Page 36 of Remembering Passion

“Never,” he said. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

“Don’t do anything you don’t want to do.”

“That’s the problem,” I said as I turned down the street to my condo. “I want to do things I shouldn’t.” I was also starting to feel that the decision was no longer in my control.

Gabriella

Why didn’t I ask where we were going to dinner?

As I stood in the middle of my closet, wrapped in a towel following a quick shower, I debated my clothing choices. I didn’t want to be overdressed, but knowing Damien, it was more likely that I’d be underdressed. The man exuded sexiness no matter what he wore or didn’t wear.

The clock on my dresser told me I had only twenty minutes to make a decision and turn myself into a competent woman, one continuing a meeting.

“What do you think, Duchess?” I asked my black cat sitting on the end of my bed with a bored expression.

“Black is a safe color.”

Duchess didn’t respond as I chose a black maxi dress. It was sleeveless with a scooped neckline. The bodice had built-in cups, taking away the need for a bra. Being that it was spring in Indiana, I also decided to add a cardigan. Accenting the ensemble with a long necklace and casual heels, I would fit perfectly into any dinner situation.

My long hair was flowing down my back in soft waves. As I put the finishing touches on my lips—pink, not too dark, the doorbell rang. Looking at my reflection, I thought this was all in vain. After all, this wasn’t a date.

I would have worn the same thing to drinks with Niles.

As I took one last look in the mirror, I knew I was telling myself a lie. I would have gone out with Niles straight from work. There wouldn’t have been a shower or a quick shave. For the record, I didn’t go bald, but there was some trimming that needed to be done. Not that it would be seen. With Niles, I wouldn’t have changed clothes or redone my makeup.

Other than all those things, it was the same as going with Niles for drinks.

The doorbell rang again.

“Wish me luck,” I said to Duchess, who was now curled into a circle near the end of my bed. She didn’t even bother to open her eyes. “Thanks for the support.” Shaking my head, I made my way down the stairs toward the front door. “I’m coming,” I called.

Through the lead-glass transom, I saw Damien on my front porch. My steps slowed as I descended lower toward the first-floor foyer. While the image was distorted, as I neared, I realized I’d been mistaken. The person outside wasn’t Damien. The build and strawberry-blond hair were wrong.

Opening the door, I met Johnathon’s green gaze as his smile flashed. “Johnathon? I was expecting Damien…Mr. Sinclair.”

“Mr. Sinclair asked that I pick you up and take you to the restaurant.”

A chill ran over my skin. “Was there a problem?”

“I don’t think so,” Johnathon said with a chipper attitude. “You may call him if you’d like.”

I’d deleted Damien’s number years ago. However, his number reappeared on my phone Saturday night. It was still there. I opened the front door wider. “Come in. I’ll go upstairs and call Mr. Sinclair.” I feigned a smile. “I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding.”

Johnathon was dressed exactly as he had been at the office, making me wonder if he’d had any break at all.

“Can I get you anything?” I offered before going upstairs. “Water?”

“No, thank you.” He looked around. “Your place is nice.”

I tilted my head toward the living room. “You’re welcome to have a seat. I’ll be just a minute.”

As I climbed the stairs, I told myself that I’d spent nearly an hour with Damien’s assistant this afternoon-slash-evening. I wasn’t uncomfortable with him being present or as my chauffeur. It was the change in plans that had me uneasy.

Once in my bedroom, I shut the door. Duchess stretched, her eyes on me. Shaking my head, I removed my phone from my purse. The volume was still off from my workday. That wouldn’t have mattered. I didn’t miss a call. It was a text message I’d missed, sent ten minutes ago. The screen read Damien. Inhaling, I swiped the screen.

“I’ve upped the negotiation. Call me.”

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