by Melody Anne
“Careful, Celia. You’ll ruin your reputation,” he said fondly as he returned her hug.
“I know. I know,” she said with a roll of her eyes, before her attention turned toward Haley.
“This is my friend, Haley. We’re looking for a few outfits and the perfect evening dress. Not something too over-the-top, but a dress that will make her feel like a million bucks,” he said.
Celia’s eyes gleamed. “I’d be glad to help you lighten that wallet a bit, Crew.”
“I’ll be paying,” Haley spoke sternly, then realized how rude she was being. “I’m sorry. I’m just a bit nervous. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Any friend of Crew’s is a friend of mine. I’ve known him since I was five years old. His sister, Brielle, and I are best friends. I only moved out to California four years ago. Same old sad story of wanting to make it big in Hollywood. Of course, it’s never happened.” She sighed dramatically, reminding Crew of what an excellent actress she was. “Instead, I’m stuck working in retail, but things could be worse. At least there’s a large collection of half-naked men I get to ogle on a daily basis.”
At those words, he felt Haley relax. He knew being around Celia would do the trick. She was a sweet girl, always had been. She needed to focus more, that was all. At one point, he’d been sure she and Tanner would end up together, but it had just never happened.
The next hour was a blur as Celia grabbed a variety of outfits, making Haley try each one on, then shaking her head every time. He had to agree. Sure, she looked nice in all of them, but none of them called to him yet. He wanted something that would pop. Though he didn’t know exactly what he was looking for, once it was found, he’d just know.
He was looking down, reading the New York Times, when Celia cleared her throat. Haley stood before him with three-inch heels and a shimmering teal gown. The top hugged her tight, with thin straps holding it in place, and accented her scrumptious breasts. The dress molded to her body until just below her hips, where it flared slightly, then stopped four inches above her knees.
“Perfect,” he said out loud, his tongue nearly hanging from his mouth.
At his words, Haley grinned while doing a full spin and he got his first mouthwatering glance at her bare and exquisitely toned back. No fabric blocked his view, and as his eyes dipped lower, he itched to run his fingers over the top of the material, which rested just above the curve of her perfectly rounded backside.
“We’ll take it!” There was no question. This was the dress.
“That’s what I thought as soon as I saw her in it,” Celia sighed dreamily. “The shoes are perfect, too.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Now, where do we go for lingerie, Celia?” Crew asked.
Haley flushed as she turned to him in surprise. His own question was taking him by surprise, too. The thought of her in a garter belt and stockings with nothing else on but those heels had him shifting in his seat. Oh yes, they were lingerie shopping. He would certainly work in a lesson that involved her modeling the sheer lace and garters for him. Before too much longer, he would be taking this game to a whole new level.
“You must go to Agent Provocateur. No woman can wear any of their pieces without feeling like an absolute sex goddess,” Celia insisted as she led Haley to the back.
When it came time to pay, he slipped Celia his credit card, feeling a tad guilty about the deception, but if Haley had known the true cost of the dress, she’d have had a minor stroke. Never had he thought about money before the day his father had told him that his inheritance and trust fund were being taken away. He’d always just had plenty of it. Life as a billionaire’s kid…
That first year of being on his own, however, had taught him a lot. He no longer took wealth for granted, and he now knew how important it could be for someone who didn’t have much. But there were some items that were worth splurging on. The perfect dress was one of them.
Surprisingly, Haley didn’t fight him on the panties. She was entranced from the moment they entered Agent Provocateur. The only problem he had was her refusal to allow him to give her his opinion.
In this store, he wasn’t able to slip in his credit card. Haley wouldn’t even let him know the amount. He knew it wouldn’t be cheap, but he’d figure out a way to make it right with her, soften the financial blow.
They passed the next couple of hours purchasing a few more outfits, now at less expensive boutiques, and enjoying the beautiful California sunshine. When dusk arrived, Crew led Haley back to Long Beach, where this time they boarded a private boat for the twenty-two-mile ride to the island.
