His money meant nothing to her, but the way his friends stared at her made her think they were assuming the worst. She’d never be a gold-digger. The concept of using a man for money disgusted her. Lana was more than happy making her own living. She earned enough to keep her going. The bills she kept in the safe would be paid without concern. The two jobs paid for everything she needed.
When he’d paid the waiter she’d nibbled her lip with unease. Kent simply placed a credit card on the tray and that was all. There was no money, and she hadn’t been given a menu with the prices. The place must have been expensive, and there was no way to find out how much dinner actually cost.
Twirling the spoon in her cup of coffee, Lana sat down at the kitchen table. Her hair was bunched up on top of her head. She’d been awake for twenty minutes before rising, simply lying in bed waiting for the time to go by.
Sipping the hot liquid, Lana took her time thinking over the last day with Kent. After the meal he’d brought her home and sat with her watching a movie and eating popcorn.
Blowing out a breath, she stared at the clock. He’d be knocking on her door soon. Should she cancel? She didn’t have his phone number to cancel. As she was about to get changed a knock sounded at her door.
She opened the door wide enough to see Kent stood waiting. “How do you get inside my apartment building? You never beep for permission,” she said
He lifted up a spare key. “I asked the manager to give me a key.”
“That’s not fair. He shouldn’t have given you one.”
“I’ve found money can be a great incentive, along with telling him I was your boyfriend.”
Lana glared at him. “That’s not fair.”
“Are you going to let me in?”
She sighed then unlatched the lock. Opening the door, she stepped back then wrapped the robe around her. “I was going to get dressed.”
“I see your indecision, Lana. What’s wrong?” he asked, stroking her cheek.
“I don’t think I should be the one to go with you to your parents’ house for dinner.”
“Where is this coming from?” Kent asked.
Lana moved away from him. “I’m nowhere in your league. We’re friends, and your family might think I’m something I’m not. I don’t know if I can live with that.”
Her excuses were ridiculous. There was nothing she’d like more than being with him.
“My family will know you’re my friend. Nothing is going to happen, Lana.” He stroked her arms before leaning down to kiss her lips. She kissed him back, and they both froze. Their breaths mingled. She stared up into his eyes. He was so close. This shouldn’t be happening. Her heart pounded as he brushed her lips once again.
“Lana?”
She licked her lips tasting him on her tongue. The tension in the room terrified her. What was happening? There was an underlying attraction between them. She’d sensed their attraction, and she’d be stupid not to have recognised it.
“I’ll go and get dressed.”
Kent pulled away. “I’ll be waiting here for you. Just be yourself. My family are not expecting anything else from you. Please be yourself.”
“I can’t be anything else but myself.” She smiled at him and then closed her bedroom door behind her. Lana rested against the door.
What the hell just happened?
She couldn’t even comprehend what happened. One moment they’d been talking about his family, and then he was brushing his lips against hers. Neither of them had crossed that line before. Biting her lip she moved to her wardrobe. Most of her clothes were jeans and shirts with a few skirts mixed in. The two summer dresses she owned were stored away to preserve them.
Pulling out her favourite pair of blue jeans she settled on a red blouse. Her underwear was plain and black. She’d never win awards for fashion, but she looked reasonable. Leaving her hair down she left the makeup and settled on her glasses rather than the contacts she preferred to wear.
Opening the bedroom door, she spotted Kent looking through one of her cookery books. She cleared her throat gaining his attention. He looked up and froze.
“You wear glasses?” he asked.
“Yes. I tend to wear contacts though, but today I think glasses would work.” She needed the added layer to keep him away. Lana didn’t know if she’d be able to resist him.
It’s all in your head. There’s no way Kent wants you.
He’s got supermodels and beautiful women hiding in his bed. You’re nothing compared to them.
I’m real.
Men don’t want real women.
“Are you ready?” he asked. She sensed his disappointment.