Page 33 of Just One More Affair
“What kind of statement?” she asked, wariness in her tone.
Clearing this throat, he said, “That we’re a team, you and I.”
“Jared Sterling, are you avoiding the wordcouplebecause you think I’d freak out?”
“The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Well, you’ll be happy to know I agree. Weshouldmake a statement. We’re raising our baby together and sometimes… we’re—”
“You can say it,” he urged. “A couple.”
And if he had his way it would be more than sometimes, both in reality and in her mind. One step at a time, though. She’d agreed to go with him.
“It’s just…” She paused. “I don’t have another black-tie dress,” she said softly. “Just the one I wore to the wedding and since everyone who saw me is going to be there…”
“Don’t worry about it. I promise you’ll be set.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll see. Thanks for agreeing to be my date. So, when are you moving in?”
She groaned, obviously not looking forward to the prospect. “I spent the morning on the phone with moving companies. How is Friday?”
He nodded. “That works. I’ll make the arrangements for you with the building supervisor and take the day off.”
“Oh! I know how important work is to you. I can handle the move by myself.”
He shook his head, realizing how little she knew him, but he’d rectify that. Make sure she knew she could rely on him. Since Friday was days away, he’d give her some space. He’d be living above her and seeing her daily soon enough.
***
Charlie woke upthe day after Jared invited her to the gala, showered and readied for the day. Her plan was to go shopping for a dress that was appropriate for a black-tie affair but wouldn’t break the bank. Tomorrow she’d be out of the hotel and she could begin to regulate her spending. The girls were coming over after school to spend the weekend, help unpack their bedroom, and get used to the new apartment. She was excited to get them settled into the new place.
A knock sounded on her door and she opened it to find a bellman standing with a dolly filled with garment bags hanging from the high bar. “Delivery for you, Ms. Kendall.”
“I didn’t order…” Her voice trailed off as she took in the name of a very expensive department store on the bags and she immediately knew.
What had Jared done?
“Come in,” she said, and rushed to her wallet to pull out a tip which she handed to the man once he’d settled the dolly in a corner of the front room.
“Thank you,” he said, and left her alone with what she assumed was a selection of gowns.
She bit the inside of her cheek as she pulled down one zipper to find a silver beaded gown with ruching along the stomach. The second bag had a teal Grecian gown with one shoulder knotted at the top. And the third was a simple black trapeze-style gown that obviously had some give around the waist.
Knowing she shouldn’t but unable to resist, she looked at the tag on the silver one, gasping at the price. She glanced at the shoe boxes on the bottom, caught sight of the name, knew they had red soles, and tried not to pass out. How he knew her size was beyond her but she had a feeling her girls might have played a role. They’d always liked to try on her clothes and no doubt they had an idea of sizing.
The allowance around her bump was a no-brainer. She was going to have to buy a size up in leggings soon. After the twins, this second pregnancy had her body changing shape very quickly.
She ought to scold him for spending so much but she couldn’t. Not when he’d been so generous and he really wanted her to come with him.
A card stuck out of one of the shoeboxes and she pulled it out, opening the envelope and reading the note inside.Keep them all. No doubt you’ll look beautiful whatever you choose. I’m sure there will be other galas and events for us to attend. Jared X
“Oh wow.” She’d assumed she’d choose one dress and he’d call to have the others picked up once she’d decided.
This whole moment was like a dream, she thought, twirling in the mirror. Except it wasn’t. This moment and these garments were real. Which meant she needed to keep a smart head on her shoulders and remember this wasn’t some fairy tale.
Jared was her baby’s father, a man she enjoyed spending intimate time with, but he wasn’t her Prince Charming. Even if this exorbitant gift said otherwise. Keeping her wits about her and her heart to herself was the only way she’d survive this situation. Because they were tied for life by their baby and she couldn’t risk rocking that boat.
