“I have a dog,” Genise told him when he asked if there was anything that would be affected by her weeks of travel. “Zoey will be staying at my parents.”
His eyes sparkled at the news of her pet. “It helps that you like dogs. What breed?”
She’d forgotten he was a shifter. That he could become a powerful predator if he so desired made him even more fascinating.
More questions bubbled and she slid a look at the reporters who, by some miracle, were now conversing, seeming to have forgotten them for the moment. “She’s a Min Pin. About that. I find it interesting you date women who are not like you.” Genise took a bite of tuna tartar, the savory hints of sesame and the fish intermingling deliciously on her tongue.
The rise and lowering of his broad shoulders accompanied by the corner of his delicious mouth lifting fogged her senses. “My pack is small and being I rarely join them makes it hard for me to have any rights to the females.”
Shifters had come out of hiding some five years earlier and the government finally set laws in place to protect them against persecution. As much as they could, anyway. When it came to people that differed from what society saw as the norm, there was still much they kept secret. For the most part shifters kept that part of themselves secret.
As a public figure, David was an advocate for his kind.
Elusive and private, wolf packs were close-knit and did not allow insiders into the fold. The only identifying thing was their government assigned last name of Wolfe, most scoffed at the last name, but no David.
In an interview she’d watched when David was asked why he’d chosen such a public profession, he always gave the same reply. “I enjoy modeling. My pack encouraged me.” Each time, Genise noticed the slight tightening along his jawline.
Referring to her question about him dating outside his kind, Genise commented. “And the world is grateful. The media catalogs your every relationship. I’m sure there is a long line of women who would kill to be in my shoes right now.” Genise batted her eyes at him over the rim of the wine glass. “Right now, everyone sees me as a very lucky girl.”
His brow crinkled into what she recognized as his signature scowl. Butterflies invaded her stomach. Every expression on his gorgeous face was a pure delight. “And yet, I had to hire someone to be my girlfriend.” He must have noticed the paparazzi’s attention because David nuzzled her neck. “Things are not always as they seem, Miss Snow.”
“Why do I find it hard to believe any woman who is in your pack would not jump at the opportunity to be with you?”
He let out a long breath. “What about you, Genise? You are beautiful, polished and independent. Your portfolio is impressive. For a woman only thirty, you can afford to pick and choose whom you date or work for. I find it just as hard to understand why you are not regularly sought after by men eager for your attention.”
His description of her sent her straight back to a plush seat in the reality section of the people bus. He’d embellished of course. This was all part of the play-acting.
No matter how much he fawned over her or what kind of bugs fluttered in her gut, it was imperative she keep the reality forefront in her mind. That she’d been obsessed with the supermodel was nothing different compared to millions of women. And now he’d pinpointed the one area of her life that she didn’t want to think about.
“I have not met the right person. There are too many women just like me, David. Not enough, how can I put it? There are not enough men searching for a woman who won’t kneel at their feet at the end of the day and beg to serve them. Besides, I’m not skinny.”
By his puzzled look, he didn’t seem to understand what she’d described. Of course not. He was a male, after all. Her eyes widened at realizing it was what women probably did around him all the time. Shit.
“I don’t want that.” His simple statement surprised her. “I’m tired of it.”
“It’s refreshing to hear.” She lightened the conversation. “How about another glass of this delicious wine darling?”
His chuckle was smooth as velvet. “Of course, dear.”
“I have one question for you.” She swirled the wine before meeting his gaze. “Isn’t it against your kind’s rules to date a woman who is not at least part shifter?”
“Only for the alphas. They must marry a woman with at least one wolf parent, you know, to keep our kind going.” His countenance changed. The wall that erected between them was tangible. “I am a beta wolf.”
He ate and glanced once again at his watch. His elegant fingers curved around the base of the wine glass while at the same time a soft growl formed at the base of his throat.
It wasn’t until another male came into view from behind him that she noticed him. The man was tall, blonde and drop-dead gorgeous.
“David.”
“Evan.”
When Evan lifted a brow as if waiting to be introduced to her, David let out a breath. “If you have something to say, say it.”
Without a word, the male turned to Genise. “Evan Wolfe.” His smile was predatory.
“Genise,” she said and shook his hand.
His gaze mesmerizing and Genise struggled to look away. “I hope you are enjoying your very public evening.” The man slid a glance at David. “I expect to see you next week.”
When David’s gaze met Evan’s, it was direct, non-apologetic. “We’ll see.”
There was nothing beta about David Wolfe. However, there was no doubt the other male was a leader.
Chapter Three
“I still can’t believe you’re about to go traipsing about the globe with David Wolfe.” Sally Blanchard, Genise’s best friend and co-owner of Blanchard & Snow Marketing, stretched her arms over her head. Both sat on the floor with Genise’s coffee table between them. Their planners open so they could compare and set up schedules.
Genise’s had notes neatly written into date blocks for the following days from the schedule she’d received from David via email.
Sally’s datebook was crammed with deadlines and notes related to their marketing business, yoga classes, book club meetings and dates.
