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Dani
Here I am, all dolled up and sex-kittenish. All ready to play my part in the Game of Bouquets.
I puff out a calming breath.
As I sit waiting for Neal to arrive, I am cursing his name for putting me through this and wishing myself elsewhere, likeanywhere.
I could so easily jump into bed and listen to him banging on the door and yelling up at my window until he’s hoarse. I snort a laugh. That really appeals. I’d love to stand him up. I’m sure it doesn’t happen too often.
Shaye was so sure I’d bottle it, she wouldn’t leave me until ten minutes ago. My life coach is probably waiting up the street right now, spying on me. But even without the heavy persuasion, I know I should go.
The more I learn about him, the better chance I’ll have to defend myself. And keep Bouquets mine. With no knowledge, I’m like a small boat floating on the ocean with no compass. Life is the sea of water surrounding me. Powerful. Unpredictable. I’m at the mercy of the elements. Without a strong wind blowing in my favor, I’m likely to capsize and sink.
Sothat’swhy I’m going. No matter how nervous and sick I feel about the prospect.
Damn the guy.
Dining with the enemy is not likely to be a warm and cozy affair. But the French food is something I’d like to experience. I hold on to that thought.
French food.
French food.
His car pulls up outside with an expensive growl, and seconds later, there he is, standing outside the door.
I rise and take a deep breath of courage, forcing a bright smile on my face. It feels false to me, but I don’t think he’ll notice. Not with all the glitz and glamor I’m plastered in.
Shaye has done me proud. I hardly recognize myself. I think she’s gone for theknock him deadlook, and based on his expression right now, it’s working.
I try to observe Neal with dispassionate eyes. He’s eye-popping handsome—hotness in a suit—not to mention filthy rich. In a nutshell, just about every woman’s dream.
And my nemesis.
He smiles at me through the door window, and a thousand butterflies are fluttering in my stomach. I let him in.
He takes my hands in his. “Hello beautiful.” His gaze slides down my body, then back up again.
“Not too overdone?” I ask sweetly.
“Not at all.”
“Sassy enough?” I tease.
“Perfection,” he says slowly, eyes skimming the dip of my neckline.
It’s cut pretty low at the front and high on the thigh. In any other color, it might have looked tarty. But in black, it looks both hot and sexy. Dresses are not really my style, but Shaye insisted I’d love this one. And she was right. Being stretchy, it fits my modest curves just as well as Shaye’s.
His eyes glitter. I can guess what he’s thinking. That he’s on to a sure thing—me on my back and my shop in the bag. “Ready, then?” he asks.
“Aha.”
He leads me to his car, his arm draped around my shoulders.
I’m uptight, but I don’t flinch or act out of character. I try to relax and wrap my arm loosely round his back.
Just play the game, girl...
As I drop into the expensive luxury of his wheels, I’m determined to enjoysomeof this evening... before we hit the big, bad roadblock ahead.
