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Alice And The Hatter_A Dirty Fairytale Romance

Page 11

by Evie Monroe


  “Well, I assumed that they have some past relationship, but his past isn’t really my business, so I didn’t ask. Plus, I can really tell he hates her.” Weed reached over and took my hand.

  “If you’re sleeping with him, biscuit, you really should know what you’re dealing with. Maybe you should ask him about her.” He gave my hand a pat and then shut off the Jeep, killing the air-conditioning. “Come on, let’s go inside. I hope you like a good salad. This is my favorite place to eat.”

  We walked inside and were seated. “I always order the big salad, but you could probably go with the small, but I eat like a horse.” He gestured with his hand and showed me the size I could expect a small to be. “Oh, that one. See that. It’s their small.” I gave him a nod, but it was all I could do to order my food without being distracted.

  I knew that Johnny’s past was as long as my life, but I had trusted him to tell me if there was some trouble I needed to know about. It sounded as if there was something more to Johnny and Victoria than he was telling me, but I didn’t want to read too much into it.

  “We’ve got to leave here and go find you the perfect dress, honey. Then I’ll take you over to my friend’s place, and she’ll do your hair.” I gave a nod, not really able to focus. “Are you okay?”

  “I guess I’m a little worried about tonight.”

  “Don’t let what I said get you down. Johnny likes you, or he wouldn’t be sleeping with you. But you need to make sure you want the same things. For instance, are you looking for something serious, or are you just out to have a little fun?”

  “I’d like to think it could turn into something, or why else try at all?” The waiter dropped our salads in front of us, and Weed dug in.

  I continued talking, but his expression wasn’t telling me what I wanted it to. “Have you ever had a serious relationship? I mean, you weren’t a virgin or anything, were you?” He clutched his collar, chewing a huge bite of salad.

  “No, but I may as well have been. I haven’t had anything more than a few dates which led to sex and hopes for more. When that didn’t work out, I cried and ate ice cream like most girls until I got over it.”

  “That’s the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. You need to get out more. I think, no matter what happens, Johnny is an experience you need.”

  “Have you ever had a crush on him?” I had wondered if he had due to the stars in his eyes when he spoke about college.

  “If I said no, then I’d be lying. But I learned way early on that we were better off as friends, not only because he’s straight, but because some friendships are worth more than letting sex complicate them. We worked well together as a team, so I wouldn’t trade that for anything. He’s like a brother.” He reached over and cupped my chin. “Don’t overthink it. Just have fun, and go with it.”

  We finished our salads and then he took me to find my dress for the evening. I chose a simple party dress that matched my heels and then he took me across town to his friend’s shop. The older woman trimmed and styled my hair as she and Weed caught up on gossip.

  After he drove me home, and when I walked inside, Jack’s expression told me I’d chosen a winner when it came to the dress. His eyes lingered down my front, and a bit of blush hit the old man’s cheeks. He gave me a thumb’s up and headed off to the kitchen.

  Chapter 15

  Johnny

  I wiped the steam from the mirror and combed my wet, unruly hair. It had been strange leaving the office without Liss along for the ride. I’d gotten so used to her presence and enjoyed our conversations along the way home, that I realized how much I missed her. I knew she should be home any minute from her girl’s day out with Weed.

  Dinner was going to be nice, but it was the after I really couldn’t wait for. We hadn’t had sex again since the first time, and I think I was more anxious for it to happen again than I was for it to happen in the first place.

  I went to my closet and found a pair of pants, but as I stepped into them, my phone rang. With only one leg hitting the mark, I hopped across the floor, pausing only a moment to pull them up before reaching the bedside table for my phone.

  One glance at the number told me it was Nate on the other end. “How’s it going, man?”

  “Are you going to the club tonight?” I could hear the radio playing in his Camaro and the sounds of traffic in the background.

  “No, not tonight. I’m going out to dinner.”

