Page 51 of His Rules

“Well, no, I don’t. I own business attire and jeans.”

“What about that dress you wore when you were home for Christmas a couple years ago? Remember the little hot number that attracted so much attention?”

“I was twenty-one, you know, like five years ago and it barely covers my ass.”

Stephanie snorted. “Well, there you go.”

“Oh, hell, no. At least this one is sophisticated.” And it was. I glanced at the label and cringed. I knew the Madison Avenue shop where he’d purchased it. Who did that? The man didn’t like me. Although his act of jealousy had been confusing.

“The gesture is very romantic. Picking out a dress for you to wear? Amazing. I think there’s more to this guy than you’re giving him credit for.”

I burst into laughter. “Do you honestly think he handpicked these items himself? Not a chance in hell. Think about it. The man had a staff, or I should say servants to do everything for him. Take care of his lawn. Cook his meals. Clean his house. Tailor his clothes. Hell, I doubt he knows how to add oil to his big fancy car.”

“You’re certain about that?” she asked.

“Well, no, but he’s the type.”

“Remember what they say. Never judge a book by its cover lest you miss the hottest romance of your life.”

“Nice try.” She was enjoying me being this uncomfortable a little too much.

“Then he’s taking you to a fancy place. Did you tell him about Nathan? Maybe he’s going to be another reason you made the best decision returning home.”

“No, I did not tell him. It’s none of his goddamn business. Not that he’d care anyway. For all I know, he was the one who fucked up his marriage.”

“You are on a roll tonight.”

“I’m just nervous.”

Stephanie huffed. “I can tell. And you’re horny.”

“I am not.”

“Are too.”

“Okay, fine.” We both laughed and it was funny how getting dolled up felt like a proper ending to the nightmare I’d found myself in before. I only hoped I wasn’t setting myself up to keep on the same path.

I placed the dress on my disheveled bag and finally opened the one from another Parisian-influenced lingerie store. As I pulled out the corset and matching panties, both in shocking red, my skin blushed hard enough to match the vibrant hue. “Oh, God. You should see the underwear he purchased.”

“He definitely wants some hot stuff tonight. Hey, he’s rich. He’s good looking. He’s an ass, but maybe you can look over that part. Why not have a va-va-voom fling?”

“Because he’s my boss. Because he’s my father’s best friend. How many more forbidden negatives can we have?”

I had no idea what the man was trying to tell me.

“But he has good tastes in choosing you,” Stephanie insisted.

“I’m not for sale.”

“You took the job, didn’t you? Just go with it. Live dangerously.”

“Do you know he acted like no other man can ever pay any attention to me?”

She laughed. “A possessive man. Most rich, sexy dudes are. You know. They always need to win. Didn’t you watchPretty Womanall the way through?”

“This isn’t a fairytale. I’m not Julia Roberts and he’s not Richard Gere.”

“No, he’s much better looking. What do you have to lose by enjoying yourself? So he spoils you a little. So what? I’d kill to have a man treat me that way.” Her sigh was highly exaggerated.

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