“You are both in luck tonight. The dolphins have been entertaining the guests.”
“Ooh, I love dolphins. I have been meaning to take one of the tours offered on the island, but haven’t had a chance yet. I must do it before I have to leave. I can’t believe I have only a little over a week left,” Haley said with a frown.
Crew’s gut clenched at her words. He’d known her for less than a week and already he was growing attached in a strange way. She was just so full of life, so full of happiness. Her enthusiasm for everything around her was contagious.
Halfway to the island, they saw the dolphins dancing on the water next to the boat, showing off for Crew and Haley as the captain slowed so they could enjoy the show a little longer.
The sun was just starting to set and Crew couldn’t fight the urge to slip his arm around Haley’s shoulders and pull her tightly against his side. And when she looked up, he couldn’t resist bending down and capturing her lips for just the briefest of moments.
As she sighed into his mouth, he felt his wavering control snap. They would make fireworks ignite when they finally came together — it couldn’t be soon enough.
Chapter Thirteen
As she walked from the elevator, Haley felt a twinge of her old insecurities. Here she was in a stunning gown with her hair piled atop her head and with her newly acquired makeup lightly applied. She’d even spritzed herself with the subtly scented bottle of perfume she’d found in the bathroom with a ribbon tied on top. This was what she wanted. She wanted to turn heads. She wanted to feel gorgeous.
So why was everything inside of her telling her to turn around and run back to her room? She wanted to hide away and slip back into a baggy T-shirt and frayed shorts.
But refusing to let her fears dictate her actions, Haley moved purposefully through the lobby toward the softly lit bar where Marlin was working. Crew had only instructed her to meet him at ten at the bar; all she knew was that he was taking her to a nice dinner. If only she could feel a little less afraid, a little more excited.
“Wowee! You look hot!” Haley looked up to find Marlin giving her an exaggerated wink. “Beautiful ladies get the first-class bar stool,” he finished as he came around the bar and pulled out the seat for her.
“Why, thank you, kind sir,” she replied demurely. She sat as gracefully as she could, but getting comfortable took her a few moments, what with adjusting her dress and positioning her heels just right on the rungs of the stool.
“Would you like a surprise or would a woman of your high class like a glass of champagne?”
“You may surprise me. And you can quit that flattery any time, Marlin. You’re making me blush,” she whispered as she looked over her shoulder. The bar was crowded, but luckily the crowd was near the new piano player and the large gas fireplace on the other side of the room, and no one was paying the two of them the least bit of attention.
“Hey, a dress that hot, covering a body that’s even hotter, deserves some of my special attention.”
“I’m going to tell your wife,” she said. “In fact, she’s right over there.”
Marlin looked around in terror, causing Haley’s nerves to fade away into laughter. She was glad Crew wasn’t there yet — it gave her a few necessary moments to relax.
“I was just having some fun. That was downright cruel,” he pouted as he began mixing her a drink.
“Don’t me
ss with a woman in heels, Marlin. You’ll lose every time,” she said, still laughing.
“Don’t I know it,” he sighed as he placed a martini in front of her. She raised her eyebrows at the choice, but picked up the amusingly retro silver-plated cocktail stick and started moving it and its olives around in the glass. “I figure you’re dressed classy, so you need a classy drink,” he offered.
“I see. So when I’m in my cutoffs, I get the Bottom-Feeder Special?”
“I’d never think of doing that to you, missy. Do you want me to slip you some brazini with fennel puree? It’s delicious.”
“I would love some, but I’m meeting Crew here and he’s taking me out to dinner.” She was thinking the brazini sounded much better, though.
“That explains the new dress. I knew the boss man would get his claws into you. He has an eye for the pretty ladies.”
“It’s not like that. He’s helping me out — and though he’s a pain in the butt, I have to admit that he’s doing a pretty good job so far,” she admitted.
