Page 75 of Consumed By You

“You were a far better assistant than she is.”

I try to conceal my delight by rolling my eyes exasperatedly at him.

“Why do you still have her, then?” I head back into the dressing room. There are three dresses left. I’m hoping with all my might that one of them works, because I honestly hate shopping.

“It’s a hassle to find a replacement, but I’m seriously considering it now.”

“What did she do wrong?” I choose a silk gown the color of Benjamin’s eyes and hold it up to the mirror. I take it off the hanger and search for the best way to put it on. Who knew dresses were so complicated?

“The company, Lifegrowth, is primarily mine. I own ninety percent of the shares. We’re having trouble getting the owner to sell the rest to us. He’s a ball-buster. You see, without the rest of the shares…” He laughs. “Do you even want to hear about this?”

“Of course I do.” I stick my head out and smile widely. I could listen to him speak day and night.

Looking strangely pleased, he continues on with his story.

I get my arms through the crisscrossed straps and grin in triumph. Finally. The dress falls into place and I stare at it in delight. It’s perfect. I’ve never seen an article of clothing so beautiful. It’s so plain and simple, yet elegant. I move my body and the bottom trails behind me.

“She needed to get that done today, and I won’t bore you with any more of it.” I can hear him pacing outside, and part of me wonders if he’s ever talked about his work with anyone. The thought makes me sadder than I expected.

“You’re not boring me, Benjamin. I like to hear about your work.”

There’s a slight pause. “Really?”

“Yes, of course.”

He doesn’t answer so I figure that it’s time I show it to him. I hope he likes it.

I push the curtain aside and lace my fingers together in front of my body, shrugging awkwardly. His eyes widen and I can swear he falls back a step.

Yes! I love this reaction.

“Darcy, wow,” he breathes. “That’s the one.”

“Yeah?” I ask nervously. My heart is beating wildly as his eyes trail down the material.

He moves forward then and impulsively, I step back a step. He doesn’t notice, or at least he doesn’t show he does when he grabs my hands and moves them away from my body. “That’s better. You shouldn’t hide your body, Darcy.”

He’s reprimanding me but this time, I don’t mind it.

How can I when he’s looking at me this way?

***

“So how are we doing this?” I ask. We’re sitting in the limo on the way back to my apartment. Benjamin wouldn’t let me see how much the dress cost, but by the way the woman gushed over him, I’m guessing he spent a pretty penny.

“Doing what?”

“Am I meeting you there?”

“Do you think I’d let you meet me there?” he quips, his expression amused.

“Do you think you’d have a choice if I wanted to?” I counter, and he grins wider.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a more difficult woman.”

“Hey, you’re no picnic yourself.” I laugh. “What time does it start?”

“I’ll pick you up at six.”