Undeniable Attraction

by Kayla Perrin

  “It’s practically in your backyard,” Aaron said. “And you don’t have a boyfriend. Nothing to stop you from going with me.”

  “What if I just don’t want to spend more time with you?” she found herself saying.

  Aaron closed the distance between them in a flash. “You don’t?” The question was a challenge. “Is that what you’re telling me?”

  Melissa gulped.

  “Because I find it hard to believe you faked your attraction for me last weekend. And suddenly you’re done with me?”

  Heat zapped Melissa’s body. She hadn’t faked her attraction. Not at all. But she needed to protect her sanity. Spending more time with Aaron was a bad idea.

  So she said, “Aaron, I would go, but honestly I don’t want to go in any old thing. You have to trust me when I say I don’t have the right kind of dress.”

  “I already told you, you don’t have to worry about that.”

  “I don’t understand how you can say that.”

  “Before I came here, I made a stop. The wife of one of the guys who plays for the Red Bulls owns a boutique. I stopped by and took a look at what she had. There’s an outfit that I think would look incredible on you.”

  Melissa shot him a skeptical look. “Why would you go to a store to look for an outfit for me if you thought I had a boyfriend?”

  “Because my gut told me you didn’t.” He held her gaze. “Not after the night we shared.”

  Melissa’s face flamed.

  “It’s red,” Aaron said, his voice husky.

  Red...like the outfit she’d worn the night of the welcome dinner.

  “Red looks incredible on you,” he told her, stroking her face.

  “Aaron, you can’t—” Melissa took a step backward. “Someone could come in here right now.”

  “I need you with me tonight,” he said, and Melissa could hear the yearning in his voice.

  Her womb tightened. God help her, she was all but putty in Aaron’s hands when she was around him. Why couldn’t her brain take over and prevent her body from betraying her?

  “You seriously picked out a dress for me?” she asked.

  “I seriously did. And accessories. Everything you need to go along with the dress will be available for you at the shop. Though I’d really love for you to wear those shoes you wore with your red dress last week,” he added in a low voice.

  A shiver of delight danced down Melissa’s spine.

  “You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in the room. Even if you go just as you are right now.”

  Melissa’s resolve softened. “Aaron...”

  “I took the liberty of making an appointment for you,” he said. “Five o’clock. You’ll get dressed at the store, and I can meet you there to pick you up. Then we can make it into New York for the event, which starts at seven-thirty. I’m looking forward to this night being one that the Nunez family will never forget.”

  Despite herself, a wave of excitement shot through Melissa. Aaron had actually gone to a boutique to pick out a dress for her? It was the kind of thing that she would never expect a man to do. Aaron was exhibiting a take-charge attitude, the kind that Melissa always thought she wouldn’t like. But the truth was, it was kind of thrilling...

  Aaron had come here with a plan. A plan to take her out and not take no for an answer. She felt a stirring of desire. What would it hurt to spend another night with him?

  “All right,” she said.

  “I can pick you up and take you to the boutique, if you like.”

  “There’s no need. I can get there on my own, and you can meet me there once I’m dressed. Let’s say five thirtyish?”

  Aaron’s face lit up with a smile. “That’ll work.”

  For a nanosecond, Melissa couldn’t help thinking that she was giving Aaron exactly what he wanted. He’d come here with one goal in mind: to take her out, and she was certain that he didn’t expect to take no for an answer. He’d succeeded in his goal with barely any resistance from her.

  Because she wanted the same thing. Just seeing Aaron again had her body remembering their chemistry. The hot sex.

  And now he was offering her another night out together, another evening where they would get dressed up to the nines, have a glass of wine. Maybe two.

  Would they end the night making love again?

  Did a zebra have stripes?

  Melissa glanced at the clock. “It’s one o’clock. I can probably get out of here around three thirty, head home and shower, get ready. Then I can head to the boutique.”

  “But you’ll have to leave your car there.” Aaron pursed his lips. “Why don’t I have a car pick you up at your place and drop you off at the store? The driver can then get me, then swing back to the store for you.”

  Melissa nodded. “I guess that makes the most sense.”

  “All right,” Aaron said. “I’ll need your contact information, then.”

  “Okay.”

  “Start with your phone number,” he told her, giving her a knowing smile.

  Chapter 18

  Melissa was hoping that Aaron could escape the group home unnoticed, but he’d barely made it out of her office before the boys were there, swarming him. Soon, someone was suggesting that he play a game of soccer with them in the backyard.

  “I think Aaron has to go,” Melissa said.

  “Aw,” Omar, the oldest of the boys, protested. Then he looked at Aaron and said, “Please, can’t you stay a little while longer?”

  “I’ve got a bit of time,” Aaron said. There were cheers of excitement, and two of the boys took Aaron by the arm and led him toward the back patio door. He wore dress pants and shoes, not the proper attire to kick a ball around, but he followed the boys outside nonetheless.

  Melissa watched them go, then headed to the back door and looked outside. The excited expressions on the boys’ faces made her smile. It was nice to see them so happy.

  Someone tossed Aaron the soccer ball, and he immediately started to do some fancy footwork with it, bouncing the ball first off his foot, then his knee. The ball went high, and he dipped his head to hit it, knocking it forward.

