Page 6 of Innocent and Sweet

Chapter Three

Anissa dressed in the drabbest outfit she could find -- a simple blue sweater and black ankle-length skirt. She’d worn dowdy clothes for most of her life. Looking so unappealing sucked, but she had duties. Being the daughter of a factory magnate who had a philanthropic streak meant she needed to make public appearances when her father couldn’t be there. Every time she stepped out of the house, she was judged on her choice of clothing. Too racy, and she’d be branded a harlot. Too boring, and she took hits for not being daring.

She braided her hair, then glanced down at her boots. She should change, but why? Was anyone really going to look at her feet? Screw it. She’d rebel in her own little way.

“Anissa?” Kameron knocked on the door. “Ready?”

She paused. He’d called her by her name. She grasped the handle. “Almost. Are you coming in?”

“Yeah.” He barged into her room. “I can’t remember how to tie this damn tie.”

She stared at him. She barely recognized Kam without his leather jacket and jeans. “What are you doing?” she blurted.

“Trying not to throttle myself.” He nodded to her. “You know how to do this, don’t you? Help?”

“Sure.” She’d try, anyway. She hadn’t tied a necktie in forever. “I think it’s like…” She tightened the silk. “Over and around…” Something didn’t look right.

“You’re making it too tight.” Kam grasped her hands. “Ani…”

“Sorry.” The more she fiddled, the more she throttled him. His cheeks reddened, and his eyes bulged. She released the ends of the tie. “I’m sorry. It’s been a while. I forgot how to do this.”

He gasped, then sighed. “I hate dressing up.”

She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Here she was, trying to entice him, and instead she’d goofed. Only Anissa Dunn could take a moment of possible romance and botch it.

“Why are you laughing?” He yanked the tie free from his collar. “You could’ve killed me.”

“Not hardly. You’d have gotten it loose.” She covered her mouth with both hands. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” He stood in front of her mirror. “I can tie this.” He adjusted the silk. “But I thought you knew how.”

“I forgot.” She sank onto the bed. “Why are you dressing up? Did you need help getting ready for a date? I hope she’s nice.” Kam could’ve chosen any other room to prep, though. Why torment her? He’d never date her. Maybe this was his attempt at a clean break. Make her think he was a jerk so she’d leave him alone? Her heart ached. She’d fallen for him. Seeing Kameron with another woman… again… would kill her.

“Date? I’m taking you to the hospital event.” He adjusted his sport coat. “I’m your bodyguard, right?”

“But you’re always in your other outfit.” She tucked her legs underneath herself. She didn’t understand what was going on. “Why are you changing things? You never deviate.”

“I am tonight, and you know why.”

“You’re changing course because I tried to kill you? I won’t ever again. It was a mistake.” She left her seat. “Kam.” She lurched forward to grab his arm but managed to stomp on his foot instead. “Sorry.”

“Anissa.” He moved her off his foot. “Are you trying to break me?”

“No, but I couldn’t. You’re wearing steel-toe boots.” She blinked back tears. Embarrassment washed over her. “I’m sorry.”

“I know.” He met her gaze. “Just stop trying to help. Stay put.”

She nodded. “Will you explain what’s going on? I won’t injure you. I promise.”

He tipped his gaze to meet hers. “I don’t know why no one told you they’d changed your schedule, but I know when the change occurred. Your father was supposed to attend the opening, but he’s detained in New York. He asked for you to go in his place. Unfortunately, he wanted Evan to escort you because a man named Alex Gahan wants to make a play for you. If I’m right, your father wants Alex to step in and knows Evan won’t do dick about it.”

“Because you’ll stop him?” She wiped her cheeks, but more tears threatened. No one wanted her.

“You bet your ass I’ll stop him. I’ll stop all of them.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “Evan won’t give me shit, and Alex has no claim on you.”

“I’ve never met Alex Gahan.” At least she didn’t think she’d met him. “And Evan’s nice. I wouldn’t mind going out with him.” He wouldn’t get grabby… if he even paid her attention.

“He’s been paid to date you,” Kam said.

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