Ben let out a snicker. “Funny girl.”

He pulled out, flopping next to her on the bed. Immediately missing his warmth, she curled up next to him.

“That was the perfect way to wake up.”

“Mmm. It didn’t…you know, scare you or anything, right?” He turned his head to face her.

“There was a second when I realised you had me restrained, but I knew it was you, and everything else that was going on made it fine.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Fine?”

Chaya grinned. “Better than fine. You know what I mean.”

“Good. You’re off for the next two days, right?” He kissed the tip of her nose.

“I am.”

“Good. I’m taking Nan for a check-up at the doctor’s today, and then I’m meeting the others at Matt’s studio, but I have a plan. I need you ready, in the fanciest dress you can find by four thirty this afternoon. You’ll need an overnight bag, one outfit of anything you like because tomorrow is casual.”

Chaya bolted upright in bed. “What do you mean, fanciest dress?”

Ben stared at her breasts as she moved, and she rolled her eyes, tugging the sheet up to cover them. He tugged it back down. “Be as black tie formal as you can.”

“Where are we going?”

Ben simply grinned at her. “It’s a surprise.”

“You can’t say that. A woman needs to know what she’s dressing for.”

“A woman should dress for herself and no one else. And I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Four thirty, be here, ready to go.” He kissed her lips, then left her to go to the bathroom.

When the door to the apartment slammed shut two hours later, after they’d showered together and Ben had cooked her breakfast, she flopped back onto her bed. He’d given her no further details. If it required something that fancy, there was a whole bunch of preparation involved. Thank goodness she waxed. But her toenails…she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had them done. She could see if the nail place could fit her in.

And make-up.

Shit, hair. Should she wear it up or down?

And dress.

Crap. Where could she…?

The idea came to her and, two minutes later, she’d dialled the person she needed.

“Willow,” Chaya said as soon as the American picked up the phone. “I need your help.”

“Hey, Chaya, hang on… I was just feeding Zale. Let me give him to Luke.”

“No worries.” At least, that was what came out. But inside, as much as she loved Zale, she just wanted Willow to hand him over as quickly as possible.

“What’s up, flower?” she heard Luke say. Then, mutters and mumbles before Willow was back on the line.

“Okay. Shoot.”

“I need a dress.”

“You have my attention.”

Chaya laughed. “I need an ‘I’m not sure about your motives because you’re being very secretive, but I want to blow your socks off with how hot I look’ dress.”