“Mmm, that’s what I like to hear. You smell divine.” Haley tensed all over again as Crew’s mouth descended on her neck and he took a gentle bite from her skin. She instantly felt goose bumps and found herself fighting the urge to lean into the firmness of his chest when he pressed his body against her back.
“You’re not supposed to eavesdrop,” she said when she found her voice again.
“Haven’t you heard that it’s not nice to talk about people behind their backs?” he countered.
“We were just discussing my upcoming mystery date,” she defended.
“Speaking of which, everything is ready. I’m sorry to keep you waiting. My sister was on the phone and no matter how many times I tried, I couldn’t get her off the line. Melodrama is Brielle’s middle name.”
“Is she OK?”
“Yes, she’s fine. It’s just family theater, and Brielle has bitten off a bit more than she can chew. It’s actually kind of enjoyable. She’s always been the baby and quite spoiled. I am going to have to visit her soon, just to see how her ranch is working out.”
“Did you say ranch?” Haley asked.
“I did indeed.”
“OK. You are definitely going to have to give me more details. I want to know how a wealthy member of the Storm family ends up working right in the dirt.”
“How do you know I’m wealthy?” he asked with a smirk. Haley rolled her eyes.
“Well, let’s see, maybe it’s all the magazine articles, or the charities your family donates to. It might possibly be the over-the-top resort that you run. Nah, it’s the Rolex.” She laughed as she placed her arm through his so he could lead her away. “Night, Marlin,” she called back before they made their exit.
To Haley’s surprise, Crew started leading her not out the resort’s front doors but toward the back. Yet she made no comment as the two of them walked side by side toward the ornate patio doors behind an elegant sitting area. A violinist was playing for a small crowd of people sipping wine and eating a variety of cheeses and fruits. This place was amazing.
They stepped through the doors onto the candlelit patio, an area she hadn’t seen before. Large fire pits were strategically placed with lounge chairs surrounding them, and plants and trees were positioned to offer privacy for each grouping. Hearing light laughter and happy voices in the different nooks, Haley started imagining passionate embraces, drugging kisses, and racing hearts.
“I’m so happy to be dining here, Crew,” she said quietly. “You’ve done well.”
“I’m glad you think so.” His eyes captured hers in an intense gaze, and her heart nearly stalled as she continued walking beside him. Being fully aware that she was getting too caught up in the moment didn’t help her heart flutter any less. This wasn’t going according to plan, but she was having a hard time caring.
When the path ended, she gasped at the sight of a rich red carpet laid out upon the sand. As she looked up at him, her vision seemed to fog momentarily. What lesson could he be trying to teach her now?
Without giving her a moment to breathe, he led her down the carpet to a golden cabana only about ten yards from the gently lapping water of the warm Pacific Ocean. Beneath the structure was a table for two. The only illumination inside was a string of twinkling lights overhead, casting a soft, intimate glow.
She sighed as he showed her to one of the chairs, which easily slid out from the table on the hard, clear floor of the cabana. The glass was almost like a window on the beach floor, giving the feeling of sitting directly on the sand without sinking into it.
After pushing her chair in and dropping a light kiss on the back of her neck, he sat across from her, and within seconds a waiter appeared and opened a bottle of wine, presenting it to Crew for his approval.
“I hope you don’t mind, Haley, but I’ve ordered our dinner. Would you care for a glass of Pouilly-Fuissé? It will taste like nothing you’ve tried before.”
Haley nodded with wide, curious eyes, taking the long-stemmed glass and sampling the crisp white liquid, smelling tantalizingly of fruit and oak. The explosion of flavors in her mouth was divine. The only wine she’d drunk before came out of a cheap supercenter store bottle. She couldn’t drink that stuff again — not after this.
The waiter set down a dish, and left them. Crew dipped a silver spoon in the small bowl, and slipped something onto a buttered toast point, then lifted it to her lips. Without even thinking of saying no, she took a bite, then wrinkled her nose at the salty flavor.