  He made what he’d just done look easy, but Melissa knew it took skill. Omar tried to follow Aaron’s example and failed. But Aaron passed the ball back, and with a huge smile, Omar tried again.

  “So,” Teresa said, and Melissa realized that her friend was directly beside her. Melissa glanced at her, saw that Teresa was looking out the window at the star of the hour. “Who is he and why have I not heard about him before?”

  Melissa released a shuddery breath. “That’s Aaron Burke.”

  “The guy who emailed you yesterday. Why is he here? Why did he come to see you?”

  Melissa gazed out the window in time to see Aaron kicking the ball to Tyler and the boys racing through the backyard. He was making some sort of hand gestures, and the boys seemed to separate into two makeshift teams.

  Even just observing him for these few minutes, it was easy to tell that Aaron was really good with kids. She wondered why he and Ella had never had any.

  Just the thought of Ella caused a bitter taste to fill her mouth. She met Teresa’s curious gaze and tried her best to manage a neutral expression. “I grew up with Aaron Burke. And...years ago we used to date.”

  “What!” Teresa’s eyes grew wide. “You used to date that fine brother?”

  “It was a summer fling,” Melissa said, trying to minimize their affair. But the truth was, she had never felt as though it was simply a summer affair. It had meant a whole lot more to her.

  “Wait,” Teresa said, and her eyes lit up, as though something had just occurred to her. “He was at the wedding last weekend. And you two hooked up, didn’t you?”

  Melissa said nothing.

  “Don’t bother denying it,” Teresa said. “I
told you you looked different when you got back from Sheridan Falls. Didn’t I say that? I told you that you looked...relaxed.” Teresa chuckled. “Now I get it.”

  “It’s not a big deal,” Melissa said. She knew there was no point in lying. Teresa wouldn’t believe her. “I hooked up with an old flame.” She shrugged. “It happens all the time at weddings.”

  Teresa’s eyes grew as wide as saucers. “No big deal? When was the last time you had sex?”

  Melissa crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s not like I’m in the running for woman who’s gone the longest without sex. And can you keep your voice down? I don’t want anyone hearing this.”

  “All the boys are outside with Aaron, and Dana and Courtney are meeting with that probation officer. No one’s going to hear.”

  Teresa was right. Melissa was being paranoid, but she didn’t want to talk about last weekend.

  “So why did he come here? Obviously the sex last weekend had to be amazing!”

  “He’s in town for a charity event,” Melissa said. Then she explained the details. “He wants me to be his date.”

  Teresa’s eyes were practically dancing with glee. “So this is already getting serious!”

  “The event happens to be in New York, and I happen to be right here in Newark. It’s convenient.”

  “I’m sure he could have asked anyone else to go with him. And he could certainly have flown the date of his choice here if he wanted to.”

  You’re the only one I want to ask...

  “It’s a charity event. Not a romantic date.”

  Teresa smirked. “Whatever. Talk to me tomorrow. Just don’t leave out any of the juicy details.”

  * * *

  Melissa’s first wow moment of the evening came when the Maybach arrived to pick her up. She’d thought Aaron would send a regular limo, or perhaps a regular sedan. But a Maybach? The most expensive of the Mercedes line?

  He wasn’t in the car, and she wondered where he was getting ready.

  It really hit her that she was about to have her own Pretty Woman type of moment in a boutique when the driver stopped in front of Dazzle. Just looking at the storefront, she could tell it was very high-end. The kind of store Melissa wouldn’t normally step in, because a dress could easily cost her a year’s salary.

  But here she was. This was really happening.

  The driver exited the vehicle, made his way to the back door and opened it for her. There was a smiling woman standing just inside the boutique, behind a Closed sign, and as Melissa approached, she opened the door for her.

  “You must be Melissa,” she said, extending a hand.

  Melissa shook it. “Yes.”

  “I’m Crystal.”

  “Very nice to meet you,” Melissa said. “Thanks so much for having me. I didn’t realize I’m coming after hours.”

  “Actually, I closed the shop for you. Aaron insisted. He wanted you to have my undivided attention as you got ready. And he’s made it worth my while, trust me.”

  Given the smile on Crystal’s face, Melissa could only imagine. And it made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Aaron was certainly pulling out all the stops for her.

  Crystal began to walk, and Melissa fell into step beside her. “I think you’re going to love the dress Aaron picked for you. It’s right there.”

  They rounded the corner into the dressing room area, and when Melissa saw the dress hanging on the dressing room door, she stopped dead in her tracks.

  “Oh my God,” she uttered. “That’s the dress?”

  Crystal grinned from ear to ear. “Yep.”

  It was an off-the-shoulder trumpet gown made of red satin. The neckline was adorned with black lace and black jewels. The same lace and jewels were also embedded around the dress’s waist. It looked formfitting and flared outward at the knee.

  It was gorgeous.

  Melissa had wondered if her pumps would work with this dress, but the combination of black and red on the dress would match her shoes perfectly.

  “Try it on,” Crystal urged.

