Page 62 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

“I don’t know, Cole. This doesn’t sound very—”

“You said it yourself, Lila. This ball has to be perfect. What better way to make sure that happens, than attend one on the same level?”

“I’m just not sure how I feel about all this. I mean, this kinda feels like…” she stops.

“A date?” I finish slowly. She looks away. “Would it really be that bad?”

“I don’t know.”

I flinch, her words cutting sharper than she probably meant them to. But I deserve it.

“You know what?” she says suddenly. “If it’ll help us with our event, then let’s do it. Besides, it would be great to hear the band play again.”

“Great,” I smile.

Chapter 24

Unexpected Date

Cole

I run my hands nervously through my hair for the umpteenth time. I find myself feeling nervous because I want everything to go smoothly.

This is not a date, I remind myself for the tenth time, but that still didn’t prevent me from changing my shirt for the third time. I may not be as in control of this entire situation as I thought.

I can’t remember the last time I was this excited to see a woman. She doesn’t know that I made up the story about the band inviting us to the event as an excuse to spend time withher away from the office. I push aside the small feelings of guilt trying to surface, surprised that I even remember what it feels like.

I glance at my watch; it’s already a few minutes to seven, so I know she’ll be coming out soon. I finally convinced her to let me pick her up, but she refused to give me her apartment number, so I’m left standing outside her building waiting for her to meet me.

I’m wearing my usual black, but this time it’s a tux. Even my Rolex matches my outfit. Shoving my hands into my pockets, I can’t help my smile when I hear her footsteps. I turn around to see her walking gracefully down the small flight of stairs towards me. My breath instantly gets stuck in my throat, heartrate skyrocketing at the sight of her. My eyes rake slowly down her body, taking in every detail greedily.

She has on a sleeveless black dress with a neckline that dips slightly, showing off just the right amount of her flawless skin and cleavage. The dress goes down to her mid thighs, showing off her beautiful long legs that are finished with transparent heels. Her long hair cascades down her back in soft waves. Darker eyeliner than I’m used to seeing her wear makes her eyes look hypnotic, contrasting against the blue.

She wraps the faux mink coat tighter around herself as she walks up to me.

Those luscious lips that I haven’t been able to get out my mind curve into a warm smile as she looks at me, eyes glimmering. It’s all I can do to keep the boyish grin off my face.

“You look beautiful, Lila.” I whisper, leaning into her just the slightest bit. Her scent floods my senses as if daring me to get even closer. I take in a deep breath, inhaling as much of her as I can.

“Thank you,” she responds, a blush tinting her cheeks a beautiful shade of pink. She can’t hide the appreciation in her eyes as she looks down my body. “You clean up nicely too.”

“Not as nicely as you.” I take her hand, leading her to the waiting limo.

***

Lila

“Hey, Jeff, tell Patterson I’m on my way. I’ll be there shortly,” Cole says into the phone, his voice authoritative as he hangs up.

“Everything okay?” I ask, sneaking a glance at him.

“Yes, sorry. These fancy events are as much work as they are parties,” he explains. “I’m working on a multimillion-dollar project, and tonight could be the night we finalize the details.”

“I see,” I nod, so this really is a business event for him after all? I try to will away the sense of disappointment.

Did you really think this was a date, Lila?

“Not for you though,” he continues. “I know you’re used to being the one putting on the events, but tonight, I want you to pretend you’re one of the guests at your parties. You’d probably be wanting them to relax a little, right? If you squeeze that poor purse any harder it might snap in half,” he jokes, looking at the small, clear acrylic purse I have clasped tightly in my hands.

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