My eyes flick over to the bedroom door lock, and I pull my lower lip between my teeth. “Yes.”
“Good. Now all you have to do is make him squirm. He’s going to play dumb? Fine. You better look hot as fuck tonight at dinner. Flirt with the server. Lick the whipped cream off your spoon in slow motion. Drive him wild, Frankie.”
“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to work?—”
“Report back tomorrow. Now, be a good girl and go get waxed.”
I laugh and cover my mouth. “Oh my god, Ari!”
“What? You forget we have the same esthetician, and she asked me last week how you were because it had been months. And maybe buy some pretty undies while you’re at it.”
“I’m not spending my free afternoon doing things to please Doctor Devil in the bedroom.”
“Fine,” she sniffs. “I should get back to running. Be safe and update me tomorrow.”
“I will. Don’t die.”
We hang up and then I decide to change into jeans and a t-shirt. It’s beautiful out—sunny and warm. I slip my feet into sneakers. I have no idea where I’m going, so I just walk. I eat lunch at a burger place on Market Street and then I meander up to the Embarcadero. Walking up to Pier 39, I snap a few touristy photos, and as I begin my long walk back to the hotel, I pass by a beauty salon advertising waxing services.
It’s silly—it doesn’t matter at the end of the day.
But maybe Ari is right.
If he can make me squirm, I can do the same to him.
Fortunately, I’m able to get waxed quickly, and though it hurts more than normal because it’s been so long, I clench my teeth through the pain.
On my way back, I pass by a small boutique and a white dress with a strawberry pattern catches my eye. I walk away, but in the back of my mind, Ari’s words play out.
He’s going to play dumb? Fine. You better look hot as fuck tonight at dinner. Flirt with the server. Lick the whipped cream off your spoon in slow motion. Drive him wild, Frankie.
I’m clueless when it comes to love and relationships. I met Jake in high school and he asked me out. I never had to work for his affections.
Until the very end, when he walked out on me…
And then there was Grant. A brief, stupid mistake that happened about a year ago.
This isn’t love, though. It’s some sick game of reverse psychology and revenge. And if I’m going to win, I have to play dirty and utilize my assets.
Circling back to the shop, I try on the dress in the largest size they carry, and lucky for me, it fits my curvy body perfectly. It accentuates my narrow waist, large bust, and hips. It’s not overly revealing. In fact, it makes me look… innocent.
Smiling, I pay for the dress and walk back to the Four Seasons.
You want to play, Doctor Devil? Then let’s play.
Give the Devil His Due
Dante
As I finishup my last client of the day, I lean back in the leather office chair and run my hands down my face. Despite feeling well rested this morning, I’m exhausted after the long day. It’s not until I remember my dinner plans with Francesca that I perk up. Closing my laptop, I put it away in the slim computer bag and walk out of the conference room I booked for the day. Checking my watch, I realize it’s five to seven.
The need to be close to her nearly overwhelms me.
When I get to the lobby, I stop walking when she comes into view.
Fuck.
She’s facing away from me, but I can see her profile from where I’m standing. A tight, white dress clings to her luscious curves. I want to flick my tongue between her breasts and up her neck to her full cheeks. Her hair is pulled up, exposing her back and her golden skin. I let my eyes wander down the white dress, eyeing the way it hugs her waist before flaring slightly. She’s wearing white sandals, and her small purse and trench coat are on a nearby chair…