  With an excited giggle, Melissa headed into the changing room. The look on Crystal’s face said it all once Melissa had the dress on. Her mouth formed a perfect O and her eyes lit up.

  “You look stunning.”

  Melissa made her way to the large wall of floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and when she saw her reflection, her heart fluttered. She did look stunning. How had Aaron picked out the perfect dress for her?

  Red looks incredible on you...

  “I already picked out some accessories that I think would look fabulous with this gown,” Crystal said. “A necklace made with onyx jewels, and a matching bracelet. Would you like to try them on?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Once Melissa had the entire outfit on, including her shoes, she was mesmerized by how incredible she looked. She’d curled her hair and pinned it up, and Crystal helped her finesse the look.

  Melissa noted that neither of the items she’d tried on had a price tag, but she knew this must cost a small fortune.

  “Am I supposed to keep all of this?” Melissa asked, gently stroking the teardrop onyx stone.

  “It’s all for you,” Crystal said. “A gift from Aaron.” Pausing for a moment, Crystal smiled. “He’s a great guy. My husband has known him since college, and he has nothing but high praise for him. And from what I can see, he likes you. A lot.”

  Melissa expelled a shuddery breath. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Aaron’s face when he saw her in this dress.

  * * *

  Aaron arrived at the shop and exited the limo, anxious to see Melissa. He already knew she would look amazing, but the text from Crystal had him extra excited.

  Wait until you see her!

  Aaron didn’t have to wait long. Within a few seconds, he saw Crystal heading toward the door. She opened it wide, and then Melissa came into view.

  A slow breath oozed out of Aaron. “Wow.”

  Melissa’s face lit up in a smile. God, she was a vision of loveliness. The red dress hugged her curvaceous hips and her bountiful bosom. She was gorgeous, classy and sexy all at the same time.

  Aaron wanted more than anything to take her in his arms and kiss her until she begged him to skip the event. He wanted to smooth his hands over those curvy hips.

  He wanted her.

  “Hi,” she said, her voice wavering.

  Aaron finally stepped toward her. “You look incredible.”

  “Thank you,” she said, and twirled so that he could see the entire dress.

  “And you’re wearing the shoes?” he asked softly.

  She lifted the hem of the dress so that he could see. “Yes.”

  “Oh, your bag,” Crystal said, then disappeared into the store.

  “Honestly, you’re the most beautiful woman in the world,” Aaron said. He leaned down and gave Melissa a soft kiss on the lips.

  He saw the way her chest rose with the deep inhalation of breath. Was she as happy to see him as he was to see her?

  “You don’t have to say that,” Melissa whispered.

  “Did you look in a mirror?” Aaron countered. “I’m going to be the envy of the ball,” he added with a playful smile.

  Crystal returned with a tote bag. She passed it to Melissa. “Your belongings.”

  “Thanks,” Melissa said.

  Aaron took the bag from Melissa. “Crystal, thanks so much for everything,” he said.

  “Any time. You two have fun.”

  Then he offered Melissa his elbow, and she took it. He walked with her the short distance to the Maybach and opened the door, and she got in. He put her bag in the trunk, then got into the back seat beside her and took her hand.

  She glanced at him and gave him a little smile.

  Damn, she looked incredible. Aaron was seriously
tempted to tell the driver to head straight back to his hotel.

  But he would wait. And the waiting would make it all the more exciting.

  Chapter 19

  The ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria was the most spectacular room Melissa had ever seen. The walls were illuminated in pale pink, and trees with tiny crystal lights were strategically placed around the room. The tablecloths were accented in gold, and gold candles sat in glass containers. Melissa felt as though she had walked onto the set of a fairy tale.

  The various items listed for the silent auction were placed on tables around the perimeter of the room. Jewelry sets. Paintings. Sports paraphernalia. Unique art sculptures. Weekend getaways. There was an amazing lineup of items to bid on.

  And the people she’d met so far were absolutely lovely. Melissa had assumed that the crowd of high-profile citizens would be stuffy and conceited, but to her surprise, they were kind and friendly.

  “Hey, gorgeous,” Aaron said, slipping a hand around her waist. “See anything you like?”

  “So much of it is amazing,” Melissa said. “And I saw that you donated your original soccer jersey.”

  “It was the least I could do. I hope it fetches a pretty penny.”

  “Let’s hope.” Melissa turned toward the item she was standing in front of. “I’m really drawn to this painting by Felix Virgo.” She angled her head as she looked at the painting of a swan peacefully swimming on a lake among lily pads. “It’s so serene. I’d love to have this hanging on my office wall. Just looking at it would give me a sense of calm.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Aaron agreed. He looked into Melissa’s eyes. “And so are you.”

  His unexpected compliment caused her stomach to flutter. “Thank you.”

  “Seriously, you’re the most beautiful woman here.” He slipped his arm around her waist.

  Melissa cleared her throat. “Um...should we be doing this here?”

  “I don’t see why not,” Aaron told her.

  Heat coursed through Melissa’s veins. Being this close to Aaron, she thought she might lose her mind. “I can hardly concentrate on the auction items with you near me,” she whispered.

  Aaron beamed, seemingly amused by her answer. “I’ll leave you to mingle in peace.”