Page 98 of Beautiful Desire

“It’s okay, Melinda. I can do that. Why don’t you head home early too?”

She turns to eye me suspiciously, quirking a brow at me. I don’t react and instead give her a big smile and coo down at Lily.

Drying her hands on the towel, she shakes her head as she grabs her coat and bag, making for the door.

“See you in the morning. And Elle?” Stopping, she turns to look at me. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Then she gives me a wink and leaves the apartment, closing the door behind her.

CHAPTER29

DOM

Yes.

Three letters, one syllable. A simple word that has been replaying in my head all day, resulting in this ridiculous smile on my face.

When Elle ran out of my office to use the bathroom, I thought I had blown it. I was convinced she was going to tell me no – or worse, ignore me for the rest of the day. I was talking to Fabi, only half-listening when she reappeared at my door. Not wanting my best friend to hear her rejection speech, I quickly hung up, telling myself not to react when she gave me her answer. Once she asked what time dinner was, I couldn’t contain my excitement, hence my smile.

Okay, so she didn’t technically say “yes,” but it was a yes if I’ve ever heard one. I ran through all of my meetings as fast as I could, and as soon as I saw Elle leave, I started packing up to leave too.

Bill was already on standby after I told him I’d be leaving a little earlier than usual today once I got Elle’s confirmation. I wasn’t sure what time exactly, so I just told him to stay nearby. I shot him a text saying I was ready to go, and within minutes, he was at the curb in front of the building waiting as I exited the elevator. We headed home so I could shower and change into something more date appropriate.

Stepping out of my bedroom, I secure my Rolex on my left wrist as I check the time. It’s 6:31, leaving me with more than enough time to get my fiore.

There’s a little extra pep in my step as I walk out of my penthouse and step into the underground parking garage where Bill waits, leaning up against the back passenger door of my Mercedes Brabus 800. He straightens and opens the door for me when he notices my presence.

“Evening, Mr. Lombardi,” he says as I climb into the back seat.

“Hello again, Bill.”

He shuts the door and makes his way to the driver’s side, quickly starting the car and backing out of the parking space. I wait until we’re headed in the direction of Elle’s apartment before I talk again.

“Is everything in place for tonight?”

“Yes, sir. Everything is all set for you.”

“Thank you,” I tell him.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I check my messages and respond to some emails, hoping the time will pass quicker. My knee bounces on its own, and I hear Bill chuckle.

He looks at me briefly in the rearview mirror before saying, “I remember my first date with my wife. I was so nervous. I spilled my water all over the table and in my lap. When I went to excuse myself to the restroom to clean up, I mistakenly tucked the tablecloth into my shirt. When I stood up, everything on the table fell and spilled in her lap as well. I thought I’d blown it, but my Betty had a good sense of humor and instead of getting mad and ending the date right then and there, she just laughed.”

There’s a faraway glint in his eyes as he tells his story.

Clearing my throat and tugging at the collar of my shirt, I tell him, “I’m not nervous.”

Quirking a brow, he glances back at me one more time in the mirror before focusing back on the road ahead. “Your knee says otherwise, sir.”

Looking down, I see my knee is still bouncing, so I put my hand on top, trying to stop it. Pressing the button, I close the privacy screen while Bill shakes his head, chuckling at me.

I’m not nervous. Am I?

I don’t have time to think about it too much, because we arrive at Elle’s building. Not waiting for Bill to round the car and open my door, I step out onto the sidewalk and walk over to the entrance. Pressing the button for her apartment, I hear her familiar angelic voice float through the speaker.

“Be right down.”

A few minutes later, she walks out through the front of her building, and I swear my heart is about to burst out of my chest. She’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen. She’s wearing a long, flowing floral dress and her blonde locks are curly, hanging over her shoulders, making the thin straps from her dress barely visible. Minimal makeup adorns her face, and her lips are painted the same pink as the flowers on her dress, making me eager to taste them.

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