  “Who’s the lucky victim? Anyone, I know?” He gave a little chuckle.

  “Sure, you do, and before I tell you, let me make it clear that I’m not taking any lectures.”

  “Liss? You’re taking her out on a date?” His voice was high pitched and whiney, and I let out a long breath as I waited for his rant. “Well, to be honest, I know I gave you a hard time about her before, but she’s a lot more mature for her age than most. She’s like an old soul. I won’t lecture you on the fact that you’re a dirty old man and she’s just a baby if you promise me that your intentions are good.”

  “My intentions are good.” I didn’t feel the need to elaborate on my intentions. The guy had known me for years, and if he didn’t trust that I’d do the right thing by now, then he didn’t know me at all.

  “So, what brought this on? Are you sleeping with her?” He wasn’t one to beat around the bush.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but we’ve enjoyed each other’s company quite a bit since she’s been here.”

  “Jesus, man. Is she okay with the Victoria situation? You have told her, right? I mean, the last thing we need is another crazy ex on our hands.”

  I raked my hand through my wet hair and went back to my closet for a shirt. “I’m handling my situations, Nate. No need to worry.”

  “I’m sure you are. When are the two of you leaving? Maybe you could swing by for a drink between dinner and your nightcap.” Knowing Nate, it would bug him all night about how our evening was going. He was always worried that I would end up in trouble with someone and the press would have a field day.

  “We’ll see. I think I want her all to myself, though, so don’t hold your breath. It’s bad enough Weed’s had her all day. The two went to a spa day and then the girl’s day out thing. She said something about getting her hair done.”

  “I hope for your sake that she doesn’t come back looking like one of his drag queen friends with the stage makeup and big hair.”

  “Hey, I trust that man with my models. I’m sure he’ll do right by the both of us. Besides, Liss has a great sense of style, minus that one pair of ugly shoes.” I still wanted to break into her room and toss them into the trash.

  As Nate rambled on about Weed giving Liss the big hair treatment, I heard footsteps coming across the tile and up the hall.

  “I hear her now, so I’ll catch you later.” I was in a hurry to see her, but not because I was worried about what she might look like.

  “Seriously, Johnny. Do right by this one. Lay everything out, so she knows what she’s getting into. We don’t need more drama. And I like her. I’ll kick your ass if you’re not good to her.”

  “I promise.” I ended the call without further ado, and by the time I got to the hall, she was already in her room.

  I walked the short distance to her door and knocked, hoping it hadn’t been Jack I’d heard, but his shoes had never been that loud.

  “Liss?” I tapped again thinking she must’ve gone into the bathroom for her not to have heard me.

  “The door opened, and though she met me with a warm smile, I couldn’t move or speak. She was absolutely stunning. Her long hair had been curled in loose waves that hung just past her shoulders, and she wore just the right amount of lipstick, the perfect shade to make her lips look full and natural; kissable. I closed the distance and took her into my arms and before I could think about anything else, I kissed her hard.

  She melted into me, and I let out a quiet growl of satisfaction as the kiss deepened.

  She was the epitome of natural beauty,
and I had to thank Weed the next time I saw him for not tampering with her too much. She was perfection.

  She pulled away breathless. “Careful or you’ll undo what Weed took half of the day to do.”

  “You look amazing all on your own. He can’t take credit for what God gave you. But perhaps I should thank your father someday.” I wondered if she looked like him or her mother. I suddenly realized that unlike all the other women I’d been with, I actually wanted to know all of those things about her.

  Her eyes lit with her smile. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” She let out a giggle, and I looked down to see that my shirt was left unbuttoned and I was barefoot. Knowing my hair was still wet at the tips, I imagined I looked like a real slob compared to her.

  “I was almost ready when Nate called. He wanted to know if we would stop by the bar for drinks with him after dinner. I told him maybe, so I’ll let you decide.” I hoped that she’d choose to be alone with me instead.

