”
I lifted my glass of wine to my lips to hide my smile.
Putting down his cutlery, he lifted his napkin, wiping the corner of his mouth.
“No. I haven’t always been interested in cooking. Growing up, I don’t think I ever saw my mother even cook as much as an egg in the kitchen.”
