"I thought you'd come here sooner or later," she said.
"Excuse me?" I said a little startled.
"You're here about me returning the books, right?" she said, a little glint of amusement lighting her eyes.
It wasn't lost on me that she was in an unexpectedly good mood. I wasn't sure what kind of reception I'd get coming in. After all, she did return my book without so much as a note or a thank you. I'd almost been tempted to think she was angry with me, but here she was smiling at me playfully. I decided to push my luck and see if I could make her blush.
"How did you know? Did you return the books to me because you knew I'd come? Did you want to see me that badly?" I asked.
She rolled her eyes but I could see her mouth twitch despite her best efforts to look severe. "You're really full of yourself, aren't you?" she said.
"What can I say? It wouldn't be the first time a woman has used trickery to try to see me again," I said.
"I wonder sometimes what kind of life you do lead," she said laughingly. "How do you stand it?"
"I get by," I grinned.
"You're horrible," she chuckled, playfully smacking my arm over the counter. "So, are you here to admonish me for sending the books back?"
"Hmm...What is the correct answer to that?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I have a feeling I'm on shaky ground. If I say yes, you'll be upset that I didn't respect your wishes. If I say no, then you'll be upset that I gave in so easily. Am I right?"
"You're a real piece of work," she said severely, but the twinkle in her eye belied her words.
"Ok, I'll tell you the truth. I did originally set out to ask you why you sent the books back, but now that I'm here, I find that I don't really care about it all that much."
"Oh?"
"Yes, I'm rather enjoying our delightful conversation. And if the topic of the books is a sore one for you, then I'll happily forget about the whole thing."
"You're so kind," she said sarcastically.
"But really, why did you send the book back?" I asked.
"Because it's too much. You can't honestly have thought that I would keep it," she said.
"My dear, if you think that was extravagant, then I might just have to marry you," I said jokingly. "And for the record, I don't send gifts expecting to have them sent back."
She opened her mouth to speak, but then quickly snapped it shut. I watched her bite her bottom lip, wondering what she had been about to say.
"It might not seem like much to you, but it'd probably cost more than two years of my salary," she said.
I held up my hand in resignation. "Let's not argue about money. I want you to have it," I said, pulling the books out of my coat pocket. "I honestly never even look at it. I'd be a waste for it to continue sitting in my library gathering dust, when I know you'd get so much enjoyment out of it," I lied. I wasn't about to let her know I just got the book this morning.
Lily's face showed her indecision. I knew she was debating with herself whether to accept it, so I pressed my advantage. "You're a book lover aren't you? Won't you rescue these three poor volumes from a life of loneliness and neglect?"
She cracked a smile and I could see I had won. "All right, if you put it like that, I guess I have no choice, do I? I can't in good conscience let you mistreat this valuable work of literature," she teased.
"Good, now that we've got that settled, let's talk about something very important."
"What is it?" she asked, concern and worry instantly etched across her face.
"Have you eaten yet?" I asked, casually checking my watch. "It's almost five."
I looked up just in time to catch her rolling her eyes at me. "You scared me for a minute there," she said. "I thought it was something serious."
"Well, let me make it up to you by taking you to dinner," I said.
"I'm not sure. Doris and Miguel aren't in today and I've got to watch the shop."
"I'm sure you can close it down for a little while. Besides, it's the least you can do since I gave you such an extravagant gift," I said, giving her my most charming smile.
"You can't have it both ways," she laughed.
"Why not? It's just dinner. You've got to eat sometime, might as well be with me."
"Oh all right, what the hell," she said after another moment of internal debate. "Just let me lock up."
***
We walked to my car in silence.
"So where are we going for dinner?" Lily asked once we were both seated and buckled in.
"It's a surprise."
We drove towards Chelsea Piers. I could see her face light up with surprise and anticipation as we got closer. On my way to the bookstore, I'd called Lara to have her arrange to charter a private yacht for dinner and a cruise around New York. I thought Lily would enjoy that and it would give me more time with her. Once we arrived, I dropped my car at the valet and led her towards the marina.
"Don't tell me we're going on a boat," she said as we started walking.
I looked back at her in surprise. "Are you afraid of the water?" I asked.
"No, it's just a bit different, that's all," she said.
"Well, I strive to be different. I think you'll like it. We've got the yacht all to ourselves."
Once aboard, we decided to head out to the large sun deck on the third floor while the crew set out our meal for us. We were on the deck enjoying a cocktail.
"This is amazing," Lily said as the yacht motored out of the marina. She leaned her elbows against the railing watching the skyline shrink behind us. "I've never been on a yacht before."
She was shivering from the cold weather and I took off my jacket and wrapped it around her. She almost looked like she was about to protest, but thought better of it and smiled at me gratefully.
"You're welcome," I said. "Let's head back inside. It's a bit too chilly out here."
We headed back into the small private dining room where our table had already been set up. As I pulled out the chair for her, she slipped my jacket off her shoulders and handed it back to me.
"Keep it. You might need it for later," I said.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Just a little cruise along the Hudson River," I said. "It shouldn't take long."
