As she allowed the rich aroma of the Vietnamese coffee enfold her, she ached to feel his arms around her. The intensity of her longing was the first warning she had that she might have left it too late to pull back.
***
Angie stared at her reflection in the full length mirror. She had never been so elegantly dressed before. She stared at the printed stretch silk-blend gown that clung to her like a second skin, the gold patterns bringing out the color of her eyes. She ran her palms over the material. It was so delicate on her skin, making her feel sensual. It had a cowl neck, yet was sleeveless, hugging her waist and falling well past her ankles. The dress gave her a graceful silhouette. But it was the back that was the piece de résistance as far as she was concerned. She turned her back to the mirror and stretched her neck to see the silk strip that served as a back; she’d had to go braless for this one. She’d never have used the word sexy to describe herself but right at this moment, in this dress, Angie knew she was sexy.
She turned to face the mirror once again and sighed. Although she hadn’t seen Alex since he left her bed that morning, she’d heard from him. A small smile teased her lips as she thought of their conversation. He’d asked her to go with him to a New Year’s Day gala. She’d thought the celebrations had taken place the night before and had teased him about it, but he’d told her it was a family tradition. That had rid her of the teasing instantly. She had no plans of doing family. They weren’t that type of relationship. As a matter of fact, they weren’t any type of relationship. She hadn’t said all that though, but she hadn’t needed to.
“It’s my grandparents’ party and they hold it every first of the year,” He’d explained to her. “Don’t worry it’s a big, formal thing. We’ll probably get lost in the crowd. I don’t have a date and would like you to be my companion.”
She had remained silent for a moment then smiled as the irony of the situation settled on her. She was his companion, or she’d been for the past two days anyway. “I would love to go as your companion.” She’d stressed the word and he’d chuckled at his end. She sobered up when she remembered something. “I don’t have anything to wear though.”
“Leave it to me.”
“Alex, I’m not comfortable with that.”
“I’m the one who needs a companion sweetheart. Let me get you something to wear,” he cajoled.
“But…” she was at a loss for words. No one had ever bought her clothes before. Well, maybe with the exception of her mom and that was years ago. Not even Michael had bought clothes for her, she thought with growing consternation.
“It doesn’t matter what you wear. I’m probably going to rip it off you at the end of the night anyway, so let me buy the dress. That way I won’t feel too guilty when I do.”
She felt desire stir at his words but they still made her smile. “Your logic is flawed.”
“It is, isn’t it?” he agreed, amusement lacing his voice. “It’s probably because I’m so turned on by your voice. I’ve never heard your voice on the phone.”
“It’s just an average female voice, Alex.”
“Yeah? Well there’s nothing average about the way I’m feeling. My pants are most uncomfortable, I can assure you.”
Angie was speechless and also incredibly turned on. How can he get me so hot and bothered just by speaking on the phone? she thought in wonder. “Well, you could always come by,” she suggested.
“I wish I could.”
“I’m sure you’ll survive,” she forced herself to say dryly.
“I can’t wait to have you to myself tonight.”
“That won’t be until after your grandparents’ shindig. What time is it anyway?”
“I’ll pick you up by seven. Is that okay?”
“Seven is fine. See you then.”
“I’ll be thinking of you.”
“Same here.” She hadn’t stopped thinking of him since he left that morning and she’d tried. Standing in front of the mirror several hours later, she was still thinking of him.
She ran her palms over the dress again. It was Vera Wang. She shuddered just to think of the cost of such a dress. It was the first inkling she’d had that her companion might be slightly better off than she’d imagined, not like she’d given it any thought. But what convinced her were the Gucci shoes and the Ralph Lauren purse. She was sure they could pay her rent for an entire year.
