Mia was in a pair of navy blue cargo shorts that sat just below her knees; a camouflage, tight-fitting T-shirt showed her petite figure off. She was wearing her trusty gray and pale pink sneakers.
Cody was also dressed in a pair of cargo shorts, but his were in a camel color, and he was wearing a baggy vivid yellow T-shirt and socks, shoes were a struggle to put on as his ankle was still swollen. Mia thought he looked so cute, padding around in his stockinged feet.
They made it through to the lounge. There were banners hanging from the ceiling and streamers from the walls, tables and chairs had been brought in from other rooms, and a lot of effort had been made.
“Well, what do you think?” Sarah asked from behind them, making the couple jump.
“It looks fantastic, Sarah, great job!” Cody said.
“Terrific job, Sarah, I love the streamers,” Mia exclaimed, turning to look at Sarah, who looked fit to burst with pride.
“Yes, they were a finishing touch. We’ve booked a DJ for tonight, Cody and outside caterers, so it should be a really good evening.”
“Wow, I’m impressed, Sarah, well done you. Thank you so much,” said Cody, making the pretty girl blush all over again.
“It’s no problem. I know tonight’s important to you. Look, I had these printed to hand to the guests tonight,” Sarah, said handing both Mia and Cody a pamphlet each.
Wow, the girl’s gone above and beyond.
The pamphlet was impressive, to say the least. It was three pages filled with information relating to Thrill Seekers and the work done there. Sarah had done her research well. It mentioned the activities carried out and how they helped to build the youngsters self-esteem and confidence. How the center provided short vacations for teenagers that otherwise couldn’t go due to financial constraints.
It made for great reading and was bright, colorful, and eye-catching. Sarah had excelled herself; Cody had only asked her to ensure the lounge could host the party, not actually make sure it was party ready.
“This is outstanding; Sarah, I love it! What do you think, Mia?” Cody exclaimed, looking straight up at Mia from the chair he was now sat on.
“Brilliant job, you’ve done the center proud, Sarah,” she replied, handing her pamphlet back to Sarah.
The pretty receptionist beamed. “Wonderful, I’m so pleased you like what I’ve done. Will you be down early tonight?”
“Yep, we’ll aim to be down here before the guests begin to arrive,” Cody replied, nodding his head and looking for reassurance from Mia that he’d given the right answer.
“About seven p.m. sound okay, Sarah?” Mia asked.
“Perfect, see you then; it’s so exciting!” The receptionist left them to it as she wandered over to a couple of guys fixing up yet another banner and began instructing them on how to hang it properly.
“She’s done so well, hasn’t she?” Cody mumbled to Mia as he stood up.
She nodded her head, feeling some of her long hair falling onto her face. Cody gently brushed it back behind her ear, and she kissed his fingers softly; he put his arm around her waist, and they left the dining room.
“We better get you back to your room,” Mia said.
“I like the sound of that, pixie.”
“I meant to rest, nothing else!”
“Of course. What do you take me for?” Cody squeezed her waist and chuckled in her ear.
“A sex-crazed guy, that’s what I take you for.” She laughed, entering the elevator. The elderly couple they’d seen before upstairs stepped out as they got in. “Who are they, Cody?”
“They’re staying here as their grandson’s here for the week; his parents were killed in a car crash so they raised him. He’d only come here if they came with him, so I arranged a room for them.”
“My Mr. Nice Guy, that’s you!” she whispered, helping him into the now empty elevator.
“That’s me. I just didn’t want him, Nathan, to miss out on coming to Thrill Seekers just cos his grandparents couldn’t come with him. It’s already doing him good being here, you can really see a difference in him, and that’s what the center’s all about at the end of the day, Mia.”
“Well, I for one think you’re brilliant!”
“Yeah, well you’re biased anyhow, cos you’re having sex with me, pixie.” He laughed.
“There is that. But I’d still think you were brilliant for all the work you do here even if we weren’t having sex.” She believed what she said too. Cody was brilliant for setting Thrill Seekers up and for all the hours he put into the place.