“I can’t believe I’m doing it, either.” Genise studied her planner, grabbed an airplane sticker and placed it on the calendar space for the next day. “Oh God, Sally. Am I just living out a dream come true only to return a crumbled mess, requiring years of counseling?”
Sally let out another heavy sigh. “We are adult women who play with stickers. Jeez, look at us. I just put a cupcake sticker beside my next date’s name. And you hunted through a stack for an airplane sticker. You will be fine, nothing a good couple weeks of mindless sex, alcohol and Etsy shopping won’t cure.”
“I don’t think I’ll need the mindless sex.”
Sally held up a sheet of David Wolfe stickers Genise had made just a few weeks earlier. “Let’s be honest. You are going to be riding him like a pony, the first chance you get. Then you’ll convince yourself you can keep it platonic. Then he’ll crook his little finger and you’ll be sucking him off before he uncurls it.” Her lips curved. “Oh my God. You are so lucky.”
Genise laughed. “I can only wish that will happen. I doubt he’s ever dated anyone in a double-digit dress. That I can remember, he’s only dated skinny models. The reason I was chosen is because he will not have a problem keeping it platonic. I’m curvy, and have an unruly mop of hair.”
“Don’t tell me your self-esteem is suffering already.” Sally gave her a narrow-eyed look. “If so, you are cancelling it all immediately.”
“No,” Genise said, although, admittedly, she’d weighed herself for the first time in a long time. “I am comfortable in my skin. I’ve never had any complaints from men I’ve slept with. Quite the opposite.” Her lips widened into a bright smile. “God, remember Manny? He would beg me to call him and then was offended by my booty call.”
“He will still come if you call.” Sally laughed. “Poor guy has it bad for you. Addicted to your sweet nectar.
&nb
sp; “Eww,” Genise replied giggling. “That sounds so nasty.”
Sally made sucking noises until both fell over laughing.
What Sally said was true. There was no way to argue what she’d already decided would happen between her and David. It was only a matter of time. Once alone with him, she’d be unable to help herself. If he didn’t, she would make the first move. There was no way she would return not having at least kissed him and not the superficial public kisses either. She wanted heavy breathing, tongue and fingers through hair. That kind of kiss.
If their first meeting was any indication of the chemistry between them, any time alone was dangerous. The thrill at knowing that they’d be at his flat in London for a couple days had kept her smiling since leaving the pretend first date.
“Have you ever slept with a wolf?” Genise refilled their wine glasses, careful not to splash any merlot onto their precious planners, stickers and pens.
Sally’s face split into a wide grin. “They are the best in bed. I mean they can go non-stop. You haven’t lived until you do a wolf.”
“Non…stop?”
“Oh yeah,” Sally continued, not noticing Genise had put her glass down. “I’ve slept with two shifters. Both were the same. Non-stop for hours” Her friend pressed her lips together. “They are insatiable.”
Genise’s hand shook a little as she picked the glass back up. “Can’t say I’ve ever with a man who was insatiable. Maybe it’s best if I keep my panties firmly on.”
“No you won’t,” Sally said with a chuckle. “Call me when you do and tell me everything.”
* * *
The doorbell buzzed just as Genise pulled her suitcase to the door. She’d splurged with the bonus money from David Wolfe and purchased a beautiful Juicy Couture designer bag in her favorite color combination of pink and brown. She let out a breath and opened the door. “Oh,” she exclaimed expecting a drive. Instead David stood in the doorway.
“I’m almost ready. I just have to grab my purse and tote bag.”
Her mouth instantly went dry. When he crossed the threshold and looked down at her suitcase, her apartment seemed to shrink. “I like your place,” he said, looking around the sparse space.
“I don’t have much in the way of furniture, yet. I’ve only moved here a few months ago.”
His amazing, bright, blue eyes met hers. “Yes, I know.”
Duh. Of course he did. The resume they’d required was almost ten pages long. She managed a smile. “Not sure you’d remember every detail.”
“I do.” He looked away and she took a breath. More like a gasp since she’d been holding her breath. “Shall we?”
Dressed in a chic coral mini dress and white wedge sandals, she grabbed her matching white Kate Spade bag.
She moved to the suitcase only to realize he held his arms open. A hug? Did he want a hug? “Okay.” When his arms wrapped around her, the strength in his solid presence seeped into her. She finally relaxed against him.
“Genise.”
“Mmm?”
“Although I enjoy hugging you, I was motioning for what you wanted me to carry.”
Shit. She jerked away. “I thought it was one of those comfortable around each other things.” Although her face felt hot, she tried to laugh it off. “We need to work on your body language.”
Ever so slowly, his lips curved up. “Note taken.”
The ride to the airport was uneventful as he remained on the phone the entire hour it took to get there. Not wanting to be left out, she pulled out her phone and texted Sally, who demanded a selfie of them. She looked to David. His brow was crinkled as he explained to someone how he could not possibly add anything else to his already overburdened schedule.
Her first thought was, who says “overburdened” and second was, how does he keep dates straight without a planner?
She texted Sally back. I can’t take a picture right now. He’s on the phone.
Do it anyway. Take one without him knowing.
