Page 42 of Counterfeit Connection

“Don’t look at it like that. Think of it as a gift. You’re doing me the favor, remember?”

I sigh. “Fine. I’ll accept it, but I won’t like it.”

“Wonderful. I’ll like it enough for the both of us, I’m sure.”

Chapter 13

Kaitlyn

My hair was still air-drying when Griffin was back knocking at my door in the morning. I’ll say I didn’t get much sleep until after a quick assist from my favorite sexy audio app on my phone and my favorite battery operated friend. I wouldn’t have been able to wind down otherwise. I’m going to have to try much harder to keep myself in check.

Not less than an hour later, I’m surrounded in one of the poshest boutiques with two assistants floating around me holding up different colors and styles of dresses. I was able to narrow the try-ons to three then came the accessories. Every so often, I’d peek over at Griffin with my peripheral vision and find him with a soft smile on his face. I would have given nearly anything to know what he was thinking.

In the end, I ended up with a strapless, deep-green number with a soft material that swooped to a knot at my hip, allowing for a long slit that I hope will keep the things I don’t want seen covered. I know Griffin likes it because he barely said a word before simply holding his gold card out saying, “Wrap it up.”

Now, I’m back at my apartment, putting the final touches on my makeup and hair when my phone vibrates across my bathroom counter. I answer it, leaving it on speakerphone so I can focus on getting my lipstick just right.

“Hello?”

“I’m turning onto your block. I’ll be up to get you in a moment.”

“I can meet you downstairs. I’m almost ready.”

“If you think I’m not coming to your door, you’ve lost your mind. I want to see you completely ready all by myself first. Allow me that pleasure.”

Swoon.

“If you insist.” I smile, even though he can’t see me.

“I do.”Click.He ends the call with no preamble or goodbye, leaving no room for argument on my part.

Less than five minutes later, he’s knocking on my door, and when I open it, I nearly buckle at the sight of him. He’s in a deep-emerald three-piece tuxedo. It’s so dark it could almost pass for black. It’s a perfect accompaniment to my dress.

Words leave my lips before I can even stop them. “Holy fuck.”

“Mmmhmm. Indeed. You’re stunning.”

“I really look okay?” I run my hands over my sleeked back hair. The ends are tickling my elbows.

“You are perfect. There won’t be a man who won’t want you on their arm nor a woman who won’t be green with envy. No pun intended. It’s still slightly warm out, so I don’t think you’ll need a wrap. However, if you’re cold, I will have my jacket at the ready to shield you.”

“Such a gentleman.”

“You wouldn’t think so if you were inside my mind right now. So, before we end up not leaving, we should do just that.”

The charity gala is being held inside of a very posh hotel ballroom just a few blocks from the Flatiron Building. The room is brimming with people of all ages and backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common.

Everyone looks expensive as hell.

“I don’t belong here,” I whisper to him, squeezing my arm into his a little tighter.

“You belong here and everywhere,” he says back. “What did I say about talking down about yourself?”

“You’re right. You’re right. Just get me some booze and I’ll be schmoozing in no time.”

He guides me through the crowd, pausing every few seconds to shake hands and make introductions. During the short walk from the entrance to the bar, I’ve met politicians, athletes, singers, and a handful of actors and actresses. It’s likeWho’s Who in America’sfinest tonight.

As we reach the line for the bartender’s attention, Griffin leans over to whisper in my ear. “If you told me you’ve never done this before, I would have to call you a liar.”

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