Undeniably His(5)

“He’s obviously interested in you, Belle. Why else would he want to see you tonight? And over dinner?”

“He wants to know if I’ll accept his offer.” I shrug. “If I accept, he can cancel the rest of his interviews for the week.”

“You are so sweet, and soo naive.” She gently bites her forefinger while she eyes me in the mirror, showing her perfect teeth behind her full lips. “When he takes one look at you in that dress, he’s going to cancel the rest of his week, all right.”

We both giggle at the comment in the full-length mirror. Lia plays with my hair.

“It’s just an offer, Lia.”

“He sounds just a bit too eager to me,” Lia says in a suggestive tone. “He likes you.”

I turn to face her. “I could understand it if this were you, Lia. It wouldn’t be hard to miss the temptation. But me? I’m a plainy Janey compared to other girls. This is a job interview, plain and simple.”

Lia laughs at the comment. “Beautiful and naive. You are a prime target.”

I slap her shoulder playfully. “Shut up. Naive maybe.”

“Hey, listen to me.” Lia grabs me by my shoulders and looks directly at me with her big gray eyes. “I’m being serious now. I can tell you there are plenty of guys wanting to know your relationship status. Super-hot guys, too. Trevor’s friends, among others. I don’t know what you think, but you are gorgeous, Belle. I’m not saying this to give you a self-esteem boost, though that probably wouldn’t hurt.”

I gape at her.

“I’m saying this so you wise up…and fast. Stop being so naive.” She glares at me with irritation.

I pout at her.

“And stop pouting. This is for your own good.”

“I just think you’re missing the whole point of this meeting. I am about to be hired as a marketing assistant to the CEO of TALVIS Advertising. Don’t rain on my parade, Lia, because I don’t get very many of them.”

“Girlfriend, I want the best for you too. You know that. I’m just saying be careful.”

“I know. Thank you. It’s just that I’m under a lot of stress, and if this isn’t a job offer, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

I sit on the bed and wipe a tear forming in my eye before it becomes obvious I am about to cry.

“Belle, I told you not to worry about the rent. Stop it. You’re such a worry wart. I’m sorry. You’re right. Let’s just see what happens first.”

I stand up and spin around in a playful gesture. “How do I look?” A smile returns to my face.

Lia shakes her head at me and crosses her arms. “Too hot for your own good.”

I purse my lips at her. Suddenly we hear a car horn, and Lia and I look at each other with excitement. I scamper to the living room and peek out the window from behind the curtains to see a black and lava-gray striped Porsche Cayenne GTS. “Nice ride,” Lia says while holding my arms and peeking out the window with me over my shoulder. Kalin jumps out of the vehicle and strides up to the apartment entryway.

“Oh, my God, he’s gorgeous.” Lia leans her chin on my shoulder while bracing my shoulders with her hands.

I turn to face her. “I told you!” I say, my eyes wide. I make my way to the front door, and turn to Lia for one last check. “Are you sure I look okay in this dress?”

“Dangerously seductive,” she teases me.

I bite the corner of my lip and turn to open the door.

“Good evening, Miss Ried.” His deep voice booms through the doorway and into the small apartment.

“Good evening, Mr. Davis.” I give him my best smile, but I feel my face tighten with nerves. “This is my roommate and best friend, Lia Marzella.”

“Miss Marzella, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“You too, Mr. Davis. Nice car. Limited edition?”

He cocks his head at her.

“I can tell from the design stripes.”

“Good eye, Miss Marzella. It is indeed a limited edition. There were only a thousand made and a hundred sold in the U.S. It was the only way I could get those colors.”

“It’s beautiful,” Lia rasps with gleam in her eye.

“Thank you.” He gives her a warm smile before returning his attention to me. “You certainly look exquisite this evening, Miss Ried. Shall we?”

“Drive carefully,” Lia quips.

“I’ll get her home safely. I promise.” He flashes Lia a wry grin. My heart is pounding in my chest. Calm down, Annabelle. This is supposed to be your future boss! This isn’t a date. Is it?

I can feel my cheeks flush as I look up at him. He gives me his arm, and I wind my arm through his and smile coyly. His bicep ripples against my slender arm, and sends a tingling sensation down to my stomach. “Did you find the apartment easily enough?” I mutter to interrupt my own nerves.