AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Fourteen
Philomena
I was glad Crystal had stopped by earlier this morning. It gave us time to really talk. Even though Clark and I had sex last night, we hadn’t discussed why I left New Hampshire. It wasn’t anything I didn’t know, but having to admit it to Crystal was the first step. Now the question was, could I bring myself to say it to Clark?
It seemed too early in our relationship to say anything. I had explained to Crystal that Clark wasn’t like anyone I’d ever dated. If I discussed my feelings with him, he would probably run. Lizzy said he’s dated a lot of women. It didn’t make me feel good, but the reality is, I’m probably just another notch on his bedpost.
I’d never had just a casual sexual relationship before. When I’d been involved with someone, it was in hopes that it would lead to a long-term commitment. I wanted to be with Clark, but how was I going to hold my feelings back? What if in the throes of passion something slipped out? I wasn’t in love with him, but I could picture myself falling for him without too much effort.
Even though he got me fired.
I shouldn’t have thought about that. It brought back a stress I didn’t want tonight. Clark had called and told me to put on my prettiest dress, because he was taking me out. The last thing I needed to be thinking about right now was work.
So what? I’d lost two days of work. That wasn’t going to break me. It just was a temporary kick in my ego. That will heal.
A lot faster than my heart will heal if I’m not careful.
I checked my makeup one last time. I rarely wore any, but with this spaghetti-strap red lace dress, I needed something to make my lips and eyes pop. Something was missing. I opened my jewelry box and pulled out a pair of long, sparkly earrings. Once they were on, I knew I was all set. Wherever he was taking me, I looked ready. But my insides were a bit shaky.
I never enjoyed surprises, and Clark wouldn’t tell me a thing. You’d think that professionally drawing attention to myself would’ve made me comfortable in the spotlight, but I actually preferred to keep to the shadows. Being on Clark’s arm dressed like this would make it nearly impossible not to be noticed.
There was no longer time to worry about it. I heard the doorbell, which meant my date had arrived. When I opened the door, my jaw dropped. Clark was standing there in a tuxedo, looking like a cover model.
Damn. Do we have to go out?
“You look…amazing,” I said.
Clark smiled and said, “I’m not sure there are words to describe how beautiful you look.” He leaned over and kissed me briefly. “We’d better go.”
“Are we running late?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No. But if I come inside, we’re not going anywhere.”
I wouldn’t have minded one bit, but since he’d gone through all this trouble I might as well see what he had in store for me.
“Should I grab a shawl?”
“If you get cold, you can have my coat,” he said.
So much for getting a hint.
I nodded and grabbed my purse. When we got outside, a limo awaited us. I’d been in several, but they were always in a funeral procession. The driver held the door open for me. I took a deep breath and slid inside.
I was tempted to pinch myself, because so far, everything seemed like a dream. A shiver ran through me, and it wasn’t because I was cold. My nerves were getting the best of me.
Clark slipped an arm around me and pulled me closer. “Have I told you how beautiful you look?”
“Yes, you did.”
“I see you remembered that I love red,” he added.
“This old thing? Would you believe it was just sitting in my closet?” I grinned.
He smiled. “If you tell me so, then yes.”
“Not a chance,” I laughed. “When you called, I was with my friend Crystal, and we spent the day shopping. What did you do?” I asked. “I mean, you’re here on vacation, so hopefully something fun.”
He chuckled. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