Having a fling with a simple architect was one thing, even if there was nothing simple about the way her pulse was racing at the thought of Alex. But the thought that Alex was as wealthy as she was beginning to suspect caused her to pause as she felt a thin shiver of apprehension run through her spine. Michael had also been wealthy and what she’d come to find out was that people with more money than common folk usually felt that their money excused them from being decent human beings. Why be considerate of others’ feelings when you could buy them a string of pearls? Well, Michael’s pearls had paid for her first class ticket, she thought with satisfaction.
Dabbing a bit of Annick Goutal’s Petite Cherie on her pulse points, she breathed in appreciatively and immediately felt calm. Ironically, it had been Michael who had introduced her to this perfume when they’d first met and it had quickly become her favorite. She took in another breath and reminded herself of her resolve. This was just a fling and she needed to make sure she didn’t get emotionally involved.
***
Alex cast a sideways glance at Angie. She was staring out the window of the moving car. She’d been curiously silent since they left earlier. Maybe he made a mistake taking her to his grandparents’ party in his Aston Martin Vanquish. She’d taken one look at the car and turned strange. Though he had no idea what she had against the car, it was luxurious and comfortable and drove like a dream.
He looked at her again before returning his attention to the road. “Okay, what’s the problem?”
She turned to look at him. “What?”
“You are not talking to me. What’s the problem?”
Through the corner of his eyes, he saw her shrug. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Alex felt irritation rise within him at the aloofness in her voice. She had turned into the woman he’d first met, before they’d shared a bowl of ice cream and every available surface in her apartment and he couldn’t have that. “Sweetheart, I almost took you against the wall when you opened the door this evening. That’s how hot you were for me. Now I’m getting frostbite and I’d like to know why.”
He ignored her gasp and focused on the road. He needed answers or he was going to turn the car around and do what he should have done when she greeted him at the door wearing the dress he’d personally picked out for her.
He knew what she was doing of course. She was building walls. He recognized the withdrawal because it was what he’d decided to do when he’d left for his apartment that morning. That was before that blasted phone call which had left him hard and burning for her. He’d almost rushed back to her apartment but had made himself stay at the office and finish what he had to do. Then he’d gone to his apartment to get ready. Even now, he was in a state of partial arousal. He heard her sigh. “Was it the car?”
“I don’t know anyone who drives an Aston Martin,” she told him. “I don’t know anyone who can afford to drive one.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“You’re stinking rich aren’t you?” She made it sound like an accusation.
Alex couldn’t believe his ears. “You have a problem with the fact that I drive this car?” What if she saw the Ferrari or the Yacht? Or any of the other toys he had but didn’t take seriously? He choked down a laugh.
“I thought you were just a normal guy, you know…” she trailed off.
“I’m no longer normal because I drive this car?” he asked in disbelief.
“The things you bought me,” she gestured to the gown she was wearing. “This is Vera Wang.”
“So? You had a fight with Vera or so
mething?”
“Don’t patronize me Alex.” She sounded upset. “I have a good idea how much dresses like these cost and the shoes, the purse… now this car.” She sighed. “I’m not sure this was a good idea.”
Damnation, the woman was serious! Every woman who had been with him had wanted what his money could get them and now the one woman he wanted to be with had a problem with his money? Alex felt something tighten in his chest as he shot a look at Angie. He was falling for this woman and she would be leaving in less than a week.
Alex drove up the driveway of his grandparents’ imposing mansion and turned off the engine. They sat silently for a while before he turned to Angie. He stretched out a hand and curved it around her neck, bringing his face to hers for a passionate kiss. The kiss was hot and fierce, both possessive and tender. And Angie’s eyelids fluttered shut as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.
Breaking the kiss he touched his forehead to hers. “Try and forget about the car tonight okay? I want you to have fun. Will you do that for me?” She chewed on her lip, all pretense of lipstick gone, then nodded reluctantly. “Good.”
They got out of the car and as he handed the keys to the valet, Alex placed his hands on the small of Angie’s back and noticed the small shiver that went up her spine. No matter her reservations, her reaction to him was elemental. He intended to remind her of that much later.
