Finally, she offered a nod. “Okay. I’ll have a drink with you.”
I smiled, and the weight of rejection lifted. “Great!” I sounded almost a little too excited. “How about tonight, after we’re done for the day?”
“That soon?” she asked.
“Why not?” I took a small step closer to her. I couldn’t help myself. My eyes drifted to her breasts. They were held perfectly in the bra she wore, the top of her mounds peeking out just over the top of her blouse. Her waist was slender but curvy. Her hips were a little wide but perfect in her hourglass shape. And her legs ended in those sexy-as-hell-shoes. I looked into her eyes once more. “I’d be honored if you joined me.”
She cleared her throat, and her breath huffed in delectation. She pursed her lips together, the red rouge rubbing together in earnest. “Okay,” she whispered.
Before I realized what I was doing, I drew my fingers over the edge of her cheekbone down to her jawline. I dropped my hand and turned away from her.
“I’m… I didn’t mean to touch you.” I met her gaze once more, and my hazed craziness evaporated at her smile. “I’ll send you the time and place.”
She looked to the ground. As I turned my back to circle my desk, she cleared her throat.
“Will there be anything else?” she asked.
I needed to let go of the desperation of wanting to touch her, the need of I want to fuck you on my desk right goddamned now.
“No, we’re done here. Thank you for your time.” I picked up some papers and faked interest in what I was reading.
“Very well,” she said, and I heard my door open.
I glanced over my shoulder and watched Ainsley disappear on the other side as it closed. I let a long breath go. Every bit of my being had wanted to press her against the wall and kiss her, but I knew I shouldn’t. I put the papers down and rubbed my face a few times.
I picked up my cell, pulled up the bar a few blocks from my office, and called to make a reservation. If we were going to do this, it had to be perfect—not just something that was thrown together last minute.
I glanced down and looked at the erection pressing against my dress pants. I wanted to go to my private bathroom and relieve myself, but a sadistic part of me wanted to see what tonight brought.
And I could not wait.
Chapter Nine
Ainsley
I’ve never been more nervous about a date in my life. The ones I had been on before were easy. I knew what to expect.
Man meets woman.
Woman likes man.
Man asks woman out.
Woman accepts.
First date over dinner and maybe a movie.
Is there chemistry? No—you say thanks and move on. Yes—a second and third date.
Is the chemistry still there? No—say your thanks and again, move on. Yes—do you want to have sex? The answer should be yes, but if it isn’t, move the hell on. However, if the sex is out-of-this-world spectacular, then agree to continue going out. If the sex is nothing short of awful, say your goodbye, and if required, change your phone number.
Normally I didn’t get past the first or second date. Call me picky, but if I was going to spend time with someone, they needed to be worth it. I would expect their opinion to be the same.
As I looked myself over in the mirror, my stomach flipped a number of times at the prospect of sitting across from Chase tonight. It was no secret that he slept around. He’d never been known to have a girlfriend. So why was I so interested in this date?
Because he was hot as hell, and if rumors from his past conquests were true, he was amazing in the sack.
Why not have a good time?
“Because it’s my career,” I mumbled to myself. With a sigh, I ran my hands down my black cocktail dress. It was sleeveless and fitted down my body. It definitely showed off my curves, which I absolutely loved. The hem reached just above my knees. I’d paired the outfit with my black sling-back peep-toe heels. An encrusted butterfly sat on the side of each shoe. They were beautiful and one of my favorite pairs to wear.
I pulled my hair to the side and wrapped it into a bun. I pulled a few loose strands around my face and then set it with spray. The top of my dress was high cut, and the back crisscrossed with wide straps from the shoulders to my hips. The necklace I’d picked out had a silver chain with a black rose pendant outlined with small diamonds around the petals. I had earrings that matched as well.
I took a few steps back and inspected my outfit and accessories with satisfaction. I sighed and glanced down my body. I’d shaved earlier today, but it wasn’t like I was going to drop my panties after dinner for a quick romp in his limo.
But if he seduced me and his hands were on my body…well, one might be willing to change their mind.
With a shiver, I picked up my black and silver clutch and headed back to my kitchen. My phone was lit, and when I picked it up, I saw I had a missed text from Chase.
I can’t wait to see you.
I’m waiting for the driver to
get here. I’m looking forward
to seeing you as well.
I stared at my text for a moment. With a groan, I pressed Send and waited. Why was I playing this silly cat-and-mouse game with the man who held my career in the palm of his hands? Why had I written that stupid letter? Why did he have to find it?
My phone chimed.
See you soon, then.
I put my phone inside my clutch when a knock at my door sounded. I walked across the room and peeked out the peephole to see Chase’s driver, Andrew, standing there.
With a smile, I opened the door.
“Good evening, Miss Speire,” Andrew said.
“Good evening, Andrew.”
The man was older, with a thin build and bald. He smiled and motioned for me to join him.
“Shall we?” he asked.
“We shall,” I returned and closed the door behind me and then locked it. “Thank you for picking me up tonight.”
“It’s never a problem.”
Moments later, we pulled up to the Tipsy Alchemist, a bar in downtown Dallas. I had heard about this place and had wanted to come here for some time. Excitement to experience this place, with Chase’s company, made tonight not feel so awkward.
Andrew pulled up to the valet parking area. One of the attendants opened my door and offered his hand. I took it and stepped out of the vehicle. I turned back to Andrew.
“Thank you again.”
“You’re more than welcome, Miss Speire.”
The attendant closed the door and walked me to the maître d’. The man behind the podium looked up with a smile.
“Good evening. Do you have a reservation with us tonight?”
I nodded. “Yes, under Chase Newstrom.” Saying his name fluttered the butterflies in my belly, and it brought a smile to my lips.
The maître d’s eyes widened slightly, and he nodded. “Yes, madam, right this way.” He snapped his fingers, and another attendant quickly made his way over to us. “Please escort Miss Speire to the private dining area where Mr. Newstrom awaits.”
“I didn’t give you my name,” I told him in a soft voice.
He smiled. “Mr. Newstrom alerted us of your arrival, madam. We are here and ready to serve your every need tonight.”