The days flew very quickly, and Friday arrived earlier than anticipated. At five o'clock, I began getting ready. With shaky fingers, I applied my makeup, and when I realized it wasn't perfect, I cleaned my face and started over. As I entered and carefully pushed the dress up, it clung to my body in a powder blue satin. The dress hugged the flare of my large hips and the fabric highlighted my feminine indentations.
My father's voice echoed through the doorway, "I don't think I've ever seen you pay such close attention to your outfit before."
As I ran to him, the garment' plush material whirled about me. "Dad, you need to go to bed. Why are you up, exactly?"
"Trying to talk you out of going. I have no power to prohibit you from leaving that door because you are no longer in high school. However, I'll be damned if I let you go without giving you some wise counsel.
My lips grew tense. It was difficult enough for me to attend the occasion without my dad's presence. I had to put a stop to the talk. "We already discussed this. Soon, it will be over.
We were both staring at my reflection when my dad commented, "You look stunning." Who is the man? Some awkward, lonesome nerd who has no idea how to approach women?"
I wanted it to be a geek. I bit my lip and made an effort to contain my interest in Smith. Since I had been concentrating on him all week, it was beginning to annoy me that I was devoting my free time to him rather than getting compensated for it. I wore a smile all the time. "Probably. Nothing matters. Because it is a charity event, they typically end by midnight.
My father scratched the unruly hairs on his chin as he cast me a narrowing of the eyes. You don't appear anxious.
Why create a big deal out of something that was just a routine event? I did a fancy yawn while looking at my watch. "I'm not. It's merely a business transaction that will deposit a sizable sum of money into my account.
"Okay. I guess you should try to have fun then," he complained.
I narrowed one eye. "Let me try. I baked some of the cornbread that goes well with chili for you. My dad and I were used to cracking bawdy jokes around the house, so please try not to gas it up while I'm away. It was the only way I could distract him from thinking about Mom.
"Okay. He laughed, keeping a straight face, "I'll save some delicious, savory ones for when you get back.
It took some effort not to pick at my freshly painted fingernails while I waited for the driver. I was clueless about what to do with myself. I blew cool air across my face and pleaded with my pores not to perspire. Why the heck did I feel so anxious? After 30 minutes, the door received a quick knock, and the driver informed me that Mr. Mason was waiting for me outside his apartment. After picking him up, we would both travel to the charity event. It was shrewd. It makes little sense to arrive in different cars.
I gave Dad a final wave before getting in the car. It didn't take that long to get to the penthouse. When we parked next to another black SUV, I had a glimpse of Mr. Mason's muscular frame inside. He was dressed in one of those professional outfits that highlighted his powerful, athletic build. We finally locked eyes since Monday when he emerged from the building. I took a deep, wholesome breath in while fighting the want to quiver. He is only a dude.
I said, "Good evening, Mr. Mason," in a formal tone, assuring him that this was strictly a business transaction. I reminded my knees not to sag by rubbing my hand across my thigh. Even though he traced slowly over my body, it didn't help. Most likely hoping to test if I wouldn't make him look bad. Of course I wouldn't, either. I had training for this position.
His lips became drier. Salutations, Miss Davis. First names would be more fitting in this situation, don't you think?"
He was accurate. His voice was strong, and I felt my stiff shoulders loosen. "Sure," you say.
Without saying a word, we entered the car. I was used to having to listen as my former clients talked loudly in my ear. I was unbothered. I had to act professionally because I had to be trained for this. So I was surprised when I heard him humming quietly. He sat on the opposite side of the car, acting as though he was respecting my personal space. I wanted to come closer, but I was reluctant to do so. I needed to confront him, find out why he was acting in this way, and yell angrily at him to tell me everything that had happened in his life. Instead, I sat with my legs crossed and pretended to gaze at the nighttime skyline.
I had undoubtedly been to the location of the charity event before, perhaps even for a related work occasion. Smith offered his hand, which I took. My body was ravaged by electric waves that were unleashed by his powerful, manly hand. As my feet delicately touched the curb, I was able to muster a smile of gratitude. He held onto my hand as we made our way to the door. I needed to accept that. I had mentioned in my profile that I would be more than happy to hold the hand of a customer.
I now regretted doing so. Heat rushed through my body, making me flush.
As we made our way along the red carpet, a jazz ensemble with a lively beat could be heard outside. As we continued to go, photographers lined the rope and flashed their long lenses. I made a couple smiley faces as instructed in my training, trying to appear as amiable as possible. Women muttered, perhaps speculating as to who I was and why I was on his arm. I suddenly realized that Smith Mason was a well-known billionaire who was well-known across the nation. Is it true that I was the only one to snooze under a rock? He must have thought it odd that I didn't surround him like everyone else on Monday. I made a mental note to apologize later for not knowing more about celebrities.
Please ignore any commotion you may hear. "They only want to spread lies to the public," Smith said in my ear, his body heat spreading to mine. How many escorts had previously been with him? He had a polished voice.
Do falsehoods need to be told? Before I could control myself, the question escaped my mouth. I immediately felt bad about it. It was so unprofessional, yet I yearned to learn more about this enigmatic man with every fiber of my being.
He stared at me with a small smile on his face and said, "Perhaps."
Tonight there was a huge throng, which was something I wasn't used to seeing. I had previously gone to charity events, but this was much more. I got anxious in large gatherings. I desired for the earth to swell up and engulf me entirely. I shrugged the fear off and made a mental commitment to control my language.
The thin waiter offered Mr. Mason and Miss his tray of beverages and said, "Would you want a glass of wine, Mr.
Smith introduced "Davis," pointing the waiter in my direction. He had no trouble pronouncing my last name.