“I don’t like that,” she said, quickly swallowing it down, and then taking a large gulp of her wine. Crew laughed as he took a big bite of his own portion and hummed in pleasure.
“Not everyone cares for caviar, even Golden Osetra,” he said with a smile. “People always say that it’s an acquired taste.”
Not one I’d like to acquire, Haley muttered to herself and hoped the meal improved from this point on. Things did look up when the waiter set down their next course, asparagus salad with brilliant roasted red peppers.
“What is the lesson in all of this, Crew? I don’t want to sound ungrateful, because this is by far the most romantic evening I’ve ever had in my life, but I am curious why you’re doing all of this,” she finally asked.
“This is how a woman should be treated, Haley. She should be worshipped, wined and dined. When a beautiful lady takes the time to put on a stunning gown, she needs to be given the royal treatment. Men will fall all over themselves just for a chance to be in their woman’s presence. The lesson in this is to teach you what your expectation should be in how a man treats you. If you want to attract your man, you first need to feel that you’re worthy of attracting him. A night of romance should be deserved. When a man truly wants you, there is no limit to what he will do for nothing more than an evening in your presence.”
The deep baritone of his voice, and the words he uttered, held Haley spellbound. Was she beautiful? As she’d looked in the mirror at the glimmering teal gown, she’d felt…different, more attractive. But would she go so far as to say she was beautiful? No one had ever told her she was — certainly not her grandparents — so how could she think that of herself?
She wanted to believe the light in his eyes was real, but could it all be just an act? He’d refused to take payment from her for being her teacher, but was this all a game to him? She couldn’t fault him for that, but what if he were setting her up, planning to rip her apart? She might never heal, might never have the confidence in herself that she so desperately sought.
“I can see the doubt in your eyes; it’s your biggest weakness. You have to have faith in yourself. You asked me to teach you how to seduce a man, but it’s not an answer I can give you. The way you seduce a man is by having confidence in yourself. Remember what I told you? It doesn’t matter if you are slim, athletic or curvy. It doesn’t matter the color of your hair or eyes. Nothing matters except for you knowing that you are sexy. If you look into a man’s eyes and let him kn
ow you are too good for him, then you own him. The most important rule is that you are what you believe you are, so be careful how you feel about yourself.”
The truth was shining in his eyes as he spoke. Haley could see he wasn’t playing a game with her, he wasn’t lying just to make her his slave. Was it really that simple? Could she just believe she was a prize to be won, and suddenly have any man she wanted — at least if she really wanted him enough?
The waiter slipped in and took away her barely touched salad as he set down their next course, seared sea scallops with spring onion soubise. Though the smell was heavenly, she was too lost in Crew’s eyes to pay attention to the food.
“We’ll have more on this lesson after our meal, while we’re sitting by the fire. I’ve had my chef prepare this especially for you, and I want you to enjoy the entire experience,” Crew said and took a bite.
Finally freed from his gaze, Haley speared a scallop and slipped it inside her mouth, then purred in pleasure. It practically melted on her tongue. Crew kept the conversation more light as they finished their main course.
The last drop was drank from the exquisite bottle, the wine having helped Haley’s confidence to grow, and the waiter laid out their dessert and set a new bottle down at their table. Her first bite of beignets with coffee pots de crème was almost an out-of-body experience. But, still, it was hard to enjoy the meal, no matter how good, when she was in a constant state of arousal — something very new for her inexperienced body.
“So, tell me how your sister managed to end up on a ranch,” she asked between small bites. She wanted to prolong the bliss.
“I don’t want to bore you during our date,” he hedged.
“I promise that you won’t.”
“Well, don’t say that I didn’t warn you,” he said with a chuckle. “A couple of years ago, my siblings and I were…I guess the word would be spoiled.”
“You? Spoiled?” she gasped dramatically, then smiled. “I simply can’t imagine.”
“OK, yes, I was spoiled. This is about Brielle, not me, though,” he said with his twinkling eyes crinkling at the corners.