C5 I FELL...

She raised her chin and gave me a direct gaze. "I had no background knowledge of it. Our first date was set to take place on Friday.

She was exonerated. Evidently, she had not been informed of this client either. My acquaintance wasn't part of a plan to withhold information from me, so I could relax. "I'm not up to the task." I stood up from the couch and waved my hand in disapproval before pacing from one wall to the next.

She was so shocked that her mouth was hanging open. "What? Why?"

You're going to eat some flies. Better shut it. Once more, I collapsed onto her couch and covered my eyes with my arm.

I peered over my arm as the sofa sagged.

She awaited my disclosure.

I sat up after sighing. He's very enigmatic. Rosalyn was of little assistance, and he didn't give a profile. She ignored it, acting as if nothing was wrong. She is breaking the rules for the first time, according to my observation.

"What? Rosalyn failed to provide you with the client's profile details. Joy scowled and appeared perplexed.

My throat was dry, and the room was whirling. I huffed. I had the illness. I let some air flow through my shirt. " No. She mentioned his importance as though that were sufficient. Why can't he get an ordinary date if he's so powerful and wealthy?

What did she say regarding your resignation? It was her.

My temples' nerve endings hurt. I rubbed them, shut my eyes, and mumbled a response. "What was even more odd was how strangely nice she was. I'm unsure of what she may be holding in reserve.

Gracie nodded. "Aren't you reacting too much?"

I seized a square cushion made of red velvet and embraced it. "I'm not sure. This man is unlike anyone I've ever seen before.

She did a chest rub. Has he been Googled?

"Sure," you say. When I got in the car, the first thing I did was Google him to death. The internet, I see. How do I tell if the information I'm reading is true? And why the devil did he not complete the profile? I learn nothing about the individual from reading about how his company's stock performed in the previous quarter.

She shifted when her arms were crossed. Would a snobbish, arrogant billionaire waste time creating a profile with an escort agency?

My mouth curved downward into a frown. I had lost all sense of reality regarding escort services and the men who utilized them. I kept looking at it, but I couldn't figure it out. Would you ever hire an escort service?

"Good point, hmm. Is Friday still planned?

My thoughts were racing. Friday was rapidly approaching. I pulled a few hairs away from my cold forehead. "Yes, charitable event. I just need to get ready and go with him. Joy, it's only one night.

She tensed up and pursed her lips. "Yes. Just one night," she pleaded, her eyes fixed on the ground.

As I looked at her closely, heat filled my nose. "What are you withholding from me?"

Her eyes widened as she made eye contact, and she jerked up. "Nothing."

I murmured, "Okay," raising my voice at the end.

She let her shoulders sag while keeping an eye on me out of the corner of her eye. She admitted that it's uncommon for a client to engage an escort for just one night.

I just didn't want to accept that she was correct. " I'm certain he won't want any more after only one date with me. I wouldn't say I'm the most attractive person there.

Her brows creased. "Silence, Victoria. Do you not notice how many people are watching you as you move around?

Although she was kind enough to make me feel better about my appearance, we both realized I wasn't a supermodel. Nowhere near. "He selected you, a stunning leggy blond. Not me," I emphasized.

Who cares? It's just an agency picture, and appearances don't mean anything. I wouldn't even be in this business if I had your intelligence. She chewed her bottom lip and then pulled her lips together as though to prevent herself from speaking the truth.

On my face, an uncontrolled grin appeared. "Exactly. After one date, I'm done. I'm leaving for college. I hope he's not some insane murderer.

Her eyes became wider as she cocked her head to the side. "Did he seem insane?"

My entire body awoke as I visualized his satanic eyes and strong jawline. I wished I could stay there and taste him from head to toe. I dismissed the idea and hunched my shoulders. "No. He appears to be completely uninteresting. Not at all my style.

Joy raised an eyebrow and did a double-take. Have you got a thing going on with this guy?

My sore neck was being massaged. I don't want her to think I'm interested in him; it is the last thing I need. It wasn't true, and if she felt I liked him, she wouldn't have returned to take my position. Instead of attempting to pair me up with the nearest lonely bachelor, I needed her to get back to work. I cocked my head up. Definitely not.

Her eyes glowed. She groaned as she rose from the couch and threw a hand to her hip. "You enjoy him."

I bit my cheek while licking my lips. Joy, get comfortable; you're unwell.

Victoria Allison, It's obvious from the look on your face that you have feelings for Steve Clifford.

No matter what is written on my face, I won't break the law to please a client. In a million years, "I would never, ever fall for anyone from the agency."

The days flew by very quickly, and Friday arrived earlier than anticipated. At five o'clock, I began getting ready. With shaky fingers, I applied my makeup, and when I realized it wasn't perfect, I cleaned my face and started over. As I entered and carefully pushed the dress up, it clung to my body in powder blue satin. The dress hugged the flare of my large hips, and the fabric highlighted my feminine indentations.

My father's voice echoed through the doorway: "I don't think I've ever seen you pay such close attention to your outfit before."

As I ran to him, the garment's plush material whirled about me. "Dad, you need to go to bed. What on earth are you doing?

"I'm trying to talk you out of going. I have no power to prohibit you from leaving that door because you are no longer in high school. However, I'll be damned if I let you go without giving you some wise counsel.