Live Me Page 27

  My toes touched the floor as he lowered me down and then bent to press his temple to mine, his breath caressing my ear. “Tomorrow, Angel.”

  Tomorrow.

  Tomorrow.

  Today.

  It was today. Saturday. My first date. With Blake.

  My sweaty palms rubbed over my star-and-moon pajamas so abrasively I thought they’d start a fire. I stopped, wringing my fingers together, trying to ease the burn. I could do this.

  Could I do this?

  Yes. I could.

  I stood and walked over to the large picture window. I tipped my head to the glass.

  Nine hours.

  I had nine hours to regulate myself. What was with me? I’d had a great time last night. I’d thought I was past this. I knew this was what I wanted, but something in my body was constantly fighting it, always determined to keep me miserable. And, unfortunately, in a fight of wills, that girl always won.

  Bitch.

  A knock at the door stole me from my reverie. I lifted my head, wondering who it could be. Pulling back on the handle, a delicious scent floated in.

  “Morning, ma’am.” A short man holding a brown paper bag smiled at me, the corners of his eyes crinkling.

  “Good morning.” I poked my head out and looked around. “I’m sorry, but I think you have the wrong apartment. I didn’t order any food.”

  A knowing grin adorned his face. “Señor Turner order for you. I just need you to sign here.” He held a piece of paper and pen in front of my astonished eyes.

  “Mr. Turner?” My head cocked to the side.

  “Sí. Sign please.”

  I scrawled my signature across the bottom of the slip and handed it back to him. Only, he wouldn’t take it. That knowing smile was back, and he nodded toward the half-crumpled paper. Blue hand-written ink caught my eye, and I flipped it around.

  Good morning, Angel. You’re going to need all your energy, so eat your breakfast and get yourself together. We’re going to have a bit of fun today. I’ve laid a path for you. Follow the clues and they’ll lead you to the treasure (That’s me) ;)

  Pulling his arm from behind his back, the delivery man handed me a single red rose. A card dangled below the petals. “For you.” He grinned.

  I took it delicately between shaky fingers and spread the flaps, revealing its note.

  Muscle tension melts away,

  For a once in a lifetime, special day.

  They’ll cater to your every wish,

  By eleven, make your way over to Bliss.

  XO

  B

  My mouth hit the floor. “Thank you,” I stammered at the grinning delivery man. He just stood, smiling at me with a wide mouth of teeth while I fumbled with the door. “I’m sorry, let me get you—”

  “No, no. Señor Turner took care of everything. Enjoy your day, señorita. He a good man.”

  “Thanks.” Dumbfounded, I scooped the bag from his arms and shoved the door closed with my heel. I set it on the counter and sent a text to Blake.

  Me: Suave.

  Blake: Thought you’d like that. Eat up. There’s plenty of protein in that bag. And try to relax today. I want you . . . pliable. ;)

  Me: You’re crazy.

  Blake: Crazy like a fox. See you tonight, Angel. XX

  My stomach growled. Since my nerves had been jumping out of my skin, I hadn’t eaten much in the last couple of days. Peeling the bag open, the smell consumed me. Eggs, turkey bacon, home fries, whole wheat toast, and a container of mixed fruit. And, of course, a steaming cup of coffee.

  This man had catapulted himself straight into the center of my heart.

  I hoped I had chosen correctly when I crossed over the threshold of Bliss 57. A lady with a blonde French twist greeted me with a warm smile. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes, I believe I have an appointment. Eva?” I fidgeted, unsure.

  “Ah, yes. We’ve been expecting you. Your boyfriend was very explicit that he wanted you totally relaxed. He booked the works. If you don’t mind me saying, he’s a real looker, that one. You’re a lucky girl.”

  I blushed. Hearing him referred to as my boyfriend for the first time just turned the real up a notch. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Thank you.”

  “Ready to get started?”

  “Sure.” I couldn’t stop the grin from splitting my face.

  Holy hell, this was amazing.

