Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16556 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16556 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Scanning the crowd of people milling about, I try to spot the lucky bastard carrying a purple rose.
I’ve always hated black tie events. Then I saw Lacey tonight in her off-the-shoulder dress that hugs every curve and decided that maybe they’re not horrible. Not if I get to see my woman all wrapped up like that.
Normally, she’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Both of which have at least a few paint splotches.
I’ve tried to ask her before about what exactly she paints but she gets shy and embarrassed. Even though I know she won’t tell me, I still ask just to see that pretty blush on her face.
Something purple catches my eye and I pause to scan in the direction but it’s just a woman wearing a large purple bow on her outfit. Maybe this guy won’t show at all and the problem will be solved.
I think again about what Eric said in my office. Lacey may have been beaten down by life, but I’ve seen enough of her spunk to know she’s a little warrior. She fought through hell and came out on the other side fireproof.
When I finally see the purple rose, rage rushes through my veins. For the money that Lacey is paying, he should have been here on time.
He starts toward the side entrance of the hotel where the fountain is located.
I step into his path, blocking it. “There seems to have been a misunderstanding. I’m Lacey’s date for the evening.”
I’m not letting another man get anywhere near sweet Lacey. Because she’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.
3
LACEY
I swing my legs on the edge of the fountain, feeling the mist against the open-back of my dress. I chose this one on purpose. My shoulders and back are two of my sexiest features, and it shows them off perfectly while minimizing my chunky hips.
Well, that and the dress matches with my favorite heels. The ones that make my legs look longer.
I check my phone for messages again, but there are no notifications from “boyfriend by the hour” or his company.
I hear a rustling and the low rumble of a male voice. I turn, hoping to spot my hired guy. It’s a man. But he’s got a woman on his arm and she’s giggling as he sweeps her into the shadowy corner that’s hidden from view by a large grove of trees.
The sound of their seduction and the chirping of the cicadas on this warm summer night only add to my feeling of loneliness. For a second, I wonder if I’ll ever find someone who can put up with me.
I mean, Ryan does. But I’m pretty sure he’s just being nice because he’s friends with my brother and feels like he has to be.
As the minutes pass, it seems more and more likely that my date isn’t going to make an appearance.
I swallow a lump at the back of my throat, fighting a wave of disappointment. It wasn’t just the date I was looking forward to. It was the chance to have sex. I wanted to lose my virginity tonight.
Ryan would be my first choice for the task, but I couldn’t imagine bringing up the idea to him. I wouldn’t be able to take it if he rejected me or worse, if he laughed at me for thinking I had a shot with someone as gorgeous as he is.
As it is, my pride still stings from his earlier amusement in the kitchen. He probably thinks I’m a lonely nerd.
I push back the painful thoughts and straighten my shoulders when I hear someone else enter the courtyard.
Turning, I paste a smile on my face, hoping that my date was running late. But it’s not my date under the old oak trees draped in Spanish moss and twinkling lights. It’s Ryan that’s stalking toward me.
I stand to greet him. My stomach flips, and my mouth goes dry at the sight of him in his dark suit with the matching masquerade mask. He pulls off the disguise as he approaches. “He must have gotten the location or time wrong.”
I manage a small chuckle, hating that he’s here to witness my humiliating moment. My date got around Ryan, took one look at me, and decided the money wasn’t worth it.
“I probably mixed up the address when I gave it to him.” I’m glad that it’s dark enough that he can’t see the disappointment that’s probably written on my face.
“This means you’re mine now.” Ryan’s voice sounds suddenly deeper and sexier. It must be a trick of the dark.
My stomach flips at the words.
I remind myself he doesn’t mean them the way I want him to.
“It’s fine. You should enjoy the party. I’m not your problem to look out for.” I force myself to put some pep in my voice, so I won’t sound sad.