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Maxine placed her hands on her hips. “Well, duh! I didn’t go through all this trouble for nothing, girl.”
“Maxine, we’re there to help raise funds for the Diamond Ball’s charity, remember?”
“Yeah, I know that, girl. Just kidding.”
Lucy chuckled. “Right. Of course.”
“Seriously, though. Lucy, you don’t want to miss out on this. You’re always busy working so hard, slaving away in here. I mean, life is more than just work. All work and no play…you know what they say, right?”
“No. I don’t.” Lucy arched her brow to humor her.
Maxine grinned and shook her head. “All work and no play makes Jill a dull cow.”
Lucy almost laughed out loud in spite of herself. “Hey! There’s no such saying.”
“How would you know?” Maxine played back. “I thought you’ve never heard the saying.”
“Fine. Maybe I am a dull cow but I am my own dull cow. Okay?”
Maxine pouted. “Lucy, please don’t let me show up alone.”
“I thought you were going with our illustrious receptionist. You know, you could both represent the company, then maybe meet a nice guy there.” Lucy winked.
“Very funny. You know Darla isn’t exactly a going-out-type of girl. Besides, she’s not as much fun as you. And you know I’m stretching the truth a bit, right?”
“Maxine! Now, go!”
“Seriously, I really thought you would change your mind, Lucy. That’s why I hadn’t bothered to ask her or anyone else.”
“The limo will be here soon. Don’t forget to expense this under Special Events.”
Maxine shook her head. “You’re really not going, are you?”
“No. I’m not. End of discussion. So, go!”
“Fine.”
Lucy felt her heart squeeze. Maxine seemed genuinely disappointed. What was with Lucy? God, she was going to miss out on the annual Diamond Ball—the event of the year to see and be seen, just because what’s his name, kiss ‘em and leave ‘em hanging was going to be there?
She sighed deeply as a horrible dark shadow clouded her mood.
After Maxine left, Lucy felt cold in the office but it wasn’t because of the heating system. It was because of her emotions. Did Maxine have a point? What on earth was she afraid of? Besides, how many hundreds of people would be in attendance? She probably wouldn’t even have to see Antonio.
Lucy quickly flung the rest of the files down on her desk and grabbed a self-sticking note to place on top of the pile. “To do immediately,” she scribbled on the paper.
She would tend to the pile first thing in the morning. It was six o’clock and the refreshments were already being served at the ball.
Lucy left her office and closed the door behind her, locking it with her master key. She walked out of the building and down the street towards her parked car and got in.
Driving back to the suburbs, she knew she would be late. She blasted the music on her radio and “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus boomed.
She didn’t know how long it took her to reach her apartment building but she practically zoomed up the flight of stairs and to her suite. She threw her bag on the kitchen table and stripped her clothes and hopped in the shower.
I have to do this.
I can’t hide like this.
Who am I kidding?
Why wouldn’t I go?
What am I afraid of?
Who am I afraid of?
As the warming water splashed down her soapy skin, Lucy thought about Antonio holding her from behind. She squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them again.
No. She could not go there. He was out of her league. Was she going to make a fool of herself over him? No. Perhaps she was going to see if she could see him only to show him what he missed out on or what he could miss out on by avoiding her.
Why do women do these things? Why was it that impressing the guy of your dream was such a huge deal? Girls of any age wanted to look their best when they knew the object of their desire was going to be around, just like in high school, right?
Oh, she was crazy. She was crazy in love with this guy. She could feel it. Her body was heated up and not because of the steamy shower. She was hot for him. She was obsessed with thoughts of him, loving her, kissing her again. Oh, his electrifying sweet kiss. The way his strong arms felt around her waist. His touch. That soul-satisfying caress. His firm, powerful embrace. She’d never in her life met a man like Antonio Romero III before. She’d never been captivated by the presence of a man or the anticipation of seeing a man again, a man as hot and sexually potent as Antonio Romero.