It will violate our contract.
I won’t show it to anyone, you know that.
Holding the phone as if reading, she took a quick shot and texted it to Sally.
When she looked up, he pinned her with an “I know what you did” look and she grimaced.
She’d signed a confidentiality agreement that she’d not share anything to social media. So she texted Sally again threatening to kill her if she shared anything. Good thing she could trust her best friend.
When the driver pulled up to the curb at the airport, David met her gaze. Show time. “Remember, if you feel out of sorts, just tell me you need a break and I will find somewhere private for you to regroup. It can get very hectic.”
It was hard not to tell him that if she handled working for her last boss, who was Satan’s meaner sister, surely she could handle a few fashion shows, paparazzi and dinner parties. She assumed a serious expression. “I will do my best.”
“That’s my girl.” He leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes fell closed until the blast of cold air hit her. The kiss was timed perfectly to when the door opened.
Like ants to a candy on the sidewalk, people gathered, openly gawking to see who emerged from the Town Car. Genise cringed thinking how she’d stalked David online and knew when and where he traveled through a complicated network of David Wolfe fans. Cell phones were pointed at them as David got out first and then helped her to her feet.
It was strange to watch him. He knew the women were there, but did not engage them. Neither did he seem to snub them, a genuine smile on his face. He took their rolling suitcases from the driver, stacked hers atop his and waited until she hoisted her oversized, pale pink tote onto her shoulder. Once she was done, he took her hand and guided her through the sliding doors into the airport.
Only one woman was brave enough to call out his name. He turned and nodded, but did not stop. No one bothered them inside the airport, but he did not release Genise’s hand.
It was as if he needed the touch; something solid to hold as he moved through the public space while garnering so much attention.
After only five minutes, Genise wanted to make faces at people and tell them to mind their damned business.
* * *
Italy was blissfully different. No paparazzi or gawkers. Another driver met them at the airport and spirited them away. Genise hung on to the car door handle for dear life until finally accepting the possibility of her impending death. It helped that David told the driver in what sounded like perfect Italian to slow down.
Upon arriving at a majestic hotel, they were escorted without having to wait to a lavish suite of rooms where a tray of bread, cheese along with an opened bottle of wine awaited atop a table set for two on the balcony.
Genise was exhausted and temples pounding she stole a glance past an open set of door to where she assume was a bedroom. Although she’d never flown first class and it was amazing, it had been tiring to keep pretending to be David’s girlfriend. The envious glances directed to her by other women and the overt friendliness of the air stewards were enough to make her nauseous. Finally, she’d fallen asleep with her head on his shoulder, her last thought a silent prayer she’d not drool on his expensive shirt.
“Why don’t you freshen up?” David suggested, removing his jacket. “Unfortunately, my agent and several others are due here in…” He looked at his watch, “Half an hour, so no time to relax yet.”
She followed him to the expansive bedroom. The décor was modern and breathtaking. French doors opened to a small balcony with a perfect view of the city. Sheer curtains fluttered in the wind, the sounds of a classical piano piece filled the space. “Wow.” She put her tote down while looking around. “This is beautiful.”
It was strange when his gaze scanned the place, as if he’d not noticed the plushness of the space. “I suppose it is.”
After the interesting comment, he left his suitcase where it was and returned to the front room.
She unzipped her sui
tcase and pulled out a pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans and a bright pink Juicy Couture off the shoulder t-shirt.
For an entire day, she’d drifted in and out of stores that, on most days, she walked past. It had been like a dream to purchase a wardrobe for the trip and the money they’d given her had more than covered for a weeks worth of outfits. David’s rep told her more clothes would be provided for her upon arriving.
The entire experience was exciting, almost like the movie “Pretty Woman”, except for the prostitute part. Or maybe not. Genise giggled and stole a quick look to the doorway.
This was a close to a hooker as she’d ever get. She did plan on sleeping with him and he was paying her.
Genise blew out a breath. Not the time to think about such things, especially with people coming. She wondered if the people who’d be there shortly were aware of the charade. She’d not thought to ask.
After a longing look at the bed, she shuffled to the bathroom with the clothes and her make up bag.
Once again, she stopped to gape. The posh, stark white space included a huge shower and towels so plush she planned to nip one. She splashed water on her face and reapplied mascara and lip-gloss. By some miracle, her normally out of control, wavy hair looked rather nice after she ran her comb through and applied just a bit of hair product.
She removed her underwear and replaced them with a fresh pair. The formfitting jeans skimmed over her curvy body just right. On her feet, she kept the comfortable, white wedges that showcased her bright pink toenails.
The voices of several people alerted her that the people David expected had arrived. The butterflies returned full force and she placed her hand over her stomach.
“Time to meet his peeps,” Genise mumbled and strolled with what she hoped was confidence into the large space.
Without having to look, it seemed as if David knew the moment she entered. He turned and regarded her. The steadfast gaze helped settle her some. For an instant, something flitted in his eyes, but it was gone before Genise could figure if she imagined it.
Magic and Mayhem: London Howl (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Southern Shift Book 3) Page 2
