Page 99 of Rush of Jealousy

Next, I pick up the bra and examine the intersecting strips of velvet and satin that go over the cups. The appearance is that of a cage for the breasts, with sheer fabric in between the horizontal and diagonal stripes. The panties can barely be called such due to the limited coverage. They match the same type of design as the bra. I know that my supple ass cheeks will be peeking out of the bottom lace. The nylons and garter belt have the same type of thread theme and textures—tying the entire ensemble together with grace and elegance, despite the overly sexual nature of the look. Although I never splurge on expensive undergarments, I like to buy things on sale at Victoria’s Secret. They make me feel pretty and feminine to wear them under my clothes. A guilty pleasure. These pieces, however, must cost a fortune.

I just hope Graham doesn’t like them enough to rip them off of me. He seems to do that with his favorites.

I blow dry my hair, brushing through the wave of curls to tame their springing volume. I dust on a light amount of makeup, but choose a bold shade for my lips. I slip on the lingerie. Looking in the mirror, I can’t help but groan at how sexual I look wearing just undergarments and diamonds. I smile wickedly at the thought of walking out to greet Graham in just this. I hope he was the one who actually picked it out. The thought of Collins doing lingerie store shopping—even if just online—freaks me out. He has already seen too much. Graham, being the overprotective man he is, probably has limits as to what his men are in charge of in regard to me and myneeds.

The skirt and blouse fit like a glove. When I am done with the last-minute touches, I shut off all of the lights and slip out of the room.

“I want an update hourly. Collins will be fielding my calls. I get that she is upset. I’ll be back soon.” Graham’s tone is all business and no nonsense. He paces in the giant living room with his Bluetooth device in his ear. Our eyes lock, and he stares at me shamelessly. “Got to go,” he responds hoarsely. He takes his device out while moving his gaze up and down my body painstakingly slow—as if he is trying to commit every part of me to memory. “Stunning. You take my breath away.”

“Thank you.” My mouth is dry.

He saunters over—meeting me halfway—and leans down to kiss me on each cheek. His thumb grazes along my bruises that I hope are covered up enough with the foundation I used.

“I am one lucky man.”

He trails his fingers along my neck, settling them at my shoulders. He plays with the springiness of my soft curls. I can smell his cologne on the collar of his pressed light-gray dress shirt. The darker shaded suit, sans tie, looks to be professionally tailored and originating from Italy or some other place in Europe. He looks smoking hot.

“Maybe I’m the lucky one."

His hands slide down and play with my belt, using it to tug me closer. “You are a feast for my eyes. I am nearly speechless.” He stands for several long seconds and admires me. And I realize how much my happiness is tied to his approval. “How about we take a quick tour of the house before we leave for our date?”

I accept Graham’s hand as he walks me through the house and points out the home library, office, gym, and several guest rooms. The house is bigger than I thought. The basement has a walkout and provides access to the pool and hot tub.

“We can get in later,” he whispers into my ear.

I look up at his beautiful eyes and smile. “I would like that.”

He wiggles his eyebrows and says, “Clothing optional.”

I laugh as he tickles my sides. I would love to rest with the jets at my back while looking out at the lake, under the stars. This place is magical and private. It is a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We walk out onto the floating dock, and I use Graham’s arm for balance. Walking with stilettos on a wood plank surface definitely has its challenges.

He lets go of me at the end and has me turn around to face him. Pulling out his phone, he holds it up.

“I want to try to capture just a frame of your beauty,” he says, snapping a few pictures. I don’t even think I am looking at him when he takes them. “I love that you are wearing my jewelry. I need to get you more pieces.”

My hand moves up to my necklace. I forget I am wearing it because it feels so good against my skin. It fits perfectly. “Thank you for getting it for me.” I stretch up to kiss his lips. “You spoil me. I’m not sure I deserve it.”

He pulls back from me and cups my cheek. He looks closer at it and confesses, “I love having someone to spend my money on. I want you to want for nothing. And I have the means of giving you whatever your heart can dream up, Angie.”

I snuggle in closer to him, as a wind gust across the lake chills my body. “Just know that money is not a quality I look for in a person to be in a relationship with. I need trust and honesty and respect.”

“I love that you don’t want me for my money. But please just try to accept that I do have a ton of it, and I want to use it on you. You don’t have to struggle for anything anymore. Let me have the honor of providing for my woman.”

“I can try,” I whisper. It is definitely going to take a lot of getting used to.

We snap a few selfies with the trees and the water in the background before walking off the dock and back up through the house to the front entrance.

I am helped into the back of the car and strapped into the seat. He definitely has a liking for doing this task; I’d hate for him to be deprived by doing it myself. I stare out the window as we round Lake Chelan, as it glistens in the afternoon sunlight. I reach for my phone to take a picture and remember that Collins has it. Knowing Graham’s overprotectiveness, there is no point asking for it now.

“Such a splendid view,” he whispers in my ear.

I turn in my seat to catch him looking at me instead of the picturesque landscape outside. I swallow hard over his inability to keep his thoughts or his intentions to himself. I am not used to a man being blatantly obvious about his feelings. And I am definitely not used to actually enjoying it.

“Where are we going?” I ask softly. “I’m so excited.”

He chuckles over my girliness. “To a winery.”

“Oh, I love wine!”

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