She felt his arm tightening around her waist as he pulled her toward him. Cody leant against the side of the elevator, smiling down at her; Mia’s heart still skipped when she looked at him. She’d never felt like this about anyone before; when she wasn’t with him, she thought about him constantly and missed him terribly.
He bent down to kiss her lips, lifting her face gently upward. Mia’s tummy fluttered when his soft lips found hers; every time they kissed, it was like the first time again for her. He held her face gently, keeping his kiss light and tender.
Without letting her face go, he looked deeply into her eyes, “So what are you wearing tonight, then pixie?”
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out!” she replied, looking up into his gorgeous pale blue eyes.
“Spoilsport!”
Mia smiled and stood up on tiptoe feeling grateful for her soft, flexible sneakers; she kissed his lips, putting her arms around his muscular neck and pulling him closer. Cody stroked her hair softly, and she kissed him harder; the elevator jolted to a stop on her floor.
“You coming?” Mia asked with her arms still wrapped around his neck.
“No, I’m gonna catch some sleep pixie.”
“Can you manage?” she asked concerned about his ankle.
“I’ll be fine, Mia. I only need to make it from the elevator to my room and then to the bed. You should get some rest too cos I know how long it takes you to make yourself beautiful.”
She glared back at him as she left the elevator, “You saying I’m not already beautiful?”
“These lips are sealed!” He laughed.
Mia loved what they had between them. It wasn’t all about being hopelessly head over heels in love with each other but also about having fun with each other; joking like mates. She loved that side of their relationship as much as the romantic side.
She went to her room thinking about Cody’s words about how long it took her to make herself beautiful; in some ways, he wasn’t wrong. Mia knew it’d take a while to prepare for the party; there was a lot to do, and she wanted to look perfect. This would be the first time she’d officially be with Cody as his girlfriend, and she needed to look the part and support him tonight.
No doubt Izzy will be dressed sexily; I’ve gotta up my game tonight, for sure.
Mia had already unpacked the dress she intended to wear tonight and hung it in the closet; now she opened the closet doors to see it waiting patiently on its hanger.
The color was vibrant red; the material was lace, and the design was breathtakingly sexy. It had two thigh-high splits, similar to the black dress Izzy had been wearing the night she visited Cody’s room. The tight-fitting bodice had a tie-up fastening to the front, the same design as her yellow maxi dress and sat just across the top of her breasts; showing off a tantalizing amount of cleavage. The dress was tight-fitting and long, skimming Mia’s ankles when worn.
“What will Cody think of you?” she muttered. “Now for a plan of action for you,” Mia was playing with her loose black hair as she spoke, and gazing in the mirror, she held it up, away from her slender neck.
Cody may prefer you down, but with the dress and the sexy look I’m going for, I’m wearing you up!
Mia had been fortunate enough to have a mom with long hair when she’d been growing up, and also a mom who’d taken the time to teach Mia how to put hair up in a variety of styles.
Thinking of her mom made Mia feel guilty as it�
��d been a while since she’d contacted her parents; she settled down cross-legged on the bed, her navy blue shorts revealing her evenly tanned legs. Her cell in her hand, she searched her contacts list for her mom and dad’s number.
29. Chapter Thirteen
Mia smiled as she ended the call to her parents; they knew all about Cody and were itching to meet him. So far, Mia had managed to avoid the awkward introduction between her boyfriend and her folks.
She wasn’t embarrassed of either one, but just didn’t see the need to rush anything and present Cody for their approval. Mia loved him, and the opinion of her mom and dad wasn’t going to change that. In the past, she’d introduced boyfriends and received nothing but criticism for her choice in guys: she wasn’t prepared to hear negative words said about Cody.
Her mom would like him, of that she was certain, but her dad was a harder person to please. He’d scrutinize Cody and all but interrogate him, and Mia didn’t think Cody was ready for that just yet.
Her cell beeped, ‘Hey u how’s it going? x’ it was Eliza.
