Page 17 of Dark Temptations

“Both.”

Ariana rolled her eyes. “Well, that’s no help.”

“Let me tell you this. All their little quirks are worth it. I couldn’t have found a better man.”

Ariana nodded.

“So, what happened in the office?” Janessa asked.

“We were so shocked to see each other. I didn’t know he knew Dad, and he didn’t know that I was his daughter.”

“I would have loved to see your faces.”

Ariana bit her lip. “Me, too. I wanted to see how Dad took it. When I told Xavier I forgot the kiss, I could tell it was the wrong thing to say.”

“I can imagine. You hurt his ego.”

Ariana giggled. “Good.”

“You know he’s not going to let this go, don’t you?”

Ariana nodded. “What should I do?”

“Well, you have two choices. You can hide from him until he forgets you or meet him head-on.”

“How do I meet him head-on?” Ariana asked.

“Let me think about it a moment,” Janessa said.

Ariana watched her mother tap a finger against her lips as she reflected on Ariana’s predicament.

“Okay, I’ve got it. Dress up and go to his office. We’ll say you’re dropping your father’s papers off.”

“But, Mama, he’s going to kiss me again.”

Janessa stared at her daughter. “Probably. Do you not want him to do that?”

“Yes, but after, he always says it’s the last one.”

“So,yousay that this time, and then walk out.”

Ariana’s face brightened. “Oh my God, I love it.”

“I’ll get your father to make a file, you choose a sexy outfit to wear, and Mission Butthead will start.”

Ariana laughed and hugged her mother. “You’re the best.”

“Us women have to stick together,” Janessa said. “Now, sneak out. I’ll go into the office and meet this man.”

“You’ve never met him?”

“No. I tend to stay away from your father’s office during the day. He says I distract him.”

Ariana covered her mouth with her hands and laughed.

Her mother grinned and kissed her cheek. “Now, go before he catches you.”

Ariana enjoyed trying to be stealthy but was relieved when she made it to her car and out of the driveway. She had some planning to do. Maybe she’d call her friends to help find the right outfit. This could be so much fun … or disastrous. She’d find out soon.

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