Love at Stake (Entangled Covet)(11)
Yet another reason why they’d never work, she mused as she wandered over to the dress rack. She browsed until her fingers touched the silky material of the loveliest dress she’d ever seen.
It was a cocktail gown. It was simple for her tastes but far more elegant than anything she’d ever worn. The bloodred gown would hug her curves, and the one-shoulder design would highlight her long neck while hiding other sins. It was beautiful.
She glanced at the price tag and whistled. Beautiful and more than her rent.
“Sorry, gorgeous,” she whispered. “You’re not going to find a home in my closet.”
Shame. The dress was a piece of art.
Lucian called her name. After a last look at the gown of her dreams, she turned back to her vampire.
And promptly forgot how to breathe.
Dressed in black from head to toe, he wore a suit that fit him like a custom-made glove. He looked modern, sophisticated. Her gaze ran over him and she added dangerous to the list. Lucian was not a man one would want to cross. He would smile one moment and bury you the next.
The most handsome man she’d ever met moved toward her. He walked with a grace she’d never be able to emulate. Next to him, she felt like an ugly duckling.
“Did you get everything you needed?” she asked. It took a few tries to get the words out.
“Yes. The clothes will be delivered tomorrow. However, I thought I’d take this outfit now.”
“Good call.”
He smiled his Cheshire cat grin. “Will I win a compliment from you this time?”
“You have to know how stunning you look.”
Moving quicker than she could track, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her up against his chest. “Perhaps. But it is gratifying to see such an awed look on your beautiful face.”
She laughed lightly, trying to ignore how her body leaped in awareness just to be near him. “Look in the mirror, Mr. Redgrave. I’m not the beautiful one.”
“Then you don’t see what I do.”
Abbey stilled, looking up into his blue eyes. Did he really think she was beautiful? The hopeful wish was cut short when she remembered who he was meeting tomorrow. This was her last night to play Cinderella before he was taken away by his own kind.
Last night, she thought, her gaze dropping to his lips. Couldn’t she risk a taste of paradise before it was gone? No one had to know.
Lucian lowered his head, his mouth brushing against her earlobe. “If you keep looking at me like that, we will scandalize the nice people at Armani.”
She blushed, becoming aware of the stares being cast their way. No doubt they wondered what such a dashing man was doing cradling someone like her.
“Sorry,” she muttered, twisting free from his hold.
He dropped a brief kiss against her shoulder. “Never apologize for desire.”
The look he gave her was scorching. She stepped away, wanting to fan her cheeks.
Lucian made a few last requests to the Armani team before ushering her out the door. Standing on the sidewalk, Abbey eyed his new look. The modern, sexy Lucian was a hell of a lot more tempting than the staid, old-world Lucian. And she knew the lucky supernaturals paired with him would think the same.
Lucian seemed completely at ease with his transformation, and she supposed when one had lived for centuries, reinvention was nothing new.
Mentally she shook herself. No matter what century he fit into, he was off-limits to her. And with his purchases made, their time together was coming to an end. He’d found everything he needed. There was no reason to play his personal shopper anymore.
“Well,” she said, shifting awkwardly, “I’m glad this evening was such a success. I’ll leave you to the rest of your night. Remember, you have a date tomorrow night at Celeste’s.”
“You mean to leave me?”
She hesitated, realizing that was the last thing she wanted to do.
His fingers twined through hers, pulling her closer. “Come, Abbey. Spend some time with me. You can give me pointers on modern first dates.”
As if this man needed any tips on seduction. She almost snorted at the idea. Still, the desire to stay was tantalizing.
Vampire, she thought. Not to mention a top client. She was not jeopardizing her job for a man with fangs.
“We provide a pdf with dating advice for first-time users,” she said. “I’ll send you a copy.”
“I prefer the personal touch.” His blue gaze fell to her mouth.
Abbey bit her lip, watching as his eyes darkened. “It’s late.”
“Not to me.”
“You don’t have to be at work bright and early tomorrow.”
That wicked grin curved his lips again. “I won’t keep you out too long.”
Giving in to her urge to play a little, she stepped closer. Their mouths were a breath apart, much like the way he’d teased her all night.