here?” he asked.
“No. I had a big breakfast. It should hold me for a while. I don’t want to ruin my dinner, after all.” She smiled, then added, “I’m looking forward to it.”
“So am I. And dancing afterward should be great. Hagia recommended a nightclub in downtown Brisbane that has a live band that plays all kinds of music.”
“Then by all means, let’s go there. You probably figured out from the other night that I enjoy dancing.”
Yes, he had. “Are you going back to your cabin now?”
“No, I think I’ll hang out here a while and try to get back into my book. If housekeeping kicked you out of your room, chances are mine is next.”
“Is it okay if I hang out here with you?”
“Of course.” They walked side by side back to the lounging chairs. He’d seen a group of guys—or more apt, a pack of wolves—standing near the bar. Their predatory eyes were watching every step Monica took. It was only when he stared hard at them that they stopped their ogling. It had been years since he’d felt territorial about a woman, but Monica was different. He would enjoy keeping her company…and keeping those hungry wolves at bay.
CHAPTER TWELVE
MONICA LOVED TO DRESS up, and her date with Landon was the perfect opportunity. One of the advantages of sharing a house with three other females was being on the receiving end of their beauty and dating tips.
She knew which lip color was perfect for her complexion, how to wash and blow dry her hair to get that salon look, even after a swim, and what outfit she should wear that was most likely to grab her date’s attention. Always one to pay it forward, she’d been sure to pass those tips on to Kelly. She’d need them, once she finally finished school.
Monica did a triple twirl in front of the full-length mirror. Landon had seemed to like the outfit she’d worn to dinner the other night, and she intended for the dress she’d chosen to wear tonight to have the same effect. There was nothing wrong with reminding herself that she was a woman—one who liked to be noticed and admired.
For tonight, she had selected a red dress she’d seen in a store window a couple of months ago. It had stopped her in her tracks—she’d had to go in and try it on. She hoped it had the same effect on Landon.
It was made of a mesh material that hugged her backside and curvy hips. And it was short, with a slit up the side that revealed a little thigh. The dress exuded elegance, romance and class. The sexy neckline was an eye-grabber, and the cold shoulder layered-ruffled sleeves gave it a stunning effect. She had paired it with dangling crystal earrings and her favorite pair of strappy black stilettos. Although she’d never worn this dress before tonight, she had modeled it a few weeks ago for her cousins and Sebrina. Everyone had raved about it.
Earlier today at the pool, it had been obvious that Landon had liked the way she looked in her bikini. Not only had he told her straight out, but she’d noticed him watching her when he didn’t think she was looking. Yeah, he’d like this dress.
She had just finished applying her lipstick when she heard the knock.
When she opened the door, her breath was all but sucked from her lungs. Standing before her in a pair of dress slacks and dinner jacket, Landon Chestnut looked too good for words—a mixture of handsome, dashing and debonair all rolled into one. And his scent was both masculine and sexy.
“You look absolutely stunning, Monica.”
His words snapped her out of her daze. “Thank you. And you look very nice yourself.”
He smiled and offered her his arm. “Thanks. And now, let our night begin.”
She took his arm, then closed the door behind her and they walked toward the bank of elevators. “Did you get much reading done after we left the pool?” she asked.
He nodded. “I finished the book I was reading. Now on to the next one in the series. What about you? Did you get pulled back into the story you were reading?” They reached the elevator, and he pushed the button to call it to their deck.
“No. I washed and styled my hair, then did a few other things to prepare for dinner.”
“Whatever you did, the results are astounding.”
She blushed. “Thank you.”
When the elevator door opened, they stepped on with a few other couples.