  Delicately, she worked her fingers into every tension point my coiled body harbored, until I felt like a numb ball of jelly. It was like lying on a cloud, all pressure and tightness melting through the table beneath me and seeping out through the floor. She massaged my scalp, my nape, and every bone in my body, from my fingers down to my toes. When she finished, I needed to physically recall how to work my limbs, and it took me a while to get to my feet.

  “Take your time, dear. No rush.”

  “That was fantastic. Thank you.” I rolled my neck around on my shoulders, amazed at how loose it felt.

  “You’re very welcome.” She turned away momentarily as I sat up, holding the sheet to my chest.

  “I believe this is for you.” She held a long stemmed rose in her hand, the same familiar card dangling below its petals.

  My heart fluttered as I took the flower from her. “Thank you,” I said shyly. I let the card slide between my fingers for a moment before I flipped it open, and she quietly backed out of the room.

  From the moment I tapped on those pretty, manicured fingers, I wondered what they’d look like on my skin.

  What I’ve imagined them doing is something close to a sin.

  When I picture even that small piece of you, my heart swells.

  Hurry, or you’ll be late for your appointment at Spa Belles.

  Spa Belles. With the corner of my mouth tipped up in a smile, I hopped down from the table, anxious to get to my next destination.

  My body was so loose and relaxed, I felt like I didn’t have a care in the world. My brain felt empty and free of negativity for the first time in what felt like forever. That was priceless to me.

  The door chimed, and an Asian woman looked up from the counter. The hesitant look on my face must have given away my identity. Each person I encountered seemed like they couldn’t wait to meet the girl behind the rose.

  “Eva?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  She smiled broadly. “Nice to see you. Come with me. Pedicure or manicure first?”

  “Manicure, please.”

  Propping me in a chair, she offered me a cup of coffee, which I declined. I was above the clouds, soaring on Blake. I didn’t need a synthetic high.

  I imagined he was sitting back, picturing me following his notes, all proud of himself, his dimpled smile highlighting his sparkling eyes. The muscles in my belly drew inward at the thought. Who did this on a first date? Or any date for that matter. The man was gold.

  Between the massage at the spa and the hand and leg massage during my manicure and pedicure, I’d been thoroughly rubbed and scrubbed.

  The pedicurist helped me down, and led me to the drying area. I fidgeted in my seat, always restless to just sit idle and dry. When she returned, she slid a clear container in front of me and placed a long-stemmed rose diagonally across the top. A proud smile donned her lips, and then she left me to read my note in private.

  Make sure that you have lunch,

  So your fingers you don’t munch.

  Though by now you’re probably wishing I’d sent you a butler,

  Finish your meal and head over to Cutler.

  I looked down at the grilled chicken sandwich and French fries inside the plastic. A salt packet was taped to the lid, and I smiled inwardly, knowing it was definitely placed there on purpose.

  It was coming up on three o’clock, and I was getting nervous about the time, but I trusted Blake knew what he was doing and wouldn’t leave me scrambling to get ready later. I was pretty sure Cutler was a hair salon and that made me a little nervous. Maybe I had
n’t mentioned to him how highly I coveted my hair. I didn’t trust it in the hands of just anyone.

  A cheerful, elegant looking man greeted me. “Hello, young lady. What can I do for you?”

  “Hi. My, um, boyfriend—booked me an appointment, I believe.” Those words felt foreign on my tongue and made me slightly uncomfortable.

  “Ah, Eva. I’ve been waiting patiently to meet you. You’re as beautiful as he said you are.”

  My hand swept up to the messy bun pulled on top of my head, and I blushed. “You’re being kind. I’m a mess right now.”

  “Sweetheart, with that palette, we’re going to create a masterpiece. Natural beauty can never be misconstrued, even in its messiest of states.” He rounded the counter and approached me, gesturing toward my lump of hair that I now wished I’d done a better job styling before I ran out that morning. “May I?”

