Page 31 of Alluring

Enchanted was a high-priced clothing store sandwiched between a magic shop and a jeweler, on the second-floor promenade of the hotel.

A cute blond greeted them as they walked in. "Mr. Cole, it's an honor having you here this evening. What can I do for you?"

Alexis rolled her eyes. She was ignored, again. Not that she blamed the girl for giving her full attention to Jack. She thought he was mighty spectacular herself.

"We need a cocktail dress, preferably red, size six."

She wasn't even going to ask, how he knew her dress size. She had a feeling, she wouldn't like the answer.

The salesgirl gave him a nod. "Follow me. Our dresses are right over here."

A half hour later, Alexis was decked out in a red dress with a heart-shaped bodice held up by spaghetti straps. The flowing skirt ended at mid thigh. Spiked-heel, open-toe, red pumps, completed the look. "This dress doesn't cover much more than my waitressing outfit."

Jack held her arm and whispered in her ear. "Yes, but tonight you won't be leaving my side." He nipped her lobe playfully before sucking it into his mouth. "We have one more stop to make before dinner."

Jack told the salesgirl to hold Alexis's clothes, that someone would be by to pick them up (probably, poor Becky).

He took her, next door, to the jewelers. "Jack, no," Alexis said, stopping outside the door. "You are not buying me jewelery."

"As lovely as this neck is," he said, tracing a path down the column of her throat, "it would be stunning, surrounded by a diamond choker."

"It's too much. You already got me a dress. That's enough."

"I'll say what's enough. Your gift to me was far more valuable than a few paltry diamonds."

By the time Jack had finished, it was far from a few paltry diamonds. He did get her a choker, then insisted she get the matching bracelet. She put her foot down at the diamond earrings.

He just leaned in, gave her a quick kiss, then his devastating grin, and muttered, "Next time."

No. No. No. Just the thought of what he'd spent on her already had her almost breaking out in hives.

He took her to a fancy steakhouse where she had lobster for the first time. When she informed him of that fact, he gave her an inquisitive look but didn't reply. Of course, they were treated like royalty. The funnest part, Alexis thought, was that they had a male server. For once, she wasn't ignored! At some point, she even heard what sounded like a growl come from Jack, making Alexis giggle.

"You think it's funny that I'm jealous?" He playfully snarled, in her ear.

"I think it's nice not being ignored, for once, by your bevy of blond babes."

"Should I even ask what the hell that means?" Jack asked her, smiling.

She gave him a coy grin. "Probably not."

After their meal, he took her to Pulled. Alexis had eaten far too much and figured burning a few calories on the dance floor was a good idea, but Jack had other plans. Upon their arrival, he pulled out his cell phone, had a three-second conversation, and within a minute the upbeat music changed to a slow song. The lyrics to one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, Bryan Adams,everything I do, I do it for you, came through the speakers.

He took her by the hand. "Come dance with me."

"Is this your doing?" she asked, once she was in his arms.

"I don't dance. Ever. But for you, I'll do this at least."

He held her close and hummed along with the song, and Alexis wondered whether he picked it especially for her or if it was a random track. While he held her close, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the song, and its hauntingly beautiful words pouring over her, she wanted to believe, in this moment, that he picked it for her.

They danced for three more songs before the music picked up-tempo again and he led her off the dance floor. "Thank you, Jack. I'm having a great time."

He kissed her on the temple. "Your smile, is thanks enough. Do you want a drink?"

"A glass of wine would be nice."

"Sit here, I'll go get it." He sat her at an unoccupied table for two then headed for the bar.

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