“Um, sure,” I manage in a weak voice.“I’d love to.”
“Perfect,” he replies with a grin.“I’ll have my personal shopper get in touch with you.Now, if you’ll excuse me?”he says, one hand at the waistband of his towel.“I need to get ready.”
Immediately, I leap into action.
“Oh sorry!Um yes, I’ll give you your privacy.”Then, I dart from the room so fast that I can almost hear Dominic’s deep chuckle echoing behind me.
Once I’m in the safety of the darkened hallway, I pause to get my bearings as my heart hammers like a drum in my ears.What in the world just happened?Did Dominic Masters just ask me out on a date?
It’s not a date, the voice in my head says scornfully.He probably just doesn’t want to go to the trouble of bringing a woman that he knows.You know, a woman who’d have designs on him, and who wants something long-term.
That makes me draw up short.Of course.That’s the answer.Dominic Masters is looking for a no-strings solution.He doesn’t want to go to the gala stag, but he also doesn’t want to have some woman clinging to his arm because she’s praying for a relationship.As a result, he invited me because I’m just someone on his payroll.There’s no way I could hope for those things from him.
Still, even knowing the truth, I can’t help but feel excited.I’m going to a fancy party with a handsome billionaire who makes me go soft and wet inside ...and somehow, I know this event isn’t as simple as it seems.
8
Angie
Istare at myself in the mirror.
“Oh my gosh, this is so crazy.”
Daria, a personal shopper from Saks, merely smiles as she kneels to adjust the hem of my gown.
“It’s not crazy.You look perfect, Angie.You’re a knock-out, and you’re going to be the talk of the town at the gala tonight.”
I merely shake my head as I stare in the mirror because this is definitely not me.Instead, my reflection shows a woman who’s elegantly made-up, with the perfect make-up, hair, and clothes.She’s wearing a strapless red velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline.The décolletage is sexy but not overt, and it highlights my big bust without being crude.The gown itself is delectable.The crimson velvet shimmers subtly, highlighting my narrow waist before flaring over my wide hips and dropping to the ground in a long column.
“My goodness,” I whisper again.“I don’t even recognize myself!”
“You look perfect,” Daria chortles before standing and tucking a wisp of blonde hair behind my ear.“Your chignon is the perfect updo, and the red lipstick matches your dress.”
“But I’m not really a red lipstick kind of gal,” I say in a weak tone.
“Tonight, you are!”Daria sings before she’s cut off by a knock on the door.“Come in!”she calls.
The door swings open, and sure enough, Dominic Masters stands there.Both the personal shopper and I gawk because the alpha male resembles a living god, from the top of his dark head to the tips of his polished shoes.That massive form is clad in a perfectly-fitted tux, the stark black and white only emphasizing the raw masculinity of the handsome billionaire.
Daria recovers quicker than me.
“Hello, Dominic!”she greets.“As you can see, Miss White is ready for you.”
His blue eyes sear my curves, and he nods approvingly.
“She does.Thank you, Daria, for your help.”
The personal shopper recognizes her dismissal and makes a graceful exit.
“Until next time!”she sings while leaving my bedroom.“Have a great time tonight, both of you!”
Then, the door shuts and I’m left alone with the possessive billionaire.Suddenly, the room feels stultifyingly stuffy and far too small with the huge male inside, although it’s actually a suite with its own bathroom and small terrace.It’s his presence that makes me feel hot, and I blush while smiling shyly.
“You look nice,” I say in a soft voice.
He nods, those blue eyes flaring.
“And you look gorgeous, Miss White.There’s just one thing missing.”
