Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27691 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
But Mr. Masters is totally unconcerned about his nudity.
“Hey,” he greets. “Thanks for coming so fast.”
Coming so fast? What does that mean? Is that a double entendre because he saw me in the mirror? Nonetheless, I smile weakly and nod.
“Um sure,” I say faint voice. My heart’s beating a mile a minute, and my knees are weak. But I force myself to straighten and smile. “How can I help you, Mr. Masters?”
He stops rubbing at his wet hair, and lowers his arms to shoot me a gleaming smile.
“Well, you did so great with the party last night that I thought I’d put you to work again. No rest for the weary, and all that,” he smirks.
I manage to keep my cool despite the fact that my heart’s practically jumping out of my chest now.
“It’s not a problem. I’m happy to help in whatever way I can.”
He nods, a bit distracted.
“So I have another party –” he begins.
“On it,” I say, pulling out my phone. “When, where, and how many people are you expecting? Shall I use the same caterers, or would you prefer someone different? Or if you’d like a different style of food, I can look into that as well. I hear that Scandinavian hors d'oeuvres are having a moment, and I could order some platters for your party. Mrs. Goodyear will know of a good source, or maybe she’d even make them herself.”
Dominic smirks again.
“No, I’m not hosting the event. I’m going to an event.”
I pause, a bit confused.
“Oh, of course,” I say, my fingers poised to take notes on my phone. “Did you need your tux pressed? Or a boutonniere? Or a corsage for your date?”
Oh my god, I sound so lame! Boutonniere? Corsage? Why am I acting like he’s going to high school prom? If the ground opened up and swallowed me right now, I’d be grateful.
But Dominic shoots me another gleaming grin.
“No, actually I was hoping that you’d accompany me to the event, Miss White. And if you’d like a corsage, I can certainly arrange it.”
I stare at the handsome man, my jaw practically on the ground.
“I’m sorry?” I say in a stunned tone. “What did you say?”
Dominic begins toweling his hair off again, like nothing’s the matter.
“I said that I’d like you to accompany me to the event. It’s a fundraiser for the symphony, actually, and the gala is filled with good food, good tunes and good times.”
Immediately, I begin shaking my head.
“Oh no, I couldn’t,” I say quickly. “I know nothing about classical music, and I don’t have a dress—”
“Don’t worry about your attire, Miss White,” Dominic drawls. “I can get you a dress for the event. Several, in fact, so that you can have a selection to choose from. But the gala’s this Friday, so I’m afraid there isn’t much time to prepare. So you’ll go?”
I stare at him, my mouth opening and closing silently like a gaping fish. Then, before I realize it, I speak.
“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
I stare 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.”