Chapter Five
Angie remembered the conversation several hours later as she watched Alex sharing a smile with one of his many relatives. She couldn’t believe she’d actually referred to the Farhadi’s gala as a shindig. There was nothing shindig about that party. It screamed of wealth, complete with expensive champagne and jewel clad women. Alex had introduced her to his grandparents and she had promptly fallen in love with Samira Farhadi’s sparkling eyes and warm personality. The elegantly dressed woman had kissed her on both cheeks then proceeded to examine her from head to toe.
“You are a beautiful woman,” she stated simply.
Angie blinked in surprise. “Thank you Mrs. Farhadi.”
“Oh no, no, no!” She let out a delighted laugh. “Please, don’t make me feel any older than my age. Samira will do quite well.”
And Angie had agreed to call her by her name. She couldn’t blame the woman, she didn’t look like anyone’s grandmother. Angie said as much, which had elicited another delighted laugh from the older woman.
“Where did you find her, Alex?” she’d asked, keeping her gaze on Angie’s. Alex had laughed and explained she’d moved next door.
“If you’re wise you won’t keep her next door for much longer.”
Angie felt her face flush as she met the teasing eyes of Said Farhadi. Where his wife was petite and exquisite, Said was tall and lanky, with a rather distinguished air. He winked at Angie now and she chuckled.
Alex put his arms around her waist in an unmistakable sign. “You didn’t raise a foolish boy, Granddad.” He winked at his grandfather and led her towards the throng of guests.
“Don’t forget to bring her over in a few days,” Samira had called after them.
And that had set the tone for the evening. She had been undeniably Alex’s woman and even though she had never been anyone’s woman before, not even when she’d been married, Angie found herself enjoying the role. Alex had introduced her to so many people, but he hadn’t strayed from her side and had seized any and every opportunity to touch her. The message was clear to anyone who cared to read it. Alex had staked his claim.
Looking around at what looked like a gathering of the high and mighty of Malaysia - the Prime Minister and his wife were there, for goodness sakes! – Angie knew that the Aston Martin didn’t even begin to scratch the surface of how wealthy Alex was. She felt foolish for making a big deal about the clothes and accessories. He probably hadn’t even noticed the amount he’d spent. Watching him in this environment, it was as though he’d changed from the casual, easy going, semi-annoying neighbor to a high society playboy. If she were honest, the change had begun when she’d opened her apartment earlier that evening and seen him looking drop dead gorgeous in a tux. Instead of a bowtie, he’d wrapped a checkered scarf around his neck, looking at once like an international playboy and a desert warrior. Watching him now, Angie knew she was seriously out of her league. Not like it mattered. She’d be gone in a few days.
“You’re thinking about me.”
Angie felt goose bumps rise on her bare arms as Alex whispered in her ears. She snagged a champagne flute from a passing waiter and took a sip before sliding him a sidelong glance, “You’re getting conceited.”
He flashed his sexy smile. “I know I’m thinking about you and I don’t think you’re conceited,” he defended with a mischievous grin.
She rolled her eyes, hiding a smile behind the champagne flute as she took another sip. “You really need to do something about your flawed logic. Why didn’t I notice that about you before?” When he didn’t reply she met his eyes and the fire in them acted as kindling, igniting a slow burn inside her.
“Logic was the last thing we had on our minds,” He reminded her.
Angie felt desire rise up within her until it was almost overwhelming her. “Alex…”
“Cousin, introduce me to this stunning beauty.”
They both turned at the new voice. Something passed between Alex and the newcomer before he turned and flashed a smile at Angie. All she could do was gaze at him. He was about the same height as Alex, though slightly heavier in build and definitely over six feet. She could see the marked resemblance in the curly black hair, the long eyelashes and the finely shaped patrician nose. But where Alex’s eyes were open and friendly, this man’s were hooded and he had about him an air of reserve that was markedly absent from her companion. He was so utterly gorgeous that if she wasn’t already crazy about Alex she would definitely have given him a second glance. As it was, all she felt was slight admiration. Okay, a lot of admiration but no attraction for the man.
