Page 39 of Heart of Stone

“Sure thing. I’m headed to Stephen’s office now to drop off the signed document.”

“Good. After you have that all squared away, I’ll need you to pick up Krystina Cole at her place at six. I have a meeting with her.”

“A meeting,” he repeated. I could hear the humor in his voice and I frowned.

I had seen the knowing look on Hale’s face in the rearview mirror when I told him to research Krystina the other day, and I could only imagine what he was thinking when I had asked him to track her location. I hated that I felt like I had to explain myself – which of course I didn’t. His contracted salary and job description did not include keen observations of my personal life.

“Don’t start with me, Hale. I don’t pay you to speculate. Just be there. I’ll text you the address of where I want you to take her.”

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

Smart-ass.

I ended the call and turned onto the ramp for the I-495. After opening the car’s glass panoramic roof, I hit the accelerator. Gripping the wheel, I embraced the blistering force of the car, and left the city madness behind.

****

On the subway ride home from La Biga, I struggled to wrap my head around Alexander’s job offer. The opportunity was incredible to say the least. Different advertising schemes turned in my mind. The idea of finally putting my degree to use was exciting, and I had found myself wondering about the sort of businesses and products that he would want me to market.

And a possible partnership? This is the chance that I’ve been waiting for. I’d be a fool to turn it down.

But then again, there were some major strings attached to his offer, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about them.

The feminist side of me wanted to scream. He offered me a job, only to follow it up with a not-so-appropriate proposition.

Who does he think he is? This is one stained blue dress short of a sexual harassment suit – if I had half a brain, I’d be Googling Kenneth Starr’s case notes right now!

Yet, there was another part of me that wanted him badly, totally negating the whole women’s rights issue. Iwantedto be harassed by Alexander Stone, despite all of his irritating qualities. I was flattered that this mega-rich, ultra sexy, walking god wantedme. It was a thrilling, heady feeling that I just wanted to savor.

But I was very afraid of him, too.

I was terrified of getting sucked back into a world that I had shunned for so long. I was still haunted by my past with Trevor. And although I had worked tirelessly to rebuild my independence and self-respect, I knew that I had allowed a man to break me once before. I could not let it happen to me again, or I’d risk jeopardizing everything that I worked so hard to overcome.

However, I felt there was something different about Alexander Stone – somehow I knew that he would not be like Trevor. It was a feeling deep inside me, a yearning that I didn’t completely understand.

Alexander may be rich and powerful, but that wasn’t why I was drawn to him. He sparked an unfamiliar level of awareness in me. I wanted to give myself up to him from the moment I first laid eyes on him. These newfound feelings were very uncharacteristic for me, and I didn’t know what to do about it.

I think for tonight, the only thing I can do is be careful, play it cool, and let him take the lead.

When I finally reached my apartment, I was grateful to find that Allyson wasn’t home. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to talk to my friend; I just needed to sort out a few things for myself before facing her. I wanted a little time alone to mentally prepare myself for anything Alexander threw my way.

The man is full of surprises, but at least I know his true intentions now.

I went into my bedroom, turned on the radio, and looked for something to wear to dinner tonight. I wasn’t sure where we were going and I didn’t know how to dress.

Casual? Semi-casual?

I wished that Alexander had been a little more specific when he issued his commands.

I eyed up a red faux leather-trimmed skirt. The skirt was flattering on me with its subtle flirty pleats. If I wore it with my white cashmere sweater and some strappy heals, I could make the outfit look casual or dressy depending on the environment. I pulled the sweater and skirt out of the closet and laid them flat on the bed to see how they would look together.

Yep, this will work perfectly.

Singing along with Lana Del Ray, I turned up the volume on the radio before heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

I contemplated whether or not I should shave my legs. I knew what Allyson would say.

If I shave, I’m planning on sex.

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