Hooker(42)

He replies almost instantly.

Brock: I miss you too, beautiful. I’ll be arriving at M’s shortly. Hopefully I can arrange to see you again this week. x

I hope so too.

Jade: I’m free on Tuesday. Tonight I have a function to attend with Theo.

I’m not going to mention anything about my Wednesday night appointment. If by some miracle he can convince M to agree to tomorrow night, I’ll discuss it with him then. I hate to think how my situation must make him feel. I know if the roles were reversed I’d be devastated. I don’t want to share him with anyone. I want him all for myself. Maybe I need to open up more, so he understands the predicament I’m in. It’s not like I have a choice.

Brock: Brilliant. I’ll work on tomorrow night then. Can I call you?

I’m not sure that’s a good idea while I’m still in one of M’s cars. Being the controlling bitch she is, it wouldn’t surprise me if she has her vehicles bugged.

Jade: I’ll call you once I arrive back at my apartment. I’m still in the limo.

Brock: I look forward to it. <3

I’m smiling as I clutch the phone to my chest when I see the heart at the end of his message. Is this what it feels like to be in love? If it is, it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.



‘You look beautiful,’ Theo says, when Rupert drops me at his house. The function we’re attending tonight is formal, so I’m wearing a gorgeous silver gown. It’s strapless with a bead-encrusted bodice above a skirt that falls softly to the floor in a wave of tiny pleats. The only jewellery I’m wearing is a pair of diamond stud earrings. My personal hairdresser has styled my hair into a loose low bun that sits at the nape of my neck. I feel like a princess. Getting to dress up on a regular basis is the only perk that comes with this job.

‘Thank you. You look rather dashing yourself,’ I say, when he kisses my cheek. There’s something about a man in a tuxedo, especially someone as handsome as Theo. I can just imagine how dreamy Brock would look in one.

‘Is there anything special I need to know about tonight?’ I ask him once we’re seated in the back of his limousine.

‘Nope. Just smile and look beautiful as always, leave the rest to me.’

‘So be your arm candy, in other words?’ I hope he can hear the humour in my voice.

He laughs. ‘Something like that.’

‘How are things going with Adam?’ Theo’s been dating Adam for a few months now.

‘We split up.’

‘What? Oh no, Theo.’ I rub my hand gently down his arm. ‘What happened?’

‘He didn’t like the double life I was leading. He hates that I pretend that I’m straight when I’m not. We had a heated argument, and he gave me an ultimatum. I don’t like ultimatums, so we broke up.’

‘I’m so sorry to hear that. Doesn’t he realise why you do it?’

‘Yes, but he doesn’t understand my reasons.’

‘Oh, Theo. One day the right man will come along, you’ll see. He’s going to love you so completely, the only thing he’s going to care about is being with you. Nothing else will matter.’

‘Like you and Brock.’

‘I wish,’ I say with a sigh, hooking my arm through his and resting my head on his shoulder. I don’t think this thing between Brock and me will ever be more than it is, but a girl can dream. Dreams are free. I’m sure he’ll eventually tire of having to pay to see me. ‘I like him so much, Theo. So much that sometimes my heart hurts. I’ve never felt like this before. Never.’

‘I get the impression he’s smitten with you too, pretty girl. You’re an easy person to love. If I didn’t bat for the other team, I would’ve snapped you up years ago.’

His comment makes me laugh. ‘You really think he’s smitten?’

‘I know he is.’ He rests his hand on mine.

I walk into the grand ballroom of the luxurious hotel with Theo, smiling and greeting everyone he stops to talk to. These events can get pretty boring, but I’d much rather be here with him, than with the majority of my other clients. And after his revelation in the limo, there’s no way I’m going to be able to stop smiling.

My mind drifts to Brock while Theo listens to some short, chubby man babble on about how successful he is. I really don’t understand people who feel the need to constantly big note themselves. I guess Theo feels the same, because within minutes I hear him say, ‘If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll take my gorgeous date for a spin around the dance floor.’

‘You hate dancing,’ I say, laughing as he guides me across the room.