Page 45 of Loyalty (The Salvation Society)

“If word got out that I have a relationship with a client, I don’t think any other company would hire me. My reputation would be gone,” I say.

She quiet for a minute and I bite my cheek, worrying about what she’s about to say.

“Sometimes you just need to stop worrying about what will happen, or what did happen, or what could happen. Sometimes, you just need to focus on the present and let the rest fall into place. I fought it long and hard with Jackson. I look back and think of all the time wasted that we could’ve had. When something is meant to be, you can fight it all you want, but in the end it’s inevitable,” she says.

At this moment, I realize it was meant to be that I met her. Without knowing anything else about me, she knows me. She understands me. It makes me smile.

“Catherine, I truly appreciate all the advice and kind words. You didn’t need to go out of your way for me like this, but I’m grateful,” I say.

I can hear her smile as she speaks. “You’re welcome. Please don’t leave me hanging,” she says, laughing. “Give me a call and let me know how everything goes. And if you need any other advice, I’m just a phone call away.”

I laugh as I look over at my flowers. “I definitely will. Thank you, Catherine.”

“Good luck, Lorelei.”

We hang up and I take a deep breath. I’ll go to dinner with him, and we can discuss it all.

Me: Dinner invitation still stand?

Kegan: Like you need to ask.

Me: What time?

Kegan: I’ll be at your door at eight.

Me: Okay and Kegan…

Kegan: What?

Me: Thank you for the beautiful flowers.

Kegan: And the note.

I laugh as I toss my phone. He’s back to himself today and I’m grateful for it. He was so broken last night. The only thing I could do was stay and let him get his comfort. I shake my head, trying to forget it all. We are going out tonight and I don’t want to focus on last night.

Check the time and realize it’s later than I thought. I need to shower and start getting ready.

I can’t remember the last time I took so long to get ready for a date. I’m all shaved and silky smooth, which took a lot longer than I thought it would. I took a ridiculous amount of time on my hair and makeup. I curled my hair, but I did loose beachy curls. I figured we are in California, so it works. I did a smokey eye for my makeup and my blue eyes pop. I decided to go light on the lipstick, making my eyes the center of attention.

Now, I am standing in my favorite black lace bra and panties. The bed is covered in clothes as I try to decide what to wear. I should’ve gone shopping today and bought something new. I would normally wear my black dress, but I’ve already worn that. I start tossing clothes aside and just as I’m about to give up, my eye catches my silver dress. I pull it out of the pile and hold it up. I don’t even remember packing this dress. It’s not something I’d normally wear out to dinner. It has thin straps and shows just enough cleavage, but it’s the back that is daring. It is cut down almost to my ass. It’s extremely revealing and incredibly sexy. I smile as I slide into it. It hugs my breasts perfectly and flows down to just above my knees. I turn looking at the back and I’ll admit I feel unbelievably sexy. I step back getting a good look at myself and smile. This is perfect.

Just as I step into my black heels, there’s a knock on my door. For the first time I can remember, I get butterflies in my stomach. I’m suddenly nervous. I take one last look at myself and bite my lip as I head for the door.

I open it and I’m thankful I’m holding on, because Kegan knocks the wind out of me. He looks hot in a pair of gym shorts or his normal everyday jeans and t-shirt, but standing

in front of me in a suit is something else entirely. He’s got a white button up shirt on and a bright blue tie. A black jacket and pants finish the look. His hair is still wild as ever, but in this suit, it is the perfect contrast.

His dark eyes drink me in, and I can feel my pulse begin to race. “Fuck, Lorelei. You look gorgeous,” he says.

I reach my hand out and run it down the lapel of his jacket. “You do, too.”

“You want to just skip dinner and let me get the dessert I’ve been craving?” he asks in the deep, raspy voice.

I bite my lip as I actually contemplate his question. He turns me on with just a few simple words. I don’t know how I would be able to handle his hands on my body, his mouth on me, his cock pulsing inside of me.

“Hey,” he says, bringing me back to the present. He knows exactly what I was thinking. The smirk on his face says it all.

I shake my head and grab my purse. “We have a lot to talk about,” I say.

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