Page 2 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“By the car? It’s beautiful.” She adjusted her seatbelt. “By the man who chose it? The jury’s still out.”
“Fair enough. What would impress you?”
“That’s not really the point of tonight, is it? I’m here to make you look good, not the other way around.”
I pulled into traffic, glancing at her profile. “What if I want to impress you anyway?”
“Then you’d be the first client to say that.”
“Maybe I like being first.”
She turned those feline eyes directly at me, and a heat rush fell over my skin.
“You seem like the type of man who can get his own date. Am I wrong?”
“No.”
“Then why am I here?”
I considered giving her some easy answer about convenience or avoiding complications. But I settled for the truth.
“Because I’m tired of women who see my bank account before they see me then create their own persona to woo me in the hopes of gaining something for it. I’d love authenticity for a change, but if I never find that then at least I know who I’m dealing with when it comes to a service like yours.”
“That’s honest enough.”
“Also because Gary Stark said you were brilliant.”
“Gary Stark, huh?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“If I did, that would be confidential.”
I smirked. “I think I like your style.”
“Wait until the end of the night then let me know.”
I bit my bottom lip, glancing between her and the road.
“Do you know where I’m taking you tonight?”
She was quiet for a moment, then said, “The charity we’re attending is The Jamison Foundation’s literacy program. It has a ninety-three percent success rate in North County schools. Still, they’re struggling with funding.”
I glanced at her, surprised. “You researched tonight’s charity?”
“I research everything. It’s part of providing quality service.”
She was quiet for the rest of the drive, but I saw her watching me when she thought I wasn’t paying attention.
The Jamison Foundation gala mimicked previous events I’d attended. Crystal chandeliers, designer gowns, and elite society made up the aura. What I hadn’t expected was how natural it felt to walk in with Naomi on my arm.
“This is an impressive turnout,” she said, scanning the ballroom. “I’d bet half these people couldn’t tell you what the foundation actually does.”
“That’s a bit cynical, isn’t it?”
“It’s realistic when you’re talking about the rich. I’ve been to enough of these events to know the difference between philanthropy and social networking.”
“And which category do I fall into?”
