Page 38 of Fraud
And, now, I was about to share it…whether I liked it or not.
Finishing my mad dash around the bedroom, I gathered up a few loose pieces of clothing and hid them away in the closet just as the doorbell rang.
I swore under my breath, feeling my nerves rising.
Last night had been easy.
No expectations, no personal addresses involved. Just two strangers meeting for dinner.
Tonight though?
My palms felt clammy as I walked the short distance to the door.
The instant my eyes met with his, the tension eased a bit. That charming smile he carried everywhere was fully intact as he took a long, appreciative glance down my body.
Okay, so maybe meeting here did have its advantages.
“You look great,” he said, leaning forward to gently kiss my cheek.
I hadn’t expected it, and the feel of his body close to mine once again made my heart instantly race.
“Thank you,” I replied.
“You didn’t let me finish.” He grinned. “You look great, but I’m going to have to ask you to change.”
Confusion hit hard as I eyed my new black dress that I’d bought especially for tonight. It hadn’t been easy either. The simple task had required me driving downtown like a madwoman in order to make it to the high-priced boutique Jane had recommended. Thankfully, Jane knew retail, and the trip had been painless.
Well, nearly.
The bill had left my head spinning for some time.
“Why?” I finally asked.
He motioned to himself, and it was then that I noticed the stark difference in our attire. While he looked like he was ready to go run an errand or hit up a movie, I was dressed far nicer in my new curve-hugging dress that had cost more than a month’s worth of rent.
“We’re doing casual tonight. I should have warned you,” he said before adding, “Actually, I’m glad I didn’t. Otherwise, who knows how long I would have had to go before seeing this little black number on you.”
I smiled. “Sure you don’t want me to keep it on?”
Am I flirting?
Jane would be so proud.
“As much as I want to say yes, I would feel terrible if you were freezing all night.”
“Freezing?” I asked.
“Nope,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s a surprise. I’ll wait in here while you go change.”
I’d been so caught up in him staring at me, I’d completely forgotten to invite him in.
Realizing we were both awkwardly standing at the threshold of my apartment, I took action. “Yes. Sorry. Make yourself at home.”
I said a silent prayer that he wouldn’t find all the junk I’d hidden around, and I made my way to the back bedroom. My apartment was small, so small I could hear his footsteps as they made a long path around the living room.
Where was my laptop?
I’d been so concerned with what he would think of me that I’d forgotten all about the other me.