After taking one, I thanked the waitress. I took a tiny sip and tasted the warm liquid, which was silky to the touch. It was a beautiful wine that probably cost me a whole month's income. I made more money than anyone else my age, but that didn't mean I could afford to live in luxury. I had to take care of my father. He wasn't getting any younger, and the doctor warned that if he didn't seek timely treatment for his cardiac condition, it might worsen.
"Show up, Livia. Smith took my hand and led the way to a gathering of couples, saying, "I'd like you to meet some of my colleagues.
Uh-oh. No. This was bad. What if they had already seen me accompanying someone else? My secret would be revealed. What would that mean for his standing?
We moved in their direction, so he must not have given a damn. They didn't even give me a second glance as they greeted him right away. I could see they thought of Smith as a king just by the way they spoke and conducted themselves.
Smith turned to face me and said, "Meet my date, Miss Davis." I put on a kind smile and extended my hand to shake theirs. I'm happy to meet you everyone.
Before turning their focus back to Smith once more, the company greeted one another in chorus. Snobs.
Even though I had only been there for five minutes, I excused myself and left him there so that I could freshen myself in the ladies' room.
Smith kept glancing my way as I walked away. He appeared perplexed.
I peeked out and said, "Restroom break." Surely he would comprehend.
He consented by nodding.
I could feel his gaze following me as I walked away.
I went to the restroom after a waiter sent me there and discovered a large number of women touching up. While the others reapplied their makeup, some were conversing. I joined them and made an effort to block out the mutterings.
As soon as I exited the restroom, Smith was nowhere to be seen. Even though there was no official agency policy requiring us to remain by our client's sides for the entire date, I nevertheless looked around the room for him.
Smith wasn't the sort to be insecure. He was unlike any other person I had ever escorted before. They were needy and clingy. All of that didn't seem to affect him. And I had a feeling that he valued his independence. Was that the cause of his lack of a girlfriend?
When I at last removed my stilettos, I exhaled a sigh of relief. Even though I'd only been standing for a short while, it felt like I had been moving for several hours. I made the decision to ignore the sharp pain that was radiating forth from the heels of my feet.
As my breath became short, my jaw became clenched. Had he lost track of me? It wasn't important. Whether or not I was by his side, he was paying the bill and I was collecting his payment. Why then did it upset me that I hadn't seen him in thirty minutes? Was it me who was clingy? I took my phone out of my purse and checked Facebook before failing to find any texts.
A well-known male voice gave me the chills down my back. Smith walked over to me and said, "There you are. His outfit hugged the size of his powerful thighs.
I snapped my eyes away from his physique and threw my phone back in my bag.
A line appeared between his eyes as he gazed at the open handbag. Do I annoy you?"
Shit. The use of the phone bothered him. My use of my phone was entirely for distraction rather than boredom. I couldn't get my mind off of him any other way, but I wasn't about to tell him that. "No sir. I did my best to remain attentive, standing, but when I returned from the bathroom, I couldn't find you anywhere. He was about five to eight inches taller than me, so my head barely reached his chest. "What would you like to do now?"
He pursed his lips as he met my eyes. "Livia, what would you like to do?"
Every time he said my name, his slick tongue flashed lust into the space between us. I'm not sure which of his remarks set off a throbbing arousal in me, but I needed it to end. My thoughts briefly raced through his query. My inner thighs began to heat up at the thought of his smothering me with kisses. I needed him to completely devour me, so everything else had to cease.
My cheeks warmed up as it moved from my neck. My spine was straightened. "I've never had a client ask me that,"
This time, he was the one who was taken by surprise. He stood up differently and made a whistle-like motion with his lips. "Concerned bastards,"
My tummy rolled with laughter. I had no choice but to. He made the silliest remarks, and his touch put me at ease. Perhaps this wasn't as horrible as I thought. As terrifying as I once believed Smith Mason was, he wasn't. Had I focused too much on his outward look and neglected to consider what is within?
Do you date outside of the arrangements made for you by the agency?His tone sounded inquiring.
My pulse quickened. The query surprised me. It meant that I had no life and was both private and intrusive. Naturally, I date. I lied, saying, "Here and there.
Anyone interesting? he asked, cocking his head to the side."
I laughed at the query. "If I had someone intriguing, would I still be here?"
Smith said, "Whoa," smiling as he quickly snapped his wrist to shake off his hand. She biting. I'm beginning to believe you find me uninteresting right about now.
I was frequently in problems because of my tongue. "No, I apologize. I didn't intend it that way. I merely meant that I hadn't met somebody remarkable enough to start a family with. You are not at all boring to me. I find you fascinating.
I told the truth to be heard. Since I attempted returning to the dating scene, I haven't found any interest in males. I created two or three online dating profiles, went on a few dates, but nothing happened. In any case, what was the point? I had two options: I could allow guys to buy supper and be bored out of my mind, or I could allow them to get food and give me a large sum of money. I liked the latter more. Sex was never discussed. I would be a true hooker if I had had sex with every agency man I had dated. The first individual who grabbed my attention was Smith Mason.
He smiled widely and his eyes brightened at the compliment. I'll accept it.
Why was I discussing my love life—or lack thereof—with a complete stranger? He was apathetic. In any case, he would never choose someone like me. I was merely a female escort to him. damaged goods. I didn't have the same level of elegance as many of the women at the auction, and my only aspiration was to be a man's date to a blasted gala.
But that was the mistake he'd make. Despite the fact that I began my career as an escort, I still had goals. Smith didn't need to know that I was a go-getter and a diligent worker because I quit and enrolled in an architectural program in college. As the host pulled back the curtain, I mentally reasoned everything out. Livia, keep your focus on the goal.