Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Everything feels too real. My heart is opening to Clayton without my permission. It’s the attention and the warmth he gives. Yes, he’s a bit domineering, but it’s the care he gives that brings balance.
For example, I complained about not liking to do the business part of running my company. I’d rather focus on the writing. The next morning, Nikki, my new assistant, was waiting for me.
Clay gets shit done. It has also become clear to me that he pays attention to details. He makes sure I’m happy and taken care of, even when I don’t speak up about what it is I want. That’s dangerous when this is all supposed to be fake.
“Sidney?”
“Oh, sorry. What was that?”
“Did you get to look at the invitation paper I sent over? Which sample did you like?”
This is just another example of Clayton wiggling his way into my feelings. The delivery with the samples arrived and he insisted on sitting with me to make the decisions on the invitations. He was totally invested in my thoughts and gave his input as well.
“Oh, yes, we looked at them. Clayton likes the black paper with the gold writing. I’m leaning more toward the navy blue with the silver print.”
“Those are both lovely options. I’ll have them make a sample of each and you two can choose from there.”
“Thanks, that sounds great.”
“I’ll need your final approval on the floral arrangements and the linens. The place settings came in and they’re divine. I’ll send you over some photos and bring a set by in person for our next meeting.”
“That sounds awesome. Thanks so much.”
“No problem, dear. Is there anything else you’ve thought of that I can get for you?”
“Oh, no. Everything is fine.”
I rub my forehead as I think of the price of the custom place settings alone. I’m not adding a thing more to this wedding. I blow out a breath and roll my shoulders.
I moan out loud as large hands land on my neck. Clayton kisses the top of my head as he massages the tension away. Delta is forgotten before she even ends the call.
I look up and he places a kiss on my lips. “You’ve been in here all day. Let’s go to bed.”
“I was heading up for a bath before Delta caught me.”
His brows wrinkle in concern. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, she just needed me to weigh in on a few things.”
“Did you tell her about the Swarovski crystal floral arrangements you liked?”
“Clay,” I groan. “No, I told you those were so pricey.”
“And I told you to get whatever you like. This isn’t hurting me in the least. My mother and father would expect nothing but the best.”
“Gah.” I cover my face with my hands.
He releases me and takes his phone out. I already know he’s texting Delta. Again, with that domineering personality.
If he were really my man, I know I’d feel cherished by the way he always wants to make me happy, but he’s not, so this is ridiculous.
“Come on, baby. Let’s get ready for bed.”
I look up at him, thinking of so many things I should say. However, the words die on my lips as he holds his hand out and gives me that panty-melting smile.
I take his hand. He leads me upstairs to the room we share. As has become routine, he starts to take my clothes off. I stand staring up at him, wishing this was more than a contract agreement.
He cups my face when I’m down to my panties and bra, running his thumb across my lip. I watch him stare hungrily at my mouth. I peek my tongue out to follow his finger as he makes a second pass.
“Sidney, Sidney,” he murmurs before turning to grab a nightgown for me to wear to sleep.
I release a breath of disappointment. He has to feel how much I want him. However, I’m not about to throw myself at him like a thirsty thot.
So I allow him to dress me and tuck me in before he changes into a pair of sleep pants and climbs into the bed next to me. He palms my face again and presses his forehead to mine.
He breaks the contact and backs away slightly. “Do you trust me yet, Sid?”
“I’m getting there.”
He gently kisses my lips and settles back against the bed, pulling me into his chest. I snuggle into his side, wondering if I should have answered differently.
Damn it, Sid. Take your ass to bed. None of this is real.
Chapter 18
Romantic Dinner
Sidney
“Thanks, David. You can leave those there,” I say as we enter the apartment.
I’ve been out dress shopping with Delta all day. I just can’t bring myself to purchase a dress I know I’m not going to wear. I’ve tried on dress after dress and found something wrong with all of them.
Once Delta said she had to leave to meet with another client, I took advantage and went to do some real shopping on my own. Well, as on my own as Clayton will allow these days. Poor David. I know he has to be tired of me.