Page 48 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
“I’ll help you out,” I say.
“Sounds good!”
I order a Pan-fried Seabass with Miso Butter, the most delicious item on their menu, in my opinion.
While waiting for our order to arrive, Vivian glances around at the paintings and lights, while my eyes seldom leave her. To me, she’s the only thing worth looking at.
“Why do you keep staring at me?” she asks a bit embarrassedly. “Is there anything wrong with the dress?”
“No, Vivian,” I say, chuckling. “The dress is perfect. I’m sure it’ll be a hit.”
She blushes at my compliment. “It isn’t as unique as I was hoping for. It looks like a lot of things I’ve looked up.”
I smile at her self-criticism. “I like the way it is. People might have trouble accepting something too different.”
She nods. “But what if I can design something unique and acceptable? My dad does that all the time, you know?”
True. John has the talent. “You’d probably need to ask how he does it, but I assume you’ll learn to think outside the box,” I say. “Successful designers also do extensive researches, looking into the history and across cultures for ideas.”
“Yeah.” She nods. “I haven’t done enough homework. I need to read more. May I borrow your books?”
“What books?”
“The ones on fashion. I checked out your bookcase today.”
“Of course. Take whatever you want. You don’t have to return them since I’ve read them already.”
“Mmm. Thanks,” she says.
Knowing she’s interested in the books I read thrills me, so does picturing her checking out my belongings in my house. A wish possesses me. I want her in my life, to read my books, share my food and my bed, every day and night. Christ. I’ve got it bad for this girl.
The realization frightens me. I take a large gulp of wine to wash it down. Don’t be greedy. I’ll have her for one more weekend and that’s it. I quickly think of a topic to distract my improper wish. “Who’s your favorite fashion designer?”
She grins. “That’s a difficult question. There are many. Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Miuccia Prada…” She gives me a list.
Understandably, they’re all women. “Who do you admire the most? And why?”
She chuckles before answering my question. “When have I become a celebrity? It sounds like an interview question.”
I shrug. “Trying to know you, sweetheart. You’re my fiancée, remember?”
“I don’t think there’s a favorite in terms of their designs. Even their personalities are equally fascinating. But I think Chiuri is most inspiring to me. She’s the one who says fashion helps women to be free and to express themselves, right?” Her eyes brighten as she speaks, showing her admiration for the designer.
I think quickly and nod. “I believe so.”
Vivian gets excited as she speaks about the woman designers’ accomplishments. I can tell she’s aspired to be one of them, and I want nothing more than to help her succeed.
The server brings our food at the right moment since I’m once again overpowered by the attraction I feel for Vivian.
Vivian digs her folk into the beautifully presented dish, and she moans when she savors the food.
As she chews with her eyes closed, I watch her lush lips and get all hot and bothered again.
“This is over-the-top decadent!” she says after she swallows down her bite.
I chuckle and eat my portion. The seabass melts on my tongue, but my mind is hoping for something else. Something equally soft and juicy. Damn.
Vivian’s habit of licking her lips doesn’t help put off the fire in my gut, and the wine certainly makes it worse. Christ. I need some ice water. Not just a glass, but a whole bucket of it, and I need it to be thrown into my face.