Lily smiled as she looked around her. Even I was impressed. The view from the floor to ceiling windows added a nice backdrop to this cozy little meal. Our first course soon arrived and I was surprised by how hungry I was. We both enjoyed our meal in a comfortable silence. There wasn't the pressure to talk or to fill the air with mindless chatter. I admired how the candlelight from the table softened her features giving her an almost angelic look. As the last plate was cleared away, Lily leaned forward on the table on her elbows and surveyed me boldly.
"You're awfully quiet this evening," she began.
"I was too busy admiring the view," I said, looking into her eyes.
Even in the dimly lit room, I could see the blush creeping up her cheeks at my compliment.
"That was smooth," she laughed self consciously.
"I wasn't trying to be," I answered. I was surprised to realize it was the truth. I hadn't just said it to win points or get in her favor. I found that I was genuinely attracted to her and the feeling was growing each moment I spent in her company.
After a quick tour along the Hudson, the yacht arrived back at the marina. I took Lily's hand as I helped her alight from the vessel. Once we had reached solid ground, I didn't let go, and she didn't make a move to pull her hand out either. We walked back to the valet in a comfortable silence and waited for my car to arrive.
"Thank you again for dinner," she said.
"You're welcome. Thank you for coming with me. As you can see, it would have been awfully lonely eating by myself on that big ship," I teased.
"Well I think it's too big for just two people too," she laughed. "But I had a great time."
My car pulled up and I drove her back to her store. Once we arrived, I go
t out with her and walked her inside. She seemed a little nervous and on edge by my presence. Maybe it was because we were the only ones in the shop, or maybe it was the wine I drank at dinner, or maybe it was the way her face flushed and how her lips were slightly parted, but I knew I had to kiss her. I'd wanted to kiss her all evening.
She backed up further into the shop as I made my way towards her. I could tell she was nervous and a little scared, but at the same time she wanted it as bad as I did. Lily stopped once her back had reached the counter. I continued my way forward until we were only inches apart. She licked her lips as she looked up at me and that sent me over the edge.
I dipped my head down and pressed my lips against hers. Her skin was on fire and her lips were so soft, I couldn't resist deepening the kiss. I slipped my tongue in her mouth and pulled her close against my body. She responded in kind, threading her fingers through my hair and pulling my head down.
The kiss was electric and I found myself lost to everything but the feel of her wrapped around me. Finally we pulled apart. I rested my forehead against hers, panting for breath. Her eyes were drugged with passion and desire and it took everything in me not to take her right then.
"Wow," I said. "That was unexpected." I stepped back a couple steps, feeling like I needed some safe distance from her.
"You can say that again," she replied breathlessly.
"I should get going. I'll see you on Monday for the opera," I said.
"Oh, right. Yeah I'll be there. Thanks again for the dinner," she said, her face registering her confusion.
"My pleasure." I gave her a quick peck in the cheek and left as fast as my feet could carry me.
I walked out the shop and hurried to my car. Once inside, I rested my head against the steering wheel as I took in several deep breaths. What the hell just happened? I'd never felt that way after a kiss before. It tugged at something deep in me. My body felt alive and on fire and I knew that Lily felt it too. It was plain to see in her response and the way her eyes had glazed over as I held her in my arms.
I had to fight myself to keep from running back into the shop. It was a miracle I was even able to break the kiss when I wanted so badly to take her right then and there. I banged my head against the steering wheel. Had I gotten in over my head? Was I actually falling for Lily Hayward?
When I had agreed to the bet I never would have expected to actually develop feelings for her. It was supposed to be the other way around. I was supposed to make her fall in love with me, but somehow she managed to worm her way under my skin. Being with her was bringing out a side of me that I forgot even existed.
I banged my head against the steering wheel again trying to dislodge these thoughts. It was crazy to be falling for this woman after only knowing her for a few days. What the hell had gotten into me? I wondered. It must be the fact that I'd been through a bit of a dry spell lately and hadn't had sex in a few months. That would drive anyone a little crazy, I reasoned.
I needed to take a step back and let things cool down. It was being in such close proximity to her that was throwing me off. I'd seen her nearly every day since Saturday and I just needed some space. Once Monday rolled around, I'd be able to control myself better. I'd also realize that it was just lust and not actually something deeper that was drawing me towards Lily.
Chapter Seven: Lily
"What does one even wear to the opera?" I asked as I stared into my closet. I cursed myself again as I realized I should have asked Mel for some help with dresses before she left for China. As it was, she was probably in Beijing right now settling into her hotel. I wondered if she had internet there and was tempted to video chat her. But I looked at my watch and realized it was only around 5am over there and she'd probably kill me for waking her up.
I had taken the day off work to get myself glammed up for that evening. Doris looked pleased as punch when I asked her to cover for me. She didn't say anything, but I knew exactly what she was thinking giving me that smirk. I didn't really mind, though. The truth was, I wanted to make the effort.
