Page 64 of Christmas with the Denton Billionaires

“Where are we going?” she forced out past the confusion.

“Out.” Mitch’s smile turned mischievous. “I’ll take the baby, and you go get ready.”

“But what—”

“There’s a package waiting for you on the bed,” he said, easing Noelle into the crook of his elbow. He sent her a wink, and Jules drifted forward, feeling like she was floating on air.

The nanny was here. Her pretend husband and baby daddy had the baby safely in his arms. And now they had a mysterious night “out” together.

She felt like a pauper-turned-princess in one of those corny Christmas movies. Like Mitch had swept her away in his carriage and now they were about to meet the King of England or something. She hummed to herself as she indulged in the fantasy, just for a little bit. Even though the rational side of her was reminding loud and clear—don’t get used to this. Rich men never stay around. You’re just a plaything to him.

A large white box sat on her neatly made bed. Excitement prickled through her arms, and she ran a finger over the corner. A stamp in the middle readElle’Gancein a swirly font. She pulled off the top, finding a neat nest of tissue paper inside.

Her heart started racing, but she didn’t know why. She’d never gotten a gift like this before. The excitement was almost too much to bear. What could it possibly be? And how could he possibly know anything about what she liked?

She pushed her hands inside the tissue paper, fingertips meeting something silky below. She tugged the fabric out of the box, gasping as an elegant evening gown presented itself. Mossy green and delicate, and probably the most expensive thing she’d ever touched.

A simple tag was pinned to the strap of the dress, emblazoned with the store’s name and nothing else. Of course there was no price tag, though she was dying to know what something like this cost. She turned it over in her hands a few times, admiring the scooping neckline, the slight ruching below the waist. Mitch knocked softly on the door.

“What do you think?”

“I think I’m not worthy.” She laughed, holding it up again.

“More than worthy. Trust me—I know these things.” He cocked a grin. “Put it on and let’s go. I want to take us out to dinner. To celebrate our hard work and not being arrested today.”

She smiled, her throat clamping shut for some reason. Mitch excused himself, and she slipped out of her work clothes. The dress settled with a softshushover her shoulders. Somehow, he’d known her size. Maybe from sight alone. Or maybe one of his minions had come to spy on her clothes here in the guest bedroom.

With this type of luxurious lifestyle. Who knew what Mitch’s motives were. What sort of excess he truly had at his disposal.

Oddly, the thoughts didn’t settle as strangely as she’d been bred to expect. Even with her mother’s bad experiences whispering in her ear, it was hard to say no to this. What was the harm in having a little fun? Just dipping her toe in silky comfort and a night out on the town?

Jules hurried to dress, her heart racing as she touched up her makeup, curled her hair into soft waves, and slipped her feet into a pair of peep-toe heels. When she came into the living room, freshly spritzed with perfume and feeling every inch an elegant woman, Mitch was making faces at Noelle.

He glanced up at her, a smile on his face. “Come over—oh, wow.”

She fought a shit-eating grin. Yeah, she felt likeoh wowon legs. “You like it?”

Mitch blinked a few times, his gaze stuck on her. “Like is an understatement.”

Heat crept into her cheeks. This would be a very fun evening of make-believe. “It’s so lovely. I absolutely adore it. Thank you.”

Angie beamed at Jules from her spot on the couch. “Seriously beautiful dress. Little Noelle and I will be here when the two of you lovebirds get back.”

Jules replayed those words in her head no fewer than a hundred times as she and Mitch went through the motions of leaving. Finding her purse, slipping on her winter coat, calling for the driver to meet them out front. Once the two of them were alone in the elevator, Mitch’s gaze turned to pure fire.

“I knew this dress would be a test.”

“Oh yeah?” She inched closer to him, and he caught her by the waist. “What sort of test?”

“A test of how long it will stay on you.”

His words scorched through her, and the space between them shrank. When he spoke next, his breath tickled her lips. “I intend to finish what we started today in my office.”

A weak laugh escaped her. “So, this is just a ploy to get into my pants?”

“Only if you want me there.”

She melted a little bit, and he took the opportunity to capture her lips in a kiss. Hot, needy kisses erupted from the first one. She whimpered as his mouth claimed hers over and over again. By the time the elevator dinged at the first floor, her panties were soaked and she wasn’t sure she could make it through dinner without getting what she needed first.

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