  With precision, he had my hair down and loose around my shoulders. He fingered it. “Gorgeous. You have the most beautiful, natural highlights I’ve ever seen. I don’t think we’re going to touch this. Unless, of course, you want to brighten up the front, but I don’t think you need to. A wash and fresh cut, and we’ll have you looking like the princess you are in no time. Rochelle is a master at what she does. You’ll love it.”

  I beamed, excitement replacing my nerves as I headed back to wash the massage oils out of my hair.

  An hour later, I stared in awe at my reflection. The stylist spun the chair and handed me the mirror to investigate her handiwork. My head was covered in curls that were looser at the top and then tighter as they swirled in waves down my back. It looked flawless. Tossing my head side to side, I smoothed my hand over a few strands, careful not to disturb it.

  “I love it!”

  “In a little while it’s going to loosen up and fall at the bottom. Then you’re really going to love it.” She smiled, turning me around before pulling off my cape.

  I stared at myself in the full mirror once again; long blonde waves framed my face, cascading over my shoulders. “It’s perfect, thank you. I couldn’t be happier.”

  Then a small pang of panic struck me. What I’d planned to wear was nowhere near as elegant as this hairstyle was. Now I’d need more time to choose a new wardrobe for tonight. I pushed out of the chair in a rush.

  “Don’t forget this.” The hairstylist twirled a red rose between her fingers. “You bagged a real winner, my friend. You’re a lucky girl.”

  “Don’t I know it.” I smiled, lifting the bud from her and opening the card.

  I hope you enjoyed your day, but I hope you enjoy your night even more.

  You’ll need to be relaxed and ready for what I have in store.

  Hurry up and get back to your apartment so that you’re not late.

  I’m getting antsy thinking about what I’m going to do to you, so don’t make me wait.

  ♥ B

  Love. I loved him. I wouldn’t say it out loud, and I’d never been in love before, but that had to be what this was. My chest was tight and heavy, and my heart was fluttering anxiously. I couldn’t relax the smile glued to my face. My feet were restless, wanting to take me to him.

  I flitted out of the salon and had to stop myself from sprinting home, wanting to turn the clock ahead so I could be with him already.

  I burst through my door and headed straight for the bedroom. What the hell am I going to wear?

  “Ouch!”

  In my clumsy stupor, I had smacked my toe on the edge of the wall. I brought my foot up and took my throbbing, but thankfully unchipped, toe in my hand, hopping haphazardly the rest of the way.

  “Damn, that hurt . . .” I dropped my foot, no longer conscious of the pain as I stood motionless in the doorway.

  What the . . .

  I approached the bed as if it were covered in a flock of baby doves perched to take flight. A red satin dress lay atop it, a single red rose sprawled across the midsection. At the foot of the bed stood a pair of silver strappy heeled sandals.

  My eyes searched the room wildly, feeling nervous and violated, wondering how he’d gotten in. When I didn’t see anything else out of place, I snatched the rose by the card and yanked it open.

  I would’ve loved to be there to see the look on your face.

  For this wonderful surprise you can thank your friend Jace.

  You’ll be an angel in a devil’s dress.

  A beauty, a vision—sure to impress

  Now put this on so I can have fun taking it off later ;)

  Warmth swarmed my cheeks as my hand smoothed over the silky material. I picked it up and held it to my chest, smiling. This must have cost him a fortune. And Jace, that snake, slipping in here without telling me. I was going to have a talk with him.

  I wasted no time slipping into the beautiful ensemble Blake had chosen for me. Admiring myself in the mirror, I was in awe of his choice. A deep V plunged into the channel between my breasts, but not enough to be considered distasteful. The edges came up in a halter-type fashion to wrap around the back of my neck, showcasing my delicate shoulders. A tight bodice led to a fitted skirt, which flared slightly right above my knee. It was sexy and sophisticated and . . . perfect. I couldn’t have picked a better dress myself.

  I dabbed a Q-tip to my eye, putting the finishing touches on my makeup just as a knock sounded on the door. My breath caught in my throat.