“Angie, this is my cousin and partner, Hussein Farhadi. Hussein, Angie Scot.”
Angie felt the hand she stretched out enveloped in his larger hands. He held on to her hands and slowly brought them to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. “I have a Yacht. When he’s done with you, we can go sailing along the Andaman Sea.”
Angie felt the blood leave her face as the smile completely fled from her face. She didn’t know what she was going to do until her fist connected with his jaw. She felt the sharp ache on her wrist but ignored it just as she was ignoring the fact that they’d suddenly become the center of attention. Instead, she drew herself up to her full height and stared straight at Hussein.
She couldn’t believe the bastard was related to Alex. Well, obviously the resemblance was there, but what a waste of good looks. She raked him with her eyes and slowly settled on his crotch before trailing her eyes back to his.
She leaned into him slightly and whispered loud enough for those standing close by to hear, “Your Yacht,” she put a slight emphasis on yacht and her gaze flickered down to his crotch again “isn’t big enough.”
She saw the glimmer of amusement in his dark eyes and grudging respect just before she spun on her heels and walked away.
***
“Damn Alex, your lady packs quite a punch,” Hussein said, his eyes trailing after Angie as he absently rubbed the spot where her fist landed.
Alex felt fury well up inside him as he stared at his cousin. He felt like one of the desert warriors of old and he knew that if he’d had a scimitar on him it would have taken all the angels of heaven to keep him from running it through his cousin. His looked around at the few people gawking at them in astonishment. Something in his gaze must have convinced them to quickly look away. He turned back to his cousin. “You’re a bastard, you know that?” he ground out with suppressed fury.
Something flashed in Hussein’s eyes but disappeared so quickly that Alex thought he’d dreamed it. “It’s no secret that I’m one is it?�
�
“Oh, spare me your self-pitying drivel! Your circumstance of birth has nothing to do with the cynical, black hearted asshole you’ve become. You listen to me, and listen good, Hussein Farhadi! If you’ve cost me that woman, you’re going to wish you were never born.” Alex spoke in a low voice, his fury unmistakable. He would have found the look of shock on his cousin’s face comical if he wasn’t so angry.
As he strode in the general direction of where he’d seen Angie disappear, he prayed she hadn’t already called a taxi and left. He could kill his cousin right about then. He mentally cursed the fact that he was always the nice one. Hell, he didn’t usually use swear words, so he wasn’t surprised Hussein had felt he could insult the woman he was with. He was the good natured man, the peace broker, the one who could laugh away an insult just to keep the peace. As he stood out on the front porch of his grandparents’ mansion, that man was nowhere in sight. He was coiled tight and felt meaner than a rattlesnake. Underlying the rage was fear. He needed to find Angie immediately.
He heard a slight sound somewhere to his left. He climbed down the short steps and walked to the porch swing by the side, stopping when he saw Angie seated there. She kept her eyes averted, staring off to the distance, but he knew she’d seen him. He moved closer to where she was, but didn’t get too close, he could feel his heart pounding in his ribcage.
“I thought you would’ve called a taxi,” he said quietly. She flashed him a look and his heart began to race.
“I don’t know where I am,” she replied. They were both silent for a while, then they began to laugh. “Can you imagine it? I’d already called Selesa Cabs then they asked me where I was calling from and I had no idea.” Her voice was filled with mirth.
With a mental sigh of relief, Alex sat down beside her on the swing. “You’re in Petaling Jaya. It’s an older part of town,” he told her. When she made no reply, he reached out and gently brushed the hair from her face. She’d twisted the ends and used some fancy chopsticks to hold them up at the back of her head but a few wisps had come undone. She looked so sexy. “I’m sorry about what happened in there.” He nodded towards the house where the party was still in full swing.
Holiday With Mr. Right Page 3
