Page 20 of The Photograph

The cropped blonde woman grins. “Aelin Thorne?” When I nod, she winks. “So, yes.”

After signing off the delivery, I close the door and walk slowly to my bedroom and open the box. There’s a card attached.To apologize for our missed date. Gabe.

****

Gabe

“Everything’s ready, Gabe.”

Standing by the granite fireplace in the open plan living room, I lift my eyes from my cell to my chef. “Thank you, Michelle.”

The slim woman in her mid-forties turns off the oven and unknots her black apron before joining me in the living room. “Would you like me to serve dinner?”

“That won’t be necessary. Thank you, chef,” I reply while I settle on the couch.

After she exits the penthouse, I glance at the softly lit dining room where the light shimmer of the tablecloth on the round table set for two reflects in the bay window.

Romantic ambiance. Check.

I roll up the sleeves of my shirt and check my watch.Is she going to make me wait for her grand entrance?

Canceling our date at the last minute was a calculated move to shift the dynamic between us. First, I can’t look too easy a mark and I want to see her in action. The designer dress and gold cuff are catnip to women like her, and I can’t wait to see how she’llthankme.

My move paid off because when I called her yesterday, she didn’t even think of playing hard to get. Tonight, she’ll make her move to keep the gifts coming.

Then, I’ll make mine.

A few minutes later, Marty the doorman alerts me Aelin is on her way up. I get to my feet.

Let the game begin.

The doors of the elevator slide open, and I grit my back teeth. Her hips sway while her heels tap on the marble floor, as she approaches me. “Gabe. Hi.”

Why isn’t she wearing the dress nor the cuff?

Instead, the chiffon silky deep green dress holds her tiny waist, flares around her long legs while the V-neck cut flashes just enough of her soft skin to make me want to touch. And stroke. And lick.

Sex on legs.

Bypassing her made-for-kissing lips, I peck her cheek. “Hi, Aelin.”

With my hand on the small of her back, I lead her in the living room where she stops and peruses the large rectangle room decorated in white, dark wood, and touches of burgundy.

She sweeps her smiling eyes to mine. “This is a great space, I’ve only seen the office side, but this is completely different. Cath Summers?”

I nod. “You know your competition.”

The beautiful gold digger grins. “She’s very good, and there’s enough room for all of us.”

Nice line.“What would you like to drink?”

She bats her eyelashes. “Do you have white wine? Sauvignon blanc.”

“Sure.” I stroll to the large glass door fridge to pour her a glass and grab mine.

After a silent cheer, she sips a small mouthful before perching on the sofa where she lays her small purse as I settle beside her.

Drink in hand, I study her, almost excited.How are you going to play this?“How was your day?”

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