How strange. Creepy even. What kind of person buys new sheets a few days after they meet someone?
But even as my head says what the fuck, my body screams hell yes.
I want him obsessed with me. Some part of me does. Some part of me that's been dormant for a long time.
"Ms. Miller?" The British man asks. "Do you need some assistance?"
"No. I'm good. Uh, who are you?" I check my hair—as messy as it gets—and adjust my shirt. Then I move into the main room.
Sure enough, there is a British man standing next to the dining table. An Indian man in a sleek suit. Like the one Ian wears but less expensive.
I'm not sure how I can tell. Maybe I can't. Maybe I'm imagining things.
This guy is still handsome and put-together. But without the presence Ian has. He doesn't seem like someone who knows he's rich and powerful.
I guess he's not. Not if he's Ian's assistant.
"It's lovely to meet you, Ms. Miller." He offers his hand.
I shake. "Eve is fine."
"Of course, Eve. I'm Aalock. But I go by Lock. I work for one of Mr. Hunt's companies. Though I mostly work for a friend of his. Shepard Marlowe."
One of Ian's business partners. A finance guy. Also handsome. The spitting image of Prince Eric. With less smiling and more I'm going to tie you up vibes.
"I only mention Mr. Marlowe as he's part of your plans for Thursday evening," the British man says. Lock, I guess. "He's going to join you and Mr. Hunt at dinner. Along with his wife. Mr. Marlowe's wife. Not Mr. Hunt's. Mr. Hunt is no longer married."
"You're dating a rich, divorced guy?" Addie looks to Lock for information, but he keeps a perfect poker face.
"It's uh… complicated." My gaze flits to the giant gift on the table. A sleek black box with a deep teal ribbon. "Is that for me?"
"Yes, though your sister took a peek," he says.
"Hey! I thought that was our secret," she says.
"Ah, but you didn't ask me to pinkie promise." He winks at her.
She giggles. "It's… well, I won't ruin the surprise." She holds up an envelope with her full name written in gold script. "We're invited to an exclusive party. At the beach."
"We are?" I ask.
Lock nods.
"Apparently, Mr.—"
"Lock, please," he says. "I'm here to assist you in finding attire for the party. Mr. Hunt will be taking you to the Hamptons next weekend. This should be ample notice." He looks to me, checking if I understand. Not saying more in front of my sister.
"Yes, I appreciate that." My eyes flit to Addie.
She mouths what the fuck?
"You don't want to go?" I ask.
"I had to beg you to go to the beach last weekend."
"I'm converted."
She laughs yeah, okay. "Do we have a plus-one?"
"Ms. Miller, I believe that information is on your invitation. But I assure you, if you don't have a plus-one, I'll find a way." He winks at her again.
Is he flirting? Or just friendly?
It's weird. But I guess it's not a concern. She's not interested in men. Or anyone besides Marisol.
"Ms. Miller." He turns to me. "Whenever you're ready, we can leave."
"Leave?" I ask.
"A shopping expedition." He holds up another envelope. The kind that holds a credit card. "Mr. Hunt wants to make sure you're comfortable in your attire for dinner."
"Oh."
"He does have one request," he says.
"What is it?"
"That you wear your combat boots."
My cheeks flush.
"At dinner. And after," he says.
"After?" Realization spreads over Addie's face. "Oh. After."
My blush spreads to my chest.
"Oh my God. Are you actually getting laid? Evie, that's great."
"Sex is important," Lock says.
Oh my God, kill me now.
"Excuse me." I slink to the bathroom. Pee. Wash my hands. Wash my face. Brush my teeth.
Die of embarrassment.
The perfectly mixed chai—plenty of cinnamon and cardamom and almond milk—eases some of my awkwardness.
I'm still beet red. (The curse of paleness. A curse Addie did not inherit. She's a little darker than I am. With lighter hair and bluer eyes. She'd make a perfect California girl if she wanted to change coasts).
I just care less about the embarrassing situation with a chai latte in my hands.
Mmm.
How does Ian read my mind? Does he hack into my emails? Or is it just some power he has?
No, I told him I love chai last night. It's normal he knows. And I did mention something about almond milk. Maybe.