Chapter 6
Daniella
“What the helldo you mean he just showed up?” Stacy’s bark echoes over the loudspeaker of my phone that sits on one of the many shoe shelves in my walk-incloset.
I’m frantically searching for something towear.
Something impressive. Interview-y.
“I don’t know…just like that—poof—he magically appeared and now he’s in the living room waiting to take me toFornaio.” I toss another unworthy article of clothing onto the closet floor. “Believe me, I’m just as shocked as youare.”
“And he wants to conduct an interview? Right now? As in tonight? AtFornaio? That’s a pretty upscale restaurant for a job interview.” Her mockery radiates through the phone. “Does he look as hot as he did on that TMZinterview?”
“Stacy!” I growl. “Now is so not the time to be joking around.” I pause, still in my closet, looking at my reflection in the floor-length mirror. “But, yes…evenhotter.”
“I knew it.” She lets out a victory laugh. “What are you gonnawear?”
I shrug , even though she can’t see me and continue my frantic search. “Maybe I’ll just go dressed as I am right now. Black lacy bra. Black—just as lacy—panties. Blackstilettos.”
“You’re so damn cute when you’re being coy. Anyway, you know I’m no fashion guru, but I do think your black pencil skirt and that beige cashmere sweater Emma got you for Christmas will look smashing. Actually, whatever you wear will befine.”
“Then bra, panties, and stilettos it is,” Ikid.
“Well, let me know how it goes, love. Just text me. I’ll be on that flight to New York by the time you get back home, nodoubt.”
“Sounds good. Have a safeflight.”
“Thanks, babe. And goodluck.”
After yanking the beige cashmere sweater and pencil skirt off their hangers, I slip them on and survey my getup in themirror.
Elle Woods meets CharlotteYork.
Totally works forme.
I work my hair into a wispy ponytail, apply a few light coats of mascara, and give my lips a dab of light pink lip gloss, then grab my handbag, résumé, and letter ofrecommendation.
Blowing this second-chance interview would be a travesty. Sure, Antonio is still a yummy jerk, yet the opportunity to work for him is undoubtedly the break I need. And even though him showing up here is oddly unconventional, I look at this as another chance to make a greatimpression.
My heart thumps harder as I turn the corner out of the hallway and into the livingroom.
I take in a deep, calmingbreath.
It doesn’thelp.
The sight of Antonio—Tall Strapping, Christian Grey 2.0—makes my stomach do triple, Olympian-style backflips.
I walk toward him and the sound of my high heels tapping the hard tile floor seems to abruptly divert his attention from the screen of his phone—tome.
His mouth drops open as he rises from his comfortable sitting position on the light blue patterned accent chair. “You look…lovely. And I uh, promise not to get any food on your clothes thisevening.”
His wry smile produces an alluringdimple.
So. Fucking.Sexy.
And definitely something I hadn’t noticed on theMetro.
But I know men likehim.
Mesmeric. Flirty.Womanizing.
Through copious Google research, I learned Antonio Michaels has a thing for models—in fact, articles showcase him with a new model wrapped in his arms every single month. Everyone knows the Internet doesn’tlie.
So, I won’t allow myself to become distracted by his…sultryglory.
Thankfully, I’ve sworn off men—and I’m gonna stick to that safety mantra like honey sap on atree.
