Boy, he was possessive! I didn’t want to admit it but it made me feel good to know that he got jealous if I talked to another man.
“I just asked Sarah to be my companion for the charity event tomorrow night.” Conrad was oblivious to Joshua’s jealousy. It looked like the vein in Joshua’s neck was going to explode.
“Conrad,” he spoke through clenched teeth, “I have already made arrangements to take Sarah to the event tomorrow evening.” I looked at him. Really? Because this is the first I have heard of this!
“But Sarah is your new associate. Why don’t you take Natalia and I can escort Sarah.”
Joshua grinned through gritted teeth and patted Conrad on the arm. “Thank you for the offer ol’ chap, but everything is already set. Feel free to ask Natalia. I am sure she will be ecstatic that you asked her.” Joshua stood his ground like an animal claiming his territory. His body language was very clear that he was going to get his way. He also didn’t leave my side and that thwarted any chance Conrad had to speak with me privately. Conrad finally got the message and sauntered off to talk with Natalia.
I turned to Joshua, “I had no idea you were escorting me to the charity event.”
“No? Would you like to go with Conrad instead?” He playfully challenged me, daring me to say yes.
“No.” My voice was small as I realized that this would be our first formal date. A small panic set in at the realization of what the following night could hold. My palms began to sweat and suddenly I was very uncomfortable standing next to Joshua in public. Can everyone see how I feel about you?
He must have been able to see that I was uncomfortable because he placated me with words that only I could hear.
“We will have a wonderful time tomorrow evening. Don’t worry about anything. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your gown.” He inconspicuously leaned in to whisper one last thing. “Wear something special underneath just for me.” He gave me a quick wink that only I could see, and walked over to get another cup of punch.
I stood there speechless. He seemed to have this effect on me from the first day I met him. The thought of our date consumed me now that the big meeting was over and the work was done. The luncheon was finally dispersing and I went back to my office to pack up my things. A few minutes later, Samira was at the door.
“Sarah, it has been so wonderful having you here and getting to know you. I take it you will be attending the event tomorrow evening?”
“I will. The dress is formal, is that right?”
“Yes, a black tie event, evening gowns and tuxedos.”
“Are you going to be there Samira?”
“Yes, my husband is looking forward to wearing his tuxedo. He hasn’t worn it in years. I hope it still fits!” She broke out into tiny giggles and her laugh was infectious. We giggled like a couple of school girls. It was so nice to be around someone with such a refreshing spirit.
“I am so happy you will be there. A friendly face is always nice to see.”
“Yes it is. Do you need any help with anything?”
“No I am all set, thanks. I am going to call my car, go back to the hotel and get some much needed sleep. ”
“I understand. I am sure you are exhausted. Well, I must go. I will see you tomorrow evening.”
“Have a good night.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
There were a few times during this trip that I had to be honest with myself about how I felt about certain things. This was another one of those times. As much as I was not used to it, I was happy to have a glam squad on this day. I wanted to look perfect for Joshua. He was picking me up at 5:30 and I was almost ready. My hair, makeup and nails were flawless thanks to my glam squad. I wore beautiful black, lace lingerie from La Perla under my dress. And my dress. Oh my goodness. Even I was in awe of it. Fashion had never really been my thing but it was pretty easy to get used to the splurges. I am, after all, still a woman. My dress was a gorgeous ruby red, one shoulder, full length silk gown by Carolina Herrera. It fell over my curves in all of the right places and the fit was perfection. I wore black strappy Valentino shoes and carried a small black satin Christian Dior clutch. I was stunned by my reflection in the mirror. It’s amazing what having money can do. I heard the doorbell, and my butler announced that Joshua had arrived. I quickly dabbed one more drop of my Prada perfume before going down to meet him.
Suddenly my nerves went into overdrive. I took a deep breath and counted to 10 before descending the staircase. When I saw him, he took my breath away. He looked so incredibly handsome in his tuxedo. Is this really my life? His gaze never left mine as I made my way down the stairs. When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I walked over to him on somewhat wobbly legs.
He stood there silent for a moment before he finally spoke. “You look stunning Sarah. Absolutely beautiful.” His eyes roamed over my body as he took in everything I had on. I could see the hunger in his eyes, as they paused at my lips before meeting my gaze again. You are so beautiful Joshua. “I have something for you.” He held out a small black velvet box.
My heart was thumping in my chest as I opened it. Two beautiful, huge, sparkling diamond stud earrings gleamed inside the box. My mouth fell open.
“I can’t accept these Joshua.” I held the box out to him.
“Nonsense. Think of them as a bonus for all of your hard work this past month.”
“Bonus? You let me go on a very expensive shopping spree. I would think that was my bonus. Really, these are too much.”
“You don’t like them?”
“Of course I do. They are beautiful.”
“Then please keep them. I want you to wear them tonight. And the shopping spree was a business expense, not a bonus. You can keep everything you bought.”
I was flabbergasted by his generosity. I had no idea why he was being so kind but I would take it! I liked this gentle side of Joshua. I put in my new earrings and felt like a princess in a fairytale.
“Shall we go?” He held out his arm for me and it felt so perfect, my arm wrapped my arm around his. I had never been so happy.