A feeling that I no longer thought I was capable of.
I care about her. And not as her boss.
How is it possible that in such a short time, she has made me want to break all my rules? This slip of a woman jump-started my heart.
Stop.
There will be none of that.
No way in hell will I be made a fool of again.
Not after the last time.Not after Tabitha.
I’m still living with the mess that tramp made.
Even now, I’m picking up the pieces of the shit storm she’s created in London. No. I can’t allow myself to let Raven in.
Too fucking late.
Despite my attempt to distance myself emotionally from her, to keep my walls up, I still wonder what she’s doing.
I ache to see her.To bask in herlight.
Things are darker when she’s not around. I head to the door when I hear a light knock. Opening it, my breath catches in my lungs. She’s magnificent.
“Rae.” That’s all I can muster. Her beauty has left me speechless.
She smiles, a soft one that is almost shy, before looking down. “Thank you for the clothes. How did you know my size?”
“I have my ways.”
“British and a spy...”
“Don’t even go there,” I laugh out, well aware she’s about to make a Bond joke. “Let’s just go to dinner.” Raven rolls her eyes, and I smile.
Taking her hand, we travel down the lift to the main lobby and out into the piazza. “Up for a short stroll?”
“Sure. What did you have in mind?”
“I know of a divine restaurant. I think you will love it.”
“Lead the way,” she says, and together, hand in hand, we make the short walk to Ristorante Savini.
Raven’s footsteps stop, and I look over at her to see her shake her head. “Charles, I am not dressed for this place. It’s way too fancy.” She touches the floral cotton dress I purchased for her.
“There’s no dress code. And if there were, you’d still be fine.”
She nibbles her bottom lip, and when she does, the desire I’m barely able to tamp down whenever I’m in her presence is back.
“Rae, you have no idea what you do to me, do you? Let’s go eat so we can get on with other things.”
“What kind of other things, Mr. Cavendish? I thought the evenings were for rest and relaxation,” she coos playfully.
“Oh, they are. All in due time, sunshine.”
As we sip our wine after our extravagantly delicious meal, I can’t help but want to know more about this alluring woman across from me.
“Why Columbia for your MBA?” I ask, and the change of topic has her eyes going wide, but she’s quick to recover.