‘Hey how’s the rock festival going? x’
‘It’s so cool Mia wish u were here x’
‘& I wish u were here. There’s a party 2nite x’
‘Shit & I’m gonna miss it! x’
‘Yeah but it won’t be thrilling Eliza cos it’s a fundraising event x’ Mia felt guilty as soon as she’d typed the words; God, you spoilt brat, the party’s for Cody and for the center, not for you to have the time of your life at!
‘Be brill 4 the center though Mia x’
It seemed that Eliza had read Mia’s thoughts.
‘Of course it will I didn’t mean it 2 sound the way it did ☺ x’
‘I know u didn’t. What u gonna wear 2nite? x’
‘A sexy red dress wait up I’ll get u a pic x’
Mia aimed her cell at the red dress and snapped away; after a few minutes, the pictures were with Eliza.
‘Wow bet it looks great on be sure 2 send me a pic 2nite x’
‘Will do. Right I better go enjoy yr festival & say hi 2 Dwayne love u x’
‘U enjoy 2nite & say hi 2 Cody love u 2 x’
Mia missed Eliza so much. They were in touch most days via text, but it was never the same as actually spending time with her. Mia felt happy, though; she’d caught up with her parents and Eliza, so happy that she hummed to herself as she went for a shower.
There was plenty of time before the party. Mia’s tummy rumbled as she stepped from the warm shower, and she suddenly realized she’d not eaten lunch. She and Cody had shared breakfast together, but since then, Mia had eaten nothing.
“Wonder if there’ll be food tonight?” she muttered, drying herself off with a soft fluffy towel. Mia decided to text Cody to see if he knew anything about the food situation for the party ahead.
‘Hey u, I was thinking will there be food 2nite? Cos I’m starving☺ x’
Within minutes her cell beeped, ‘Hey pixie, yep Sarah’s got caterers coming remember? x’
Mia felt like a foolish idiot for not remembering what Sarah had said, ‘I remember now sorry were u asleep? x’
‘No couldn’t sleep so had a shower now getting dressed x’
‘Me 2 u gonna be there 4 7pm? x’
‘Yep just b4 7pm I’m the host after all ☺ x’
‘Ok I’ll be down early 2 see u soon x’
‘Looking 4ward 2 seeing u all dressed up pixie x’
She hoped he wouldn’t be disappointed with her dress. He’s a guy, how could he be disappointed with a dress that shows leg and cleavage?
“Maybe you prefer more cleavage like Izzy? For God’s sake, Mia, pull yourself together girl!” she scolded herself and then realized how bizarre she must sound; not just talking to herself but telling herself off too.
She applied some white musk scented body lotion and began to dress by firstly stepping into a pair of beautiful black lace panties with an exquisite butterfly design on the back. They were low-rise bikini style panties and one of Mia’s favorite pairs; she pulled them over her slim hips and glanced in the mirror to admire her figure.
Mia’s eyes followed the natural curves of her hips, her thighs, and looked admiringly at her flat and toned tummy. She knew her petite figure was the envy of many women, and although she wished her legs were longer, Mia was relatively happy with the way she looked.
She turned away from the mirror and reached for the dress. She knew the back of the dress hung exceptionally low, resting just above her ass, so a bra was definitely out of the question. Mia was wearing nipple covers for the first time; Eliza had mentioned them ages ago when she’d been wearing a backless top.
Luckily I remembered and didn’t put body lotion on my nipples!
This had been a tip she’d read in a girly magazine because the adhesive wouldn’t stick to your skin if it’d been moisturized. Mia thought the whole concept of sticking something to your nipples was very alien, but the dress was low at the front with no back: she also knew if Cody stared at her in a certain way, her nipples would be erect in no time at all.
She carefully took the nipple covers from their packet and peeled off the self-adhesive backing. Mia placed them on the bed face down ready to put on and just stared at them!
“Hmm, can’t say I’m particularly thrilled about this guys,” she muttered, looking down at her rose-tipped nipples. “Now you’re talking to your nipples, who does that?”
Mia giggled to herself, picking one cover up carefully from the bed and placing it onto a nipple; she gasped as the silicone felt cold against her warm skin. It adhered easily to her skin and felt comfortable enough. Mia looked in the mirror when she’d put the other cover in place and had to admit they looked good and did the job perfectly.