  This is it.

  I knotted my trembling hands together in an effort to still them. Taking one more deep breath, I puffed it out and then peeled back the door, revealing Blake. One look at him, and my heart stopped beating.

  He was stunning.

  He had one hand in the pants pocket of a black suit, the other behind his back. Underneath was a black collared shirt, opened at the top. His hair was styled perfectly messy, his skin sporting a clean shine. Electric blue eyes widened as they took me in, giving his sculpted cheeks a rosy hue. They traveled from the top of my head, along every curve, finally stopping at my French manicured toes.

  “You’re exquisite.”

  Taking my hand, he kissed my knuckles and then pressed a rose into my palm. The best rose yet. I smiled.

  “Thank you. You look . . . incredible.” I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth and eyed him.

  “Incredible, huh?” His clean shave showcased his dimple as he inched forward, causing me to stumble back into the apartment. “I knew that dress would look amazing on you. Turn around. Let me see.”

  Smiling, I held my hands out to the sides and completed a slow spin, letting him appreciate his handiwork.

  “Perfect.” His eyes drank me in as he took both my hands in his and placed a kiss to my cheek.

  A familiar warmth spread there. “Thank you for today.”

  “My pleasure. I wanted you to relax and enjoy yourself. I hope I succeeded.”

  “More than you know.” I elongated my body and kissed him on the nose, then wiped away the glisten of lip gloss I left there. “So where are we off to?”

  He gave me a mischievous look. “Now what fun would telling you be? Let’s go, we don’t want to be late.” He reached out for me, but I declined his hand.

  “One sec.” I scooted to the kitchen bar and added the most recent rose to the vase, making a half dozen. Smiling, I walked back and scooped up his hand.

  “Now we can go.”

  “Reservation for Turner,” Blake said to the hostess.

  The young girl blanched, clearly taken back by Blake’s striking features. “Ah, yes, Mr. Turner. We’ve been waiting for you. Everything’s ready.”

  “Thank you.” Blake pressed his hand to the small of my back and led me through the dimly lit restaurant, his excitement barely contained. He looked like a five-year-old on his way to meet Santa Claus.

  The hostess stepped aside, extending her hand. “Enjoy your dinner. Someone will be with you shortly.”

  Blake looked into the room, and his smile spread further. Gripping my hand, he guided me inside and I froze, just barely inside
the door. “It’s a wine cellar.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “We’re eating in here?”

  “Yep.” His proud smile showcased the twinkle in his eye.

  “This is unbelievable,” I breathed, looking around astounded.

  Set inside a circular room was a small round table with two chairs on either side. A candle flickered in the center, accentuating the bottles lining every inch of the walls from floor to ceiling. My eyes landed on a rose which lay across one of the settings and I smiled. He had booked a private room—in a wine cellar.

  In-Fucking-Credible.

  I looked back to him and shook my head. “Better and better.”

  The corner of his mouth tilted up, and he helped me into my chair before pushing it in and rounding the table to join me, still looking like a kid in a candy store.

  “So is this how you woo all your women?” I asked.

  “Are you wooed?” He folded his hands and leaned forward, his eyes illuminated with each flicker of the candle.

  “Oh, I’m wooed all right,” I confirmed, curling my body over the table to close more of the distance between us, not liking even that small barrier. Blake balled his hand, pulling his elbow back while crinkling his nose as if he’d scored a winning goal, and it brought something to mind.

  “I have a request.”

  “Anything.”

  “The other night when we were dancing, you did this nose-scrunch thingy when you were singing and you just kind of did it again.”

  “Nose-scrunch thingy?” He cocked his head to the side, laughter in his eyes.

  “Yes,” I wet my bottom lip. “I’m going to need you to do that more often. It’s sexy as hell.”

  Blake let out a hearty laugh, leaning back in his chair. “Nose-scrunch. Got it.” Then he scrunched his nose one more time and winked. “Like that?”