feeling she thoroughly enjoyed.
When he was finished massaging her scalp until Riley thought she might curl up on the shower floor and fall asleep, Chaz eased her back under the spray and rinsed her hair clean. Riley reached into that same alcove and pulled out the bottle of body wash. There was a cloth on the shelf as well, and she filled it with body wash before replacing the bottle.
She touched it to his chest first, watching the big frothy bubbles cover the toned pectorals and move down his sculpted abs. She washed his whole body, wondering if he was experiencing the slow burning warmth spreading throughout like she was. After he rinsed, Chaz returned the favor and before long the shower was over. Chaz turned off the water, but they did not move. They stood in the center of the shower stall, water dripping from their bodies, and simply stared at each other. As if really seeing each other for the first time.
It was in that moment that Riley knew. It had come to her sometime during the night—this crazy idea that she and Chaz could be like this for real, in public and in private, for a very long time.
It had come to her and now she worried there was no turning back.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ON MONDAY MORNING Riley rode in the back of the town car with Chaz. The windows were tinted and the driver, the man she’d seen driving Chaz many times before, stared straight ahead as usual. Riley wondered if he knew who she was and, if so, why he hadn’t leaked to the press how many times he’d seen her and Chaz together. It was a sobering thought, especially since she’d spent the entire weekend in Chaz’s apartment not thinking of their affair as a secret at all. In the privacy of his home they’d been free from any scrutiny or recriminations, something she was certain they both enjoyed.
“This week is going to be hectic for me,” Chaz said. “I’m sure your schedule is similar.”
She ran a hand down the leg of her pants. When it seemed apparent that she would be spending the weekend with Chaz, they’d taken a quick trip to her penthouse to grab some clothes. Still, they’d decided it was best for her to abide by her normal workday routine and drive her own car from her building garage to work.
“Definitely,” she replied. “Our show is Sunday and there’s still so much to do. We have the media brunch on Saturday and from what I heard parts of the show are still being choreographed.”
“I had no idea how much work went into these shows,” Chaz continued. “We had a situation at the rehearsal on Friday that I’m sure I’ll have to deal with this morning.”
“Really? I hope it wasn’t anything that’ll affect your show.” Riley meant those words.
King Designs was a great fashion house that produced quality work. She could admit that regardless of what happened between her father and Tobias. And to be quite honest, she was anxious to see their collection this season, especially since this was the first time Chaz had been actively involved in the business.
“I’m not sure.” His words and the pensive look on his face said he was truly worried about whatever had happened.
“There’s always something at the last minute. Some glitch with the technical plans for a show or, more serious, an issue with a design. If things ever went too smoothly we’d probably all need to be concerned. But I’m sure it’ll work out.”
She reached for his hand and squeezed. When he looked at her and smiled, Riley felt the familiar warmth they shared.
“I’m sure your new collection is going to be a big hit. Your family will be impressed, and the press will have no choice but to give you the respect you’ve earned.”
Riley smiled and let that bit of validation settle over her comfortably. His confidence in her had never wavered and because of that she believed his words.
“I know I didn’t design the gowns but I feel like this entire collection is mine. I’ve worked so closely with the designers and production team to bring this new vision into fruition. Usually I’m all about my numbers and reports but this time I actually had the opportunity to put all my research into a product that RGF can be proud of.”
Chaz lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “You’re good at what you do, Riley. I know that and