Page 80 of Tempted By the Devil

We arrive in Bellevue to attendants inside the boutique eagerly awaiting us. They serve as our personal shoppers as we admire the gorgeous fashions on the mannequins and are set up with our own private dressing room.

“I could get used to this,” Jayla says, chugging the complimentary champagne in between bites of strawberries. She pops a piece of chocolate in her mouth to top it off. “If you ever break up with him, I’m telling you right now, I’m knocking you upside your head.”

“Jay,” I laugh. “Be serious.”

“You think I’m playing? Fuck around and find out, sissy.”

I roll my eyes reaching for my own flute of champagne. “If you’re so in love with him, you date him.”

“Uh-uh. If he still looks at you like I remember he did, there’s no way he’d settle for me.You’rethe James sister he wants. Now, Adagio…”

We giggle together as I step up next to her in front of the floor length mirror. She’s in a sparkly A-line mini dress that almost looks like a disco ball… in agoodway. It shimmers against her beautiful brown skin and flatters her hippy figure.

“Is this the one?” she asks.

I flash a big smile and vigorously nod. “This is it! Look at you. Maybe a second night with Adagioiswhat you need.”

“You said Rafael would like to host a party for me?”

“On his yacht,” I finish, both brows raised. “Hisyacht, Jay. Who the hell has a yacht to throw parties on!?”

“Rafael Calderone, apparently. Tell him I’m in. How many people can say they rang in thirty-two on a whole-ass yacht?”

“I’ll let him know. He said to send a list of people you might want invited and he’ll handle everything else.”

“We need to talk about what kind of voodoo pussy spell you have this man under. I need tips.”

I wish I could offer some.

But two weeks into a relationship with Rafael, I’m still lost as to why he’s so taken with me. Whereas at first I questioned his intentions and the sincerity of his interest, each time I’m in his presence, it couldn’t be clearer it’s real. He’s enamored by me. He can hardly take his eyes off me anytime we’re together.

His touches. His kisses.

The thoughtfulness and constant consideration.

It’s all so overwhelming. It’s as if I’m some gem he’s searched years for.

I didn’t realize I yearned to be treated like a princess until it’s happened, where he’s constantly taking me out for unforgettable nights on the town, then back to his home for the most passionate sex of my life.

Where he’s content lying in bed with me to snuggle and chat.

I feel cared for in his presence.

Something I never felt around Lincoln.

As if sensing what’s on my mind, Jayla asks me about my ex-husband as she returns to the tray of strawberries and chocolates. “Any news on the deadbeat?”

“You mean Lincoln? Not since he came into our apartment. Rafael scared him off, so doubt I’ll be hearing from him anytime soon.”

“I still can’t believe the audacity. He’s lucky I didn’t come home first. I would’ve pepper sprayed the shit out of him.”

“Knowing Lincoln, he’d threaten to sue. Just like he did Rafael.”

“And what payday would be awaiting him? I’m almost as broke as he is.”

“But the difference is you have ambition. Your salon is on its way to success. Give it time.”

We change outfits several more times over the next hour before moving on to a different boutique. Shopping bags in each hand, it’s almost too much walking down the street lined with trendy shops and eateries.

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