Page 5 of My Hired Valentine

I take the rose and ask the coat check girl to tuck it into my coat. “Thank you,” I offer Dex. “Are you ready?”

“Babe, I was born ready,” he says, offering me his arm.

“Babe?” I frown as I hook my arm through his.

“You don’t seem like the Angel, Boo, Kitten, or Buttercup type. So, I’m choosing Babe as my term of endearment for you. Are you alright with that? Is there something else I should call you? Love muffin, perhaps?”

I wince at “Love Muffin.” “Babe is fine. Just don’t overdo it.”

“I wouldn’t think of it,” he snickers.

We step into the grand room, and I can’t believe it. It’s beautiful. Cupid ice sculptures, red floating hearts hanging from crystal chandeliers, and pink and red roses are everywhere. Music is playing, and people are milling about, dressed to the nines.

“You weren’t kidding when you said your company is filthy rich,” Dex whispers.

“Violet! Over here!” I see Hannah jumping up and down, standing next to Tiffany, Seth, and William. We share the same office space and have become good friends over the years.

“You guys look amazing,” I say, giving everyone a quick hug.

“And you look beautiful,” Hannah says, squeezing my hand. “I’m glad you’re here. We were worried you weren’t going to come.”

“And risk losing my job? Not on your life. You know I need the money. Oh, sorry, where are my manners? Everyone, this is Dex. Dex, these are the people who keep me from losing my sanity at work.”

Dex shakes hands with everyone, then slides an arm around my waist, tucking me into his side. Strangely, I can’t help thinking how perfectly I fit there.

“You’ve been holding out,” Tiffany tsks. “You didn’t tell us you were dating again.”

I turn to Dex and smile. “It hasn’t been long.”

“No, it hasn’t,” Dex says, smiling. “But it’s been the best time of my life so far.”

“What do you do?” Seth asks. “We’re all paralegals.”

“I’m an ER doctor.”

“Wow, that’s got to be an interesting job,” William whistles. “I’ve watched enough TV shows to know that you never know what’s coming through those doors.”

“That’s true,” Dex laughs. “Babe,” he turns to me, “would you like a drink?”

“I’d love one. Thank you.”

“Your favorite?” He winks.

He has no idea what my favorite is. God, please don’t come back with a margarita. “Yes, thank you, honey.”

“Anyone else?”

“We’re good.” Seth holds up his glass. “We have to pace ourselves or risk making fools of ourselves in front of the new bosses.”

“Got it. Be right back.”

Dex heads to the bar, and I can’t help noticing how every woman’s head turns as he walks by.

“He’s a looker,” Hannah giggles.

“He’s a McDreamy for sure,” Seth sighs. “What I wouldn’t give for a man like that.”

“Well, he’s mine, so everyone keep their hands to themselves, got it?” I laugh. And as the words come out of my mouth, I find myself wishing they were true.

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