Page 18 of The Companion Love Trap

So, don’t even think about it. It was a job. One I’d never had before. Plus, who didn’t want to spend their thirtieth birthday on a cruise? Sounded like paradise.

I reached across to pick up the pen and signed the contract before I could talk myself out of it. Jace smiled at me, this one sliding over my body like the world’s best body butter.

As most jobs went, I would crash and burn or sail through with flying colors… and maybe a few orgasms. It might be my best job yet.

We exchanged information and set up a time to meet on Monday. I left the hotel bar with a smile and a plan in the works.

Now, I only had to find a place to crash for two days and make it through them without caving to see Cruz or Phantom.

Just call me Everly Carlisle, Companion Extraordinaire.

six

EVERLY

True to his word, Jace had sent over the travel documentation, copies of the contract and NDA, an itinerary, and a confirmation of the time for our shopping adventure on Monday. He even surprised me when he asked for my address so he could send a car to pick me up. I hadn’t spoken to the man I was meant to fake date, but I couldn’t deny the crush I had going for his best friend already.

Exiting the expensive town car, I gaped at the storefront before me. Jace hadn’t been kidding when he said he knew the designers and how to get into the best places.

Couture par Blitz was the hottest new boutique on the fashion strip, and no one got in without an appointment. Even the storefront was mysterious with dark tinted windows, only the gold sign indicating what lay behind the door.

Approaching the door, my hands were sweaty, and I tried to wipe them off as I pressed the button. Sudden flashes of Julia Roberts being mocked out of a store because she didn’t fit the image they catered to raced across my mind. Though in my case, it wouldn’t be because I looked like a hooker but because I didn’t fit the industry standard size.

My hips would not be fitting into a size eight. Nope. Just not possible.

I took a deep breath as I debated my play here. Did I go in and pretend not to like anything to save myself from the embarrassment of having to tell Jace nothing fit? Then casually suggested a place I knew carried my size. Or did I blurt it out to save myself from wasting time in a store designed to make anyone who wasn’t a model feel bad about themselves?

Anger rose in me as redness crept up my neck. I embraced my body and how I looked. I knew my worth and didn’t let others tell me what was okay for my body. But it didn’t mean these microaggressions—tiny battles I had to face multiple times a day—didn’t weigh on a person. And I could imagine the damage it did to anyone who didn’t love how they looked or felt in their own skin. It was a constant onslaught of being told you were different, or worse, not good enough.

My fists clenched as I stood in front of this store, the rage building more and more as I thought about it. This wasn’t okay. The fashion industry was the problem, not my body.

“Everly, there you are! You coming in?” Jace asked. He stood half in the door, half out of it. I still couldn’t make out anything behind him, but I no longer cared.

I crossed my arms over my chest and tilted my chin up. I tried to ignore how cute he looked, staring at me, his auburn hair artfully styled and bringing out the gray in his eyes.

“I’m not shopping here,” I said, my voice even and emotionless. I wouldn’t unnecessarily put myself into an uncomfortable situation. Decision made.

Jace’s brow creased as he frowned, stepped out the door, and walked closer to me. He wore blue shorts and a white tee that pressed against his abs, perfectly displaying how cute he was. His necklaces differed slightly, but his rings and watch remained the same. He looked the epitome of a relaxed yacht guy, with sunglasses tucked into his collar and comfortable but expensive boat shoes.

It was a crime that he looked that good.

“Everything okay?” he asked, pulling my hand free from where I had it clasped under my elbow. His touch sent a shock through me, momentarily startling me out of my anger. His hands were soft and warm, making me feel comfort when all I wanted to do was yell.

“Yeah. I’m fine. I’m just not shopping here.”

His brows dipped further like I’d spoken a secret language he couldn’t decipher. I knew deep down it wasn’t his fault. I wasn’t mad at him. This knowledge, combined with the compassion he showed me, had me melting under his touch.

“I don’t understand. It’s all covered by Kieran, and he expects you to get the best.”

Ouch. My clothes weren’t that bad. My cheeks heated, and I tugged my hand, but he wouldn’t let go. Activate brat mode.

“Well, you can tell Kieran that all the money in the world couldn’t buy anything in that store. So, as I said. I’m not shopping here. Do you have somewhere else in mind, or should I make it easier and tell you where?”

“You’re upset, and I don’t know why. Please help me understand, Everly. I want to spoil you with the best, and that’s this place.”

Scoffing, I rolled my eyes at his comment. “Yeah, well, places like this only think the best is for someone who doesn’t look like me. Nothing will fit me in there, Jace. And I don’t want to waste time being embarrassed when you realize that. So, again, all the money in the world wouldn’t be able to buy me something from Couture par Blitz. But sure, let’s go inside and let the attendants tell you because you’re not believing me.”

His face had hardened as I spoke, and his grip on me halted my progress when I tried to walk toward the door.

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