Page 32 of Jump-Start
“Okay, okay, I will walk. Jesus, just put me down,” I say because the way his hands are gripping the backs of my thighs forces heat between my legs, and I refuse to get turned on by how strong he is.
“Fine,” he says and drops me back onto my feet.
“You take whatever you want, whenever you want it, don’t you?” I ask, and he grabs my chin so softly for a moment, bringing my attention to his face and nowhere else.
“Not everything. Not what I know will be bad for me in the long run,” he replies, his voice low and seductive as his eyes trail over my face. “Not what drives me absolutely crazy most days, even though every part of me demands a taste,” he says, releasing my chin. I let out the breath I’ve been holding without realizing when he walks away.
Did he just— No, it can’t be. I almost laugh at the thought of Leonard wanting me.
“Today, Chiara,” he says, holding the door open for me. I snap out of my trance and roll my eyes. There he is. Normalcy has been restored.
“Here,” I say and smack his credit card against his chest. “I’m very tempted to go out and buy a Bugatti right now, so you better hold on to it,” I add, and he smirks down at me.
“Good idea.” I’m about to step through the door when I stop, let go of my pride a little, and look up at him.
“Thank you. For everything you put on my bed and the clothes I already bought.” His face softens a little, letting me see the side of him I like a lot.
“You’re welcome,” he replies and gently nudges me out of the doorframe so he can close the door. “But don’t start falling in love with me, Starling. I don’t have time to break your heart,” he says, and, this time, I actually laugh.
“The day I fall in love with you, a meteorite will strike the Earth,” I say with another small laugh. He nudges me with his shoulder as we step toward the elevator, amusement sparkling in his eyes too.
* * *
Leonard broughtme to Bond Street. I almost can’t breathe when we walk past all the prestigious and luxurious stores this street has to offer. I tried turning on my heels and walking away when I realized where we were going, but Leonard brought his hands onto my shoulders and spun me back around.
“I need you to look like you have some money when we meet investors,” he said to me to keep me from fighting him.
“Why?” I asked. Leonard gave me a look I interpreted as ‘are you seriously asking me that right now’, which made me slap his arm.
“Starling, rich people are all about appearance. You cannot go to an event in the clothes you bought today. They will eat you alive,” he said, and I stopped talking afterward.
Now we’re strolling in silence. I don’t even complain when he takes my hand and leads me into one of the stores, his hand disappearing right after we walk through the door.
“Let me find Lilah. She will help you,” he says before leaving me standing at the entrance. This store is huge. There are sections for clothes, purses, and shoes on different sides. I don’t have long to study the space before Leonard grabs my attention by brushing his fingers over my arm.
“Yes, sorry,” I say and turn to them. Lilah, a tall Black woman with her hair tied into tight braids and eyes full of warmth, smiles at me.
“Chiara, it is a pleasure to meet you,” she says with a heavy French accent and then gives me two kisses, one on each cheek. “Come with me,ma poupée.” The sweet woman links her arm through mine and then leads me through the store.
It takes hours to find ten different outfits, dresses and suits I would have never thought I’d ever wear. They’re all classy and flawless, just like the shoes and purses Lilah shows me. Leonard waits in one of the chairs outside of the changing rooms. He’s on his phone every single time I step out with a new outfit on, ignoring me completely. I’m not surprised, but, if I’m being honest, I would like it if he drooled a little bit over me considering these clothes highlight all of my curves.
“Okay, how about some lingerie?” Lilah asks after the last dress was a definite no. Leonard’s head shoots up in response, a warning in his gaze.
“Sure,” I blurt out, and Lilah grins before walking away.
“What the fuck do I have to buy you lingerie for?” he asks, and his reaction makes me so happy, I have to hide my smile.
“Maybe I will meet someone at one of those events and take him back to the hotel room with me.” He’s up on his feet and in my face before I know what has hit me.
“I’m not buying you lingerie another guy is going to take off you,” he says, trapping me between the changing room door and his body. Everything inside of me catches fire in response.
“Why? Doyouwant to take it off me instead?” I ask, watching his jaw flex in response. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows hard.
“Don’t tempt me.” Oh…Oh!
“Leonard—” I’m interrupted before I can finish my sentence.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’ve brought you a few options,” Lilah says, and the gorgeous man in front of me takes a step back.
