Page 64 of From the Moment We Met

"I was busy. I didn't have my phone. What's this dinner tomorrow night?"

"I made our reservation at the Chiltern Firehouse tomorrow at seven. Will you pick me up or should arrange a limo for us—"

"Whoa, hold on a second. I never agreed to dinner tomorrow night." Jacob drummed his fingers against the counter, his aggravation rising with every syllable out of Victoria's mouth.

"Dar-ling, you agreed when we made our deal."

"To be your public escort to events. Private dinners are not part of the deal."

"Fine."

That was too easy. No way was she letting him off the hook with that response. "Fine? That's it?"

"Yes, fine. I'll be sure to let Albert know your intentions regarding the film role."

What a fucking bitch. Jacob groaned audibly, gripping the phone with one white-knuckled hand. "Look, things are a bit complicated—"

"I don't give a shit. Seven o'clock tomorrow or we're done...I mean, you're done."

God give me strength. Another audible sigh, he was going to need a paper bag soon—either to prevent hyperventilation or to catch vomit—either one a possibility at the moment. "Since this is your circus, and I'll need alcohol to play the part of your dancing bear, send a limousine. But, remember, it's just dinner."

"Whatever you say, darling. See you tomorrow. Oh, and do you think you can manage a shave and haircut? I much prefer the clean-cut look."

"No."

"Fine. Just remember to have your adoration turned on high by the time the limo arrives." The phone clicked dead, and Jacob was tempted to hurl it across the kitchen.

"Is everything okay?"

Jacob jumped and turned to see Lilly standing in the doorway, a sleepy smile on her face. "Yeah, just business. Did I wake you?"

"I missed your warmth."

His heartbeat quickened as he crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her, wondering if he should tell her about his dinner with Victoria the following night. "Better?"

Lilly snuggled against his chest, pressing kisses against his skin. "Much."

After a few moments, she gazed up at him, her chin on his chest, adoration in her eyes. Jacob decided to shelve any talk of Victoria—no point in ruining their amazing evening. After all, it didn't mean anything to him, it truly was a business dinner.

"I have to go home," Lilly stated.

"You can't stay?"

Lilly shook her head. "I have to take care of my cats."

Jacob narrowed his eyes in mock anger. "They won't be able to survive until the morning? I'll drop you off early."

Lilly groaned. "I'm off tomorrow, so I don't want to do anything early."

"Fine, but I'm protesting this decision."

"Let me get dressed. Should I call a cab—"

"Don't be ridiculous Lilly. I'll take you."

She walked back to the living room and slipped on her dress and shoes. Jacob stood in the doorway watching her. It took everything in his power to not yank the clothes from her body and spend the rest of the night making love to her.

"Are you going like that? Not that I'm complaining, it's a hell of a view." Lilly's eyes roved over Jacob's form, clad only in a pair of boxer briefs.

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