After that mind numbing kiss Roman and I shared, I knew there was no use denying it to myself anymore. I was really starting to fall for him. It was a terrifying thought, but as Mel would say, most things worthwhile in life are terrifying. I knew I was taking a huge risk opening my heart and letting him in, but I figured the reward was worth it.
Plus, I knew he felt something for me too. I could just feel it when he kissed me. He couldn't be that good of an actor. Besides, he'd never done anything to hurt me or make me question him. He'd been nothing but a gentleman from the first moment I met him, and I didn't want my past experiences to ruin something that could be wonderful.
After that wonderful kiss, I went to bed dreaming of him that night. I wondered what would have happened if we hadn't broken apart. My body thrilled at the memory of the desire in his eyes and the passion of his embrace. I knew I wouldn't have been able to say no if he'd wanted to take it further. Hell, I wanted it just as bad as he did. It was one of the only times in my life I could remember letting go of all my inhibitions and doubts. Somehow whenever Roman was around, I felt like I could be myself.
But in the back of my mind, there were still some persistent doubts and fears I couldn't seem to get rid of. The fact that he hadn't contacted me since that night left me a little unnerved. Then again, I appreciated the time apart to cool down and think. I just needed to take a deep breath see how things went this evening.
He was due to pick me up in a couple of hours, and I hadn't even tried on anything yet. I scanned through my paltry assortment of dresses and sighed. This was a moment when I would have welcomed Mel's opinion and yet she was nowhere to be found. I wanted to dazzle Roman and thought about that red halter dress Mel had suggested for the Eichendorf Gala. At the time I was appalled, but I wished I had that dress in my closet now. I knew it would blow Roman away.
My doorbell rang startling me from my thoughts. I hurried to answer it to find a delivery man with a big white box with a pink bow on top. After a moment of stunned silence, I accepted it and brought it into my apartment. I placed it on my coffee table and searched for a card. There was none outside of the box and I wondered who it was from.
My first thought was that Roman sent it to me. He had a habit of sending me things and I thought this might just be another extravagant gift. After being the recipient of his generosity I was finding I wasn't so averse to it after all. I opened the box eagerly, ripping off the bow. Inside, on top of white tissue paper sat a plain white envelope. I reached for that first and opened the letter.
Don't think I forgot. Thought you might need a little help. Miss you already! --Mel
I smiled as I read the note, my anticipation building to a feverish pitch. I dug into the box, tearing the tissue paper away and pulled up the red halter dress from that night at the gala. Mel really was a life saver. I was so happy to see that dress, I did a little jig around my living room, all the while giving thanks to Mel and her awesomeness.
After hanging the dress up, I finally began my preparations. I decided I wasn't going to look in the mirror until I was all ready. I wanted to look at the final product and not have to nit-pick my appearance every step of the way. Starting with my hair and makeup, I pulled my normally unruly shoulder length hair into a sleek bun. Each strand was straightened, pulled back, pinned and pomaded, so that not one stray hair was out of place.
My make up was minimal but for the cherry red lipstick I wore to match the dress. I finished it off with a coating of mascara and a light dusting of blush. Finally, I slipped the dress on over my head, making sure not to mess up my hair or make up. The dress fit perfectly and as I pulled up the zipper, I released a heavy breath. I stood in front of the mirror and finally looked at myself.
My jaw dropped to the floor as I stared at the stranger looking back at me. The dress was perfect and did amazing things for my body. Somehow it managed to make me look slimmer in all the right places while accentuating my womanly
curves as well. The cherry red color complimented my alabaster skin and the low neckline was daring yet still classy.
Looking at myself, I didn't know why I objected to it so strongly the first time I saw it. It was a little more risqué than I normally wore, but tonight was special. I felt it in my bones. Things between Roman and I were quickly heating up and even though we had just met, I knew there was something special about him.
For the past few days, I'd been trying to keep him at arm's length, but after that kiss, I knew we'd both have to make a decision soon. As I continued to stare at myself, I wondered what Roman would think of my look. It'd been so long since I got dressed up for a man. I pushed the unwanted memories to the back of my mind. I wouldn't let the past intrude on tonight.
My doorbell rang again and I almost jumped out of my skin in surprise. A quick glance at the clock told me it was already 6pm. Roman was here. I smoothed my dress down and patted my hair nervously before walking towards the door.
I sucked in a sharp little gasp as I opened the door and stared at Roman. He was dressed impeccably in a black suit and tie. His dark hair was combed back and his face was freshly shaven. He looked absolutely gorgeous and I almost had to pinch myself, not believing that he was actually my date for the night. Those few days apart almost made me forget how handsome he was, but seeing him in the flesh again almost knocked me off my feet. Now I knew why women were always clamoring for his attention.
"You look absolutely stunning," he said, surveying me from head to toe. I could feel the heat rush up my body as he stared at me, but I maintained my composure and held his eyes.
"Thank you," I said. "Please come in."
I stepped aside for him to enter my apartment. It was the first time he'd ever been inside and he glanced around, taking special interest in the pictures that I hung on my walls.
"So um...would you like something to drink?" I asked. "Or do we not have time?"
The Wager: A Billionaire Romance Page 7