She stepped elegantly into the red dress, enjoying the feeling of the lace against her warm as honey skin; pulling it up over her black lace panties and putting her arms through the spaghetti style straps, she brought the bodice part over her breasts.
Mia looked in the mirror. “You really work, no lines from a bra, and no hard nipples showing.”
She was impressed; tying the bodice front up tightly, she felt like a girl from the Victorian era being tied into a tight-fitting corset.
I hope you appreciate all of this, Cody!
But it wasn’t all about Cody, tonight. Mia wanted to look nice for her own sake; she loved being able to dress up and go out feeling like a woman. Too many times as a reporter, her attire consisted of jeans or pants of some description. Her closet was never filled with many skirts or dresses—a handful at most, including her pale yellow maxi dress.
She took ages with her long black hair: styling it into a messy type chignon. It was a style that’d taken Mia months to perfect; her mom had shown her several times how to achieve the look, but it wasn’t until recently that she’d actually perfected it. Cody hadn’t seen her hair in a chignon yet. Mia pinned some delicate little white flower clips to hold it in place, and taking her hand mirror, she looked at the back of her head using the bigger mirror too.
The white flowers stood out in a striking contrast with her glossy black hair.
Her make-up was heavy and dramatic, and as she slipped her petite feet into her killer heeled sandals, she sighed softly; tonight was a big night for Cody, and she hoped she didn’t let him down.
Posing for a selfie for Eliza, she smiled nervously and sent the picture before she changed her mind.
Her cell beeped almost instantly, ‘Gorgeous, looking great Mia knock em dead girl! X’
That was all the motivation she needed, and after quickly typing a thank you back to her mate, she left her room with her little black clutch purse in her hand.
She was so nervous waiting for the elevator, and she’d no idea why; it was only a party. Yeah, but a really important party to Cody. Her little voice had a way of making her feel worse.
The elevator opened, and she joined a few excited teenagers chatting animatedly about the evening ahead
. Mia noticed one of them was a very pretty girl with a similar backless dress on; now Mia started to relax as at least her dress seemed to fit the occasion.
The doors opened, and everyone jumped out.
“Wow, Mia, you look stunning,” Sarah’s voice squealed. Mia looked up to see a very beautiful-looking Sarah in front of her. She was wearing a sexy black cat suit, which showed her small frame.
“And so do you, love the outfit, Sarah,” Mia replied, giving the shy receptionist a quick, friendly hug.
“Thank you. Cody’s in the lounge, last seen chatting to some guy and looking totally bored,” sniggered Sarah as she linked arms with Mia and began guiding her toward the noisy sounding lounge.
Mia was glad of her company, it alleviated the problem of entering the crowded room alone; the teenagers from the elevator had already made it to the lounge and were happily gossiping to other youngsters.
Mia envied them of their carefree attitudes.
“Hey, you two both look beautiful,” Cody said as he came rushing over to them.
Was going for sexy; thanks, but suppose beautiful will do!
He was wearing smart black pants with a crisp white shirt and a black tie, and his hair was back in its traditional low ponytail; he was clean-shaven, and Mia noticed his fresh-smelling cologne as he leant over to kiss her lightly on the cheek.
“You look so sexy, pixie,” he whispered in her ear, making her feel better about his ‘beautiful’ comment.
“And you look so damn hot,” she whispered back, making him smile down at her.
“Come on, let me introduce you both to some people,” he said, taking Sarah’s hand while wrapping his arm around Mia’s waist.
God, Sarah will never forget tonight the way she feels about Cody—him holding her hand would’ve sent her into raptures.
They were led over to a small group of people. “This is my superbly efficient receptionist and my superbly sexy girlfriend,” Cody announced.
Did he really just introduce me as his sexy girlfriend?
Mia felt like she should curtsey but refrained and simply smiled, “Hello, pleased to meet you all.”
Interview with a Billionaire: Billionaire Romance Box Set Page 20
