“Okay,” he said. “You choose the place.”
Her stomach growled, as if controlled by him. She ignored his cocky smile. “Give me five minutes.”
“Jamie?”
“Yeah?”
“Maybe you should take your time getting ready and change for the wedding. I can just wait here for you.”
She pressed her eyebrows together. “Why?” She imagined bacon grease dripping on her dress, or egg yolk.
He cleared his throat and fiddled with the top button of his shirt. “I might have made reservations. Take your time.”
She hesitated and watched him. Alex was up to something. Instinct told her to do as he asked. She nodded slowly. “Okay.”
She left him in the living room and hopped into the bathroom for a shower. She took her time, shaving her legs and enjoying the hot water to wake her up. She blow dried her hair and styled it, debating if she should wear the red dress or just go in a work outfit. As she did her makeup, she put it on to go with the red dress. Then decided she would wear a plain yellow one she’d bought as a backup. Towel around her, she peeked out into the living room and saw the back of Alex’s head. She moved to her wardrobe and reached for the yellow cotton sundress before glancing at that red dress. It hung there, incredibly sexy and perfect for the wedding and warm weather. What did she have to lose wearing it? The little devil on her shoulder told her to do it. Even the little angel on the other side encouraged her. Screw it! I’m freakin’ wearing it!
She took it off the hanger and snipped off the tags before slipping it on. She sucked in her tummy and zipped it up. She turned to the full-length mirror and grinned. The dress wasn’t too snug. It fit her perfectly. She stared at herself in the mirror and twirled around. She looked like a sexy, badass princess. All she needed was the garter and a little gun. Damn, Jamie, you can clean up nicely! Show Alex what he’s missing out on! Do it!
Before losing her courage, she walked out into the living room to Alex. “I’m ready.”
His eyes widened when he stood and turned to her. His gaze darkened immediately with lust. His lips parted as he sharply took in air. “Jamie! You. Look. Amazing.”
“Thanks,” she said, staring down at the floor as heat spread all over her body from his look. She wondered if her own desire was as obvious as his. She was sure it was. Probably worse.
“Are you ready to go?” Alex asked, his voice thick with desire.
She nodded. “Yes, let’s go before I change my mind. I think I’m going to need a mimosa.”
He chuckled. “I’ve sworn off those things. They leave you with a bloody, terrible hangover.”
They walked out to a long, black limo waiting with a driver.
Her jaw dropped. “For us? For breakfast?”
“I knew you were going to hate going to your sister’s wedding, so I wanted to make it as pleasurable for you as I possibly could.” He grinned, happy to have surprised her. “I figured a limo and breakfast would be a good start. My plan is to try and make you forget you’re even going to the wedding.”
“Or we could just skip it.”
He laughed. “Nice try.”
“What about the coffee?”
“That was to get me through the door.” He grinned at her and Jamie couldn’t help but smile back. He broke his gaze away from hers, only to open the limo door for her. He helped her in by holding her hand as if he needed any excuse to touch her. She got in and r
elaxed against the plush seats. It was the most comfortable car seat she had ever sat on. He slid in beside her and grabbed her hand again. As soon as the door closed, the limo pulled out onto the long drive.
“Alex, can I ask you something?”
“Anything,” he said, but his face grew guarded.
“Are you doing this just because I helped you through your father’s funeral?”
He hesitated, swallowed, and then shook his head. “No,” he said finally. “I have plenty of selfish reasons as well. Some include what you said to me that day we…” He squeezed her hand but didn’t finish the sentence. “It also has to do with what you said last night. I don’t want you to quit your job. I don’t want to lose you. I may have fucked up the chance to be with you, but you are the best damn personal assistant I ever had, and I’m a businessman. I’m not going to let you go that easily. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Was he talking about his heart or her job? She couldn’t seem to see the line between the two of them. Her heart rate stuttered as she forgot to breathe. She didn’t want to hope, but she couldn’t stop herself.
They ate breakfast in a lavish restaurant by an upscale local inn in the area. While they ate, they bantered and made lighter conversation, neither mentioning relationships, romance or business. Alex kept the conversation revolving around everything, from the weather, to style trends, and sports. He played his part perfectly, keeping Jamie distracted with thoughts of the wedding.