  “Let’s see how the night goes. It’s been a very busy day. I might prefer to come back here and relax a bit.” She put her hands around my neck and gave me a quick peck on the lips. Then she backed away to wipe her thumb across my stained lips. “You look good in my color,” she whispered close to my ear. She kissed my cheek and down my jawline until her breath was hot in my ear.

  “We’ll never make it to dinner if we don’t stop,” I whispered close to her ear. “I don’t think you realize how much I missed you today. The ride home was dreary.” I’d learned a valuable lesson. I didn’t like being without her. What to do about it, that was the burning question. I knew I liked being with her; loved it, in fact. But my life was full of complications, and Nate had reminded me that I needed to be fair to her. “Liss,” I stopped myself right there. I wasn’t going to start the evening off on a bad note. This was a conversation for another time.

  “Yes?” She seemed to search my eyes, her own shifting slightly as is she couldn’t seem to focus. “What is it?”

  “Nothing, you just look so amazing.” I gave her another quick peck and stepped back. “I better run and finish getting ready, or we’re going to be late. I’ll just be a minute.”

  “I’ll be waiting downstairs.” It was all I could do to pull away when she gave me one last kiss. But I went to my room and finished combing my hair and found a pair of shoes that was worthy to walk next to her in public. Then I dried my hair and brushed my hands through it several times to get my natural messy, but perfect, look.

  I found myself rushing, which was strange for me because I’d never let anyone light a fire under me the way she had. Not even Victoria had ever done that. I thought of the other woman. I’d once thought I was so in love with her, but she hadn’t ever made me feel happy the way Liss had. Liss was a joy to be around; she was pleasant, like sunshine, while Victoria had been a constant storm.

  I knew being with her in a committed relationship was going to take sacrifices on my part, but for some reason, instead of running from the idea, I was actually toying with it.

  I gave myself a final glance in the mirror. “What’s gotten into you, old boy?” I straightened my collar. “Careful, she’s going to change everything.” I let out a long breath and said to myself as I turned away from the mirror and headed to the door, “Good. Maybe it’s about damned time.”

  As I came down the stairs, I found her in the parlor with Jack, and the two were laughing together. I hadn’t seen the old man smile like that in twenty years and knew it had to be another one of Liss’s magics.

  I came down, and by the time I approached, he was gone, with laughter fading as he entered the kitchen. “I’ll have you know, I’ve never heard him laugh like that before. I’ve known him for most of my life, too.”

  “He’s a sweet old man. He has some tales to tell, for sure.” She met my eyes, and hers seemed to be filled with affection for my butler.

  “He’s telling you stories?” I looked to the kitchen door which was still slightly swinging from his exit and pulled her close. “You two keep getting along so good, and you’re going to make me jealous. I already had to share you with Weed today, now Jack?” I kissed her lips as she giggled.

  “You’re awfully affectionate today.” She brought her arms around me and slipped her hands up my back. I loved the soft feel of them across my hard body.

  “As I said, I’ve missed you. Or, maybe I am a bit jealous. Weed had you all day. If I didn’t know his preferences, I’d be angry.”

  She rolled her eyes up to the ceiling and pushed me away. “We better go, I’m starved.”

  “Yes, we should, because I am to. And what I’m craving is best served upstairs between the sheets.” I brought my arm around her, and she gave me a sideward glance.

  “There’s plenty of time for that when we get back.” She took my hand and led me to the door.

  “No, there’s never enough time when I’m with you.” She gave me a quick kiss, and we were out the door and to the car.

  We were at the restaurant within the hour and making up for our lost time.

  The conversation didn’t take a lull until dinner had been served and then we’d spent so much time shoveling food into our mouths; we had no choice but to be quiet for a few minutes while we savored the meal.

  Only when the silence was getting awkward did she twirl her fork around in her pasta and look up at me. “So, about that reporter. Do you think he’ll make problems for you? I mean, with him knowing about me and all.”

