chalked it up to nerves and the unknown.
She left her thick, dark hair down, letting it flow past her shoulders, brushing it until it was silky smooth. Light make-up and lip gloss completed her look.
"It's just dinner," she muttered to herself.
Walking over to the closet, she took out a pair of dark Christian Louboutin shoes, the five-inch heel raising her to a good height.
If she wasn't too careful, she might start liking it here. She had a decent size closet at home, but it was nothing compared to the elegance and designer style of this.
Brandon always splurged, buying expensive name brands, while she was still getting used to them having money.
But here, she had no worries. Hadley was loaded, and if she wanted to blow money on her, who was she to say no?
Oops. Not supposed to use that word.
Jogging back to the mirror, she modeled the shoes with her sexy outfit. She barely recognized herself.
She glanced over at the clock on her nightstand and saw it was time for dinner.
"Let's get this over with."
Walking to the door, she couldn't help but note the extra sway in her hips. Raya didn't know if it was the heels doing it, or if she was actually looking forward to the dinner.
A knock sounded at the door. Turning the knob slowly, she opened it cautiously.
"Raya." Hadley stood in the hallway, looking radiant in a black cashmere crewneck dress. It complimented her bronze skin and blonde hair that hung around her shoulders. Her sharp blue eyes traveled down her body, leaving Raya feeling breathless.
"Hadley, how are you?" Raya asked, suddenly feeling shy. She swallowed hard, seeing that her added height was no competition for the five-inch heeled boots Hadley wore, topping her at over six feet.
Hadley took her hand and tugged her out into the hallway. "Much better now that I'm in your presence."
Raya closed the door behind her, mesmerized by Hadley's gaze. Her cheeks warmed at the intense attention of the billionaire.
Hadley brought Raya's hand up to her lips and pressed a kiss to her wrist.
"Beautiful."
"Thank you." Raya swallowed hard, her core clenching with need.
All from a single kiss to her skin.
She almost wanted to pull Hadley to her and demand a kiss.
"Come. I hear Sue really went above and beyond for dinner tonight." Entwining their fingers, she guided her toward the stairs.
Raya giggled. "Well, if it’s as good as those rolls, then I can't wait."
"I told you that you were in for a treat. Sue is the best chef around. I have to keep her happy so she won't leave me for another rich employer," Hadley joked. Her laugh was deep, husky, and sent a tremor down her spine.
Raya paused at the top of the stairs and stared at Hadley.
"What's wrong, my love?" Reaching up, she brushed aside Raya's dark tresses from her face.
"I just realized that was the first time I've heard you laugh," Raya murmured. Out of all the years she'd known Hadley, the woman always gave off super-bitch vibes. Raya had tried to stay clear of her husband's boss.
There were times she would admit she was scared of the woman.
"Well, we'll just have to keep you around so you can hear it more."
Chapter Four
The food and wine were marvelous. Raya was never one to shy away from eating.
Food comforted her, and when it was as delicious as what she just ate, she didn't even feel bad about leaving her plate empty.
"Oh, my. Sue outdid herself." Raya reached for her wine and took a sip. The Chianti was a very dry, red wine. Though she leaned toward a decent glass of white wine, tonight, Hadley had chosen. The cherry aroma hit her nose when she inhaled.
"I'm glad you liked it. This is one of my favorite meals."
"Well, you certainly have good taste." Raya held her almost empty glass up to salute Hadley.
They had enjoyed their meal in the formal dining room at a table that could easily seat twenty people.
"That, I do." Hadley tipped back her glass and finished off her wine.
Raya smiled and finished hers off as well, the tart flavor coating her tongue. She closed her eyes, enjoying the flavor and wanting another glass.
She glanced up to find Hadley leaning back in her chair, her gaze locked on hers. The entire dinner, their conversation flowed with ease. It was as if Raya could almost forget she was bound to Hadley by a contract.
Candles burned bright on the table, providing the only light in the room. But now, Raya