Page 107 of Company Ink

"It'll be a night you'll never forget," he grins. "I promise you that."

And for some reason, I know he's not lying.

thirty-three

romance is (not) dead

There are no jobs in Seattle. None. At least none that I really want. I've sent out around thirty resumes to various companies, most of which are looking for office administrators, something I don't really want to be doing but at this point, it doesn't matter.

Adrian and I have barely talked this week. He's had to work overtime almost every single day. I guess having an assistant is crucial in his line of work. Kitty said that the office has been insane, that Blake has been a total nightmare. David got roped into helping Blake, and Kittyswearsthat she saw David crying in the breakroom at one point. Poor guy, but also, hah karma.

I've been wearing the same leggings and hoodie for four days now, but hey, I'm funemployed, I think I have the right to be a lazy slob. I've earned it.

But tonight, is the night.

My first official date with Adrian and I'm honestly so fucking excited. Not just because I get to dress up, but because I miss him. Only him.

Monique has been an angel this week, handling my mood swings like a certified professional. She's given me enough advice to last the rest of the year.You need to focus on what you've got, Cassie, not on what could've been.She's right. I can't force someone to be upfront. I can't convince someone to be real with me. I can't dwell on the could-haves and should-haves. I have Adrian. He's stepped up. He's given me what I want. A commitment. Security. And that's what I need to focus on.

Adrian: Hello beautiful, are you ready? I'll be outside in 10 mins

Cassie: Just putting on some finishing touches ;)

Adrian: Can't wait to see you

Adrian: and remove those 'touches' at the end of the night

Cassie:??smooooth

Grinning, I drop my phone on my bed and twirl around my room, my floor-length red dress flowing gracefully behind me. He's exciting. Adrian's exciting. And I need that. I crave it.

I grab my clutch and head downstairs; our doorman gives me a knowing look. "Big night planned, Miss Carrington?" Mr. Hyatt asks, nodding towards the black stretch limousine parked outside the complex.

My jaw nearly drops. "Yeah..." I manage to say through my giddiness. "I guess so!" I haven't been in a limo since Monique, and I crashed a WSU grad party. This is nuts.

"Have fun," Mr. Hyatt says with a wink. "But nottoomuch fun."

"I'll be good!" I assure him. "Or at least I'll try."

Mr. Hyatt laughs as I exit the building and mumbles, "Ah, to be young again."

I saunter towards the car, my eyes wide, my heart pounding. Adrian's leaning against the limousine, wearing a fitted black tuxedo, bow tie, his dark hair slicked back, and a rose in his hand. I knew I wasn't overdoing it when I decided to wear an evening gown. After all, it's Adrian.

Adrian's eyes glisten as he gives me a slow once-over, licking his lips. "Good evening, Cassie," he whispers, tugging on my waist and pulling me towards his firm frame. "You look absolutely gorgeous." He laces his fingers gently through my hair, his mouth pressing against mine, coaxing my lips apart, leaving me breathless. "You have no idea how much I've missed this."

Me too.His kiss is sensational, arousing, God damn criminal. It's been one minute, one, and I'm ready to call it a night. Hopeless. Putty in his hands.

I try and catch my breath as I pull away. "Adrian, perhaps dinnerthendessert," I offer, teasing him, running my finger along his chest, attempting to hold my shit together.

Adrian coils my finger around his large palm. "I can wait, Cariño," he coos. "But can you?"

"Let's place a wager, Mr. Cavallero," I smirk, running my fingers up and down his arm. "I bet I can hold out muchmuchlonger than you can."

Adrian's body tenses, his eyes darkened with lust and humor. "What a silly wager," he whispers, leaning into my ear. "I win either way."

Fuck.

Adrian lets go of my hand and opens the limo door for me, revealing vases upon crystal vases of red roses. Dozens. Hundreds. Covering every seat. Every crevice.