  “No, that’s been handled.” I lifted my glass and took a sip of wine as he eyes narrowed.

  “When you say it that way, it makes it sound like he’s wearing concrete boots and bobbing somewhere at the bottom of the ocean.” Her bubbly laughter was pleasant, but I wondered what kind of a businessman she thought I was.

  “I’m not that brutal, though if I were, it might make my life a hell of a lot easier. No, I paid him off.”

  She flattened her palm against her breasts. “Oh, Johnny. Did you have to give him much?”

  “The usual.” I shrugged, and her eyes went even wider as she leaned across the table.

  “Usual? You’ve had to pay him before?” She brought her glass to her lips and paused. “A lot?”

  I wasn’t one to talk dollar amounts or to tell anyone my business, but Liss was different. She wouldn’t tell anyone, and I couldn’t see her judging me. “Twenty-thousand. And yes. I’ve paid him multiple times when he gets ahold of information against me. He’s definitely someone I want to keep quiet.”

  “What’s to stop him from running his mouth anyway?”

  “He doesn’t care if anyone finds out. He’s more interested in having the power over me, and he gets off on knowing secrets.”

  “Then why pay him at all?” She shrugged.

  “Because he doesn’t care if he ruins my life either and this way, we both stay happy.”

  “But you’re out twenty-grand.” She picked up her bread and took a bite before stuffing the pasta in behind it. I liked the way she ate. She was not a glutton by any means, but she didn’t pick at her food like some kind of bird either.

  “I earn twice that every day.” He shrugged.

  “I guess I should have made you pay me more for my collection, then.”

  “A million wasn’t enough?” I chuckled.

  “A million?” She laughed. “That’s not what you paid me.” She took a sip of wine and then shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong; two hundred-grand is life-changing for me. And the other thirty you gave me for the dye technique was very nice and more than I expected.”

  “Have you checked your balance lately?” I knew the bank had said they’d wire the money in in intervals, but I didn’t think it would take this long.”

  She shrugged. “No, I hadn’t had to. I haven’t spent any money until today and—

  “You should.” I had a feeling that she was about to be in for a very big surprise.

  She took out her phone from her handbag, and after a few mo
ments of thumbing at the screen, she gasped and pushed her chair back with a vulgar squeak from the leg against the tile. She sat there as a few around her looked to see the source of the noise.

  “I’m a millionaire?” She glanced up at me with so much panic in her expression that I thought she might faint.

  “Actually, you’re going to be worth much more. I’ve hired you on and cut you in on the profits. So, every sale earns you more money.” I had wanted to make things right with her, and that was the only way I’d known how.

  Tears filled her eyes, and she reached across the table and took my hand. “Thank you. I don’t know what to think or to say. I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t told my father about the sale. I’d have told him the wrong amount.”

  “Yeah, I had the money sent from three different banks. I thought Nate showed you the agreement.”

  “He had me sign a paper, but I didn’t see any numbers.” I wondered if the amount had been written in script.

  “Well, I’m glad you’re happy. I’m sure your father will be pleased you made a wonderful deal.” I couldn’t believe she hadn’t told her old man about the money, but before I could comment any further, she leaned in to whisper.

  “I want to go straight back to the house when we’re done.” Her eyes smoldered, and I hardened knowing what I had waiting for me.

  Chapter 16

  Liss

  I was still in shock over the amount of money he’d paid me, and I remember Nate talking about it being a considerable amount, but since I was so confused about my feelings, I thought the initial amount that had dropped was my full payment. It had been so much more than I was expecting, that I hadn’t thought to question it, and since I wasn’t going to complain, I had no idea more was on the way.

  Johnny and I finished our dinner and were anxious to get the check paid. We walked hand in hand to the car, and once inside, he pulled me close and kissed me, his lips desperate against mine.

  “I’m not sure if I can make it back to the house,” he said with a laugh.

 

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