The Bad Boy Wants Me(34)

He lets his eyes wander hotly down my body. Damn him. I feel my cheeks begin to flush and my heart rate soar.

My aunt smiles at me. ‘I’m just about to make some tea. Would both of you like some?’

‘That’s really kind, Mrs. Carter, but I was hoping to take Tori out on a picnic.’

My aunt’s eyebrows shoot up into her hairline. ‘Oh. Yes, of course. What a splendid idea. Yes, yes, you must take advantage of this fine weather. That’s if Tori is happy with the idea, of course.’

I feel both eyes turn towards me.

‘What have you got in your picnic basket?’ I ask.

He grins. ‘I have no idea. I ordered the deluxe picnic basket from my local delicatessen.’

‘That’ll do,’ I say with a grin.

‘What time will you be bringing Tori back?’

I laser my aunt with an I’m not twelve look.

‘Just kidding,’ she says with a laugh.

Both Cash and I pretend to laugh with her.

‘Right, we should be off,’ Cash says.

‘I’ll call you later,’ I tell my aunt.

‘Please do,’ she says with emphasis, as she walks us to the front door. She remains at the doorway and watches as we walk down the drive. There is at least half-a-foot between us.

I smile up at him. ‘So how did you find me?’

‘Do you remember answering a little question called next-of-kin on your employee form?’

I nod. ‘I thought that information was personal and confidential.’

‘I slipped into that category last night when I was eating you out. Now might be a good idea to wave at your aunt, Buttercream.’

‘Don’t call me that,’ I say as I turn around to wave jauntily at my aunt.

My aunt waves back.

When I turn around Cash too is waving at my aunt.

He opens the car door and I slip into the black interior. Inside it is all sleek lines and so super masculine, I feel a bit like Naomi Watts when she was carried in King Kong’s oversized, leathery palm.

‘Fancy,’ I say.

‘It’s always nice when a girl is impressed by your … equipment,’ he says with a predatory grin.

‘Do you know I sometimes fantasize about slapping you?’

He laughs and guns the engine. The roar is incredibly Alpha. I get why these kinds of cars are standard issue for successful men the world over. It’s a good ole my-roar-is-louder-than-yours chest beating competition.





Chapter Eighteen


Tori

‘Where’s your security?’ I shout over the noise of the engine.

‘Let’s just say they’re still somewhere on the M25 driving in a standard issue Range Rover SUV and hoping I get to where I’m going to in one piece so they don’t have to look for a new employer tomorrow,’ he says flashing me a wide grin.

‘Why would you do something so selfish and juvenile?’

‘You wouldn’t understand, but sometimes I feel like I’m living in a bubble. I can’t go anywhere like a normal person. When I am in the States I can’t even fucking walk to my car, I have to run surrounded by beefcakes in suits. Today I wanted to just be any guy to take a girl on a date.’

‘Where are we going?’ I ask.

‘Pennyhill Park,’ he says.

‘Very posh,’ I say.

Minutes later we turn into an impressive set of black and gold gates. The grounds are beautiful with mature trees and hundreds of rabbits running around. The winding road takes us to a stupendous mansion house. Cash cuts the engine.

‘Wow! This is amazing,’ I exclaim.

‘Isn’t it just?’ he says as he hits a button. The door slides upwards and I get out and look around me in awe.

‘I thought we were having a picnic.’

‘We are. In our hotel room.’

He holds out his car keys to a liveried valet and tells him about the picnic basket that needs to be brought in. Then he holds his arm out to me. With a small smile I take it. I feel as if I am in a dream. How is it possible that this is happening to me? A small voice jeers. ‘Better enjoy it, Buttercream. It’s all based on a pack of lies and it’s going to come crashing down on your head very soon.’

‘What?’ Cash asks as we stand in the grand stone portico.

‘I didn’t say anything,’ I say.

‘Yes, you did. You said no.’

‘Oh. I didn’t mean to. Just overwhelmed by the beauty of this place, I guess,’ I lie quickly.

As we walk into the grand reception with its massive stone fireplace, I have the first inkling of what life is like for celebrities. The wide smiles, the excessive politeness, the starry eyes, the cannot do too much for you attitude. We are shown to the Heywood Suite, which is lavishly furnished in opulent fabrics.