Page 24 of Judge Me Not

I wish I could stop the smile forming on my face. I don't want to be attracted to him. I definitely don't want to fall for him. I'm not ever going to sleep with him.

I respond.

Me:Morning. Are you always up this early?

He calls me, and I pick up. "Hi."

The sound of his voice alone makes my heart pitter-patter, and I curse myself again.

"I scheduled the car to pick you up at ten. Your credit card won't arrive until tomorrow, so I added you to my La Perla account. Talk to Tracey when you get there."

And so it begins.

My chest tightens. "Is there a certain color or style you prefer?"

"Surprise me. Pick what you want. Let's start with five outfits."

"Five?"

"Yes."

My anxiety increases. "What am I to wear over it?"

"After La Perla, I'm sending you to Bergdorf's. Bree will assist you. You're on my account there, too."

"And Bree knows what I'm looking for?"

"Yes. We have a fundraiser tonight. It'll be boring and stuffy. I highly suggest focusing on alcohol."

I laugh.

"I wish I were kidding."

"Oh. Sorry."

"I'll get us out of there as soon as possible."

I swallow the lump in my throat. "And then?"

"Then I'm going to unwrap you and see what gift you got for me at La Perla."

My cheeks turn to fire. "I meant after Bergdorf's."

"Oh. The driver will take you to the salon and then home. I'll pick you up at six."

"No. I'll meet you."

"No, I'll pick you up," he sternly says.

"The contract said I was to meet you. It didn't say anything about you coming to my home." I don't want him to know anything about me. This is business, and I want to keep it that way. And I never want my daughter or Maribel to see or know about him.

I wait out his silence, thinking of more rebuttals if he tries to convince me.

He finally caves. His voice is harsh. "Did you lie? Are you married?"

"No."

"Boyfriend?"