Pumping faster and faster, I move my pillow over my face as I let go and come. My body is sweaty and shaking, wishing it was him there with me. I try to catch my breath as my eyes slip shut.
“Baron” is the last thing that slips from my mouth before I fall off.“Up, up, up. Time to go shopping.”
“Go away.” I groan rolling over in the bed and cover my head with the blanket.
“No way. You are going out to dinner with the Baron Roades. No, ma'am. You will not be going back to sleep. We are going shopping.” She says as she pulls the covers off of me.
“Esther!” I shout, grabbing them back to cover up my nakedness.
“Girl, please... You have nothing I haven’t seen before. Now get up. Up.” I look at her and note that she doesn’t even look embarrassed.
“I don’t have any money to go shopping. But thank you so much for caring.”
“Did I ask you for money? No! Get up. You have a hair appointment in two hours. We have to go to H&M first. Now up.” She walks out of the room knowing I will do as she says.
Half an hour in the bathroom washing my face, brushing my teeth, and looking at myself in the mirror. I walk back into the bedroom to grab a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, plus my hoodie and I am ready. We live in Chicago. Even if the weather is warm, going downtown, it is going to be chilly. Being by the lake sucks.
“Ready,” I tell her, walking into the kitchen.
“Perfect. Here is your bagel and a cup of coffee. Let’s go.” She ushers me out the door. I can’t help but wonder if I am going to regret this. Esther can be ...a bit much.
The first place we go to is H&M on Michigan Ave. There, she picks out a pair of black jeggings and a red strapless top with a crystal pendant sewn on it. She convinces herself that I need these Christian Siriano ankle boots with red stripes and a black leather motocross jacket. She is positive that no matter where we go, this outfit would work. Hey, what would I know?
We arrive at The Joseph Michael Salon downtown, and I have to say it is amazing. She set up an appointment not only for me to get my hair done, but also for me to get a massage and a makeover. By the time we finish, I feel like a new person. In truth, I look like a new person.
“Alright girlie. If I know you, you are going to be too nervous to eat tonight. So, we are going to have lunch and then we are going to go home so you can get ready. Does that sound good to you?” I can’t help but hug her. I have never had someone care about me as much as she does.
“Thank you. Thank you so much, Esther. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.” I say, forcing myself to not cry and ruin this expensive makeup job.
“No need to thank me, Frannie. You are like a sister to me. I would do anything for you. Now let’s go eat.”
By the time we make it home, I am full and less nervous. She shows me how to tie my hair up using a special scarf. I take a shower, being careful not to get my face wet. Getting out, I look at the clock and note I have 20 minutes to get ready. Putting on my clothes I feel feminine, sexy even.
“He’s here. He’s here!!” She runs into the room yelling. I giggle and shake my head at how much of a little girl she looks right now jumping up and down. I love this girl.
Taking a deep breath, I nod my head. Here goes nothing. As I walk down the stairs, I see him looking at all the paintings on the wall. I can’t help but note how hot he looks even from behind. Jesus. The man even has a sexy ass.
“Are you done staring at me, baby?” He asks, his voice sending shivers throughout my body. I nod my head, my voice deserting me. “So fucking sexy, Frannie. Every man alive is lucky right now that we are only going back to my house for dinner. I would cut out the eyes of anyone looking at you.” He pulls me close and looks into my eyes. “MINE,” he says right before he kisses the sense out of my head.
How am I ever going to think straight around him?Chapter FiveBaronI am one lucky man, indeed. These are the thoughts running through my mind as I help her into my car, and we begin the journey back to my condo on the Magnificent Mile. During the car ride, the tension in the air is palpable. Neither one of us says much, but everything she is not saying has me wanting to ask her a million things just to hear the sound of her voice. Damn, her accent drives me insane.