I look at Dominic and nod. “Let’s do it.”
He smiles, a real, genuine smile that lights up his whole face. It’s so beautiful, my heart skips a beat and my breath hitches.
Maybe there is such thing as fate.
Chapter 3
Arin
“You have a private jet?” I exclaim, gawking at the luxurious cabin.
I’ve only flown economy, so an entire plane to myself is enough to gob smack me. There’s a fully stocked mini bar with polished glass tumblers, a small fridge loaded with all sorts of chocolate-covered fruits, a big TV built into the wall of the cabin, spacious white leather seats, and even a bathroom in the back complete with a functioning shower.
“Courtesy of my employer,” Dominic says. He’s checking something on his phone, brows knitted in a steep frown.
“Everything alright?”
“Need to make a phone call. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“And then we’re off to Milan?”
Dominic nods, flashing that rare grin of his. “Then we’re off to Milan.”
He climbs down the steps of the jet, phone pressed to his ear as he speaks in rapid-fire Italian. I settle into my seat, giddy as hell. Not only have I met a dashing stranger, but I’m also going to one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world!
Ever since I was a little girl, it’s been a dream of mine to be involved in the world of fashion. I used to pour over Granny Ruth’s old magazines from the fifties, sixties, and seventies that she had stored up in the attic. Watching fashion trends change over time was incredibly fascinating. I was less concerned with the models who wore the clothes and enthralled by the artistic process that went into a designer’s piece. From finding the right material to stitching it all together by hand to selling it directly to a client or retail… Everything about the fashion cycle blew my mind.
I had every intention of going to fashion school with the hopes of one day becoming a designer. I used to dream about my label being up there with the big players—Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Dior. Corey had other plans for me. He wasn’t exactly subtle about his disinterest in my passions, going on and on about how I’d have a better chance of winning the lottery than making it as an independent designer. No chance in hell. Besides, what does a married woman need with a career if she’s got a good, all-American husband to provide?
Looking back, I realize now how foolish I’d been, placing all my faith in him. He kept me financially dependent on him at every turn. Maybe him cheating on me is a blessing in disguise. At least now I realize I’ve dodged a bullet. I can’t imagine what would have happened to me if I’d legally tied the knot.
These changes… They hurt like hell, but for the first time in a long time, I’m hopeful that I can turn things around. I won’t let anybody stand in the way of doing what makes me happy.
Heavy footsteps climb up the jet’s stairs. At first, I think it’s Dominic returning to join me. I’m disappointed to see it’s someone else entirely, though they’re dressed in similarly cut suits. The man is a couple inches shorter than Dominic, and he has short black hair and dark green eyes. When he smiles at me, I catch a glimpse of the hole in his teeth. The man’s missing his right incisor, making his grin gappy and off-putting.
“Hello, gorgeous,” he drawls. “I didn’t know the boss was treating us to some in-flight entertainment.”
I frown, my stomach growing tight. “Um, hi? I’m Arin. Are you the pilot?”
The man approaches me without hesitation, dipping in to take my hand and press a kiss to the back of my fingers. It’s jarring how he shoves himself into my personal space like he owns it. “I’m not the pilot, baby doll,” he says. “But I can get my hands on a uniform if that’s what turns you on.”
A chill rakes through me.Ugh. Creep.
I take my hand back and squirm in my seat. “Dominic’s going to be here any minute. He said he had to make a call.”
Gap Tooth blinks, looking surprised. “You’re Dom’s girl? My, that’s a surprise.”
“Why would that be a surprise?”
“Oh, nothing. It’s just that my dear colleague promised to swear off hiring escorts for these sorts of trips.” Gap Tooth winks at me. “Got in a bit of trouble with our boss not too long ago, you see. He was accidentally charging the company card. You’re one hell of a babe, so I’m sure your rates are through the roof. I keep telling him cash is the way to go. We don’t want that kind of paper trail lying around, do we?”
I stand, absolutely disgusted. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “I’m not an escort!” I hiss. “How could you say such a terrible thing?”
Gap Tooth takes a step back, his face blank. I can’t tell if he’s putting on a show or if he’s genuinely caught off guard. “You’re… not a high-end hooker?”
“Of course not.” My face is hotter than the surface of the sun.
He puts his hands up in mock surrender. “I’m sorry, lady. It was an honest mistake. I’m just so used to Dom letting loose on these international business trips.”