Page 35 of Sweet Deception

Her lips twitch. "Are you ready?"

"Uh … ready for what?" I tilt my head, brows pinched in confusion.

Her smile drops and now she's frowning. "Wait. Did Luca not tell you?"

"Uh …"

She snorts.

"Men are dumb—but don't tell him I said that." She cringes as soon as the words are out of her mouth, but then continues expressing her frustration, anyway. "Seriously though, why didn't he tell you he set up a shopping day for you? Never mind that it was last minute. They don't understand women need advance notice for things like this." She huffs even as a flush creeps across her cheeks. "He pays me a lot, so nocomplaints here."

I can't help it, I laugh. She doesn't need to worry about offending me. I'm a little annoyed with Luca myself for not explaining his plans today, so I get it.

She shrugs, flashes me a smile before shaking her hands out to her sides, saying, "Surprise," which makes me laugh harder. "Forget Luca. I've got a fun day planned for us. Not that I'm sure you wouldn't rather spend time with him, but this will be almost as good, I promise."

I admit, I'm disappointed. I was looking forward to spending the day with him and getting to know him better. And not just in the biblical sense. While this isn't what I expected, I can adapt.

"Sounds fun." I close and lock the door as Joanna rambles on about our day. I'm not listening to what she's saying. My mind is on why Luca isn't here. Talia's always off with her sugar daddy. Or at least, I assumed she was. Maybe they do this stuff for her too?

"You're not listening to me, are you?" Joanna's standing in my path when I turn to the stairs, which is the only reason I tuned back in.

"I'm sorry. I—Luca and I are still new. I'm still learning how things work." Pausing, I wrinkle my nose. "That didn't sound right."

"Oh no. You said it right. Isn't that all new relationships? You learn each other's habits and personalities and how you mesh your lives together?" She mimics entwining her fingers before turning and leading the way out of the building.

"Yes. I just didn't want you to think I was complaining."

"Totally. Don't give it another thought." She waves her hand dismissively.

We exit the building to find a black SUV idling at the curb. A man I've never seen before is sitting in the driver's seat while another is holding the back door open. Joanna doesn't hesitate and slides right in. I do hesitate and when I glance at the guy holding the door open, he nods. Not knowing what else to do, I nod back before getting in next to Joanna. "Is this how you treat all your clients?"

Her eyes widen and then she laughs, shaking her head. "I didn't do all this. This is Luca."

"Oh." My eyebrows raise in surprise. I take another look around the vehicle. We're sitting on plush leather seats and a bottle of champagne, sitting on ice, sticks out of a built-in cooler accompanied by two glasses.

"Yeah. He spared no expense for you." She leans forward to grab the champagne bottle. "Want some?"

"Sure. Why not?" I shrug.

She collects the glasses and pours us both a drink. "Since you were preoccupied and didn't hear the plans for the day, I'll go over them again. Luca gave me strict orders to take you to any department store you want, but he also said if you choose a—how do I say this?" She rolls her top lip between her teeth, eyeing me. "I'm just gonna say it—a discount store. I'm to veto you and take you where I shop for his clothes. He wants you to have all the good quality items that will last. His words, but I have to agree. You do get what you pay for."

Raising my eyebrow, I don't say anything while I take a sip of the champagne. I'm pleasantly surprised by the cool, crisp flavor of raspberries. I inspect the bottle, wanting to note what brand it is.

"It's good, right?"

"It is. I've never had champagne before. And I normally shop at discount stores, so I'll let you guide me today." I'm not insulted. I get it. People with money shop differently.

Joanna claps her hands and bounces in her seat. "Girl, I'm going to open a whole new world for you."

My phone dings. Hoping it's Luca, I dig it out of my purse and check it.

Good morning, Angel. Enjoy your day shopping. Something came up today or I would be with you. Joanna will take good care of you.

I must have frowned at my phone because Joanna asks if everything's ok. "It's Luca. He said he had something come up today. Must be why he scheduled this at the last minute." I flash her a smile before returning to my phone.

Good morning. I hope all is well. Do you have any specific things you want me topurchase today?

Joanna has a list for you. Let her do her thing.

---