Page 39 of Always Knew It Was You

“And what makes you think those are any less corrupt than the boy’s parents? You know that up to seventy percent of money given to charities end up in the CEO’s pockets?”

“That’s probably not entirely true or at least it’s largely dependent on the charity. Just do your research when donating or better yet, set up your own charity and help people like him.”

Carly makes a face.

“What?” I say.

“Nothing. You said ‘people like him’ twice and you just… you say it so carelessly.”

“How else was I supposed to say it?”

She sighs and shakes her head. “Never mind.”

I want to press the issue but I don’t have to. I already know she thinks I’m a callous bastard. And maybe I am, but at least on this issue I’m pretty sure I’m right. I used to give cash to kids like that too all the time, whenever I saw them around LA. But after learning the truth, and actually catching one of the parents in the act of coaching their daughter, I got disgusted by the exploitation of the children and I just couldn’t feed into it anymore.

But Carly doesn’t care. In her eyes, I’m just a selfish, rich asshole who hates poor kids. It’s a little frustrating that she’s not even trying to see my side here.

She’s still annoyed as we head inside, but when we get to a store on the first floor her annoyance retreats behind wonder. The store looks like it’s made entirely of glass and white crystals.

“It looks just like inPretty Woman,” Carly gasps.

“It’s better,” I tell her as we step inside, instantly assailed by the soothing scent of eucalyptus and rosy perfumes.

One of the attendants instantly recognizes me and makes a beeline in my direction. “Welcome back, sir!”

“Glad to be back,” I tell her. “My fiancée is looking for a few items for a bunch of events we’ll be attending. Think you can help her?”

“Of course,” she says and then gently but firmly guides Carly behind a shelf of designer bags, to look at fabrics and clothes.

Carly throws me an apprehensive look as she goes but she doesn’t protest. I wink in response.

Once she’s gone, I approach the jewelry counter, mildly looking through a few pieces and chatting with the other attendant as I wait. Time passes as I make a few selections, and I get lost in thoughts of Carly draped in only jewelry.

Suddenly, I hear from behind me, “How do I look?”

I turn to look at Carly to give a measured response.... and every semblance of diction flees my mind as I nearly swallow my tongue.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CARLY

Micah’s stunned jaw-drop was gratifying at first, but now it’s starting to disconcert me.

He’s been staring at me wordlessly for what feels like hours even though it’s probably just seconds. His emerald-colored eyes continuously crawl down the length of the silky red dress to the heels on my feet, and then they crawl back up just as slowly.

When he reaches the point where the fabric clings to the swell of my hips, he licks his lips. Like someone just offered him a tempting feast.

I’m wearing a simple floor-length gown with a boatneck Audrey Hepburn bodice, form-fitting skirt except for a slight mermaid flair, and gemstones in a flamelike pattern from the hem of the dress up to the knee.

Does it look bad? Or do I look so good that he’s struck him speechless?

Something tells me it’s the latter.

As evidenced by his stare when his eyes finally reach mine.

The green is glowing, his gaze scorching hot.

Heat explodes through my entire body in response, quickening my pulse, and awakening lust that had been simmering till now. Anticipation races through me. I’m immediately struck by the memories of that night together in the alley parking lot and then in his car.

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