A CONTRACT ENGAGEMENT

Worry knotted her stomach. Tagging along to a family wedding seemed entirely too personal even if the purpose was solely business. Not to mention it was hard enough to battle her attraction for him in a business setting. But something as intimate as a wedding?

“How long would we be….. away?” she asked.

The question came out more as a squeak than a concise, professional query. She sounded like a scared little girl facing the big bad wolf. Oh, but Julian made such a yummy wolf.

It was all she could do not to put her head on the table and bang a few times. Focus, Nina focus.

“We’d fly out Thursday evening. Rehearsal and dinner on Friday, wedding Saturday with reception to follow and since it will likely go well into the night, we’d return Sunday.” he replied.

It would only require one missed day of work. No one but Evan would even need to know, and he certainly wouldn’t spill the beans.

She didn’t know why she hadn’t immediately agreed. She couldn’t afford to say no. He had her over a barrel and he damn well knew it. Still, she hesitated-if for no other reason than to let him know he didn’t call all the shots.

Okay, so maybe he did, but it didn’t hurt him to think otherwise. For two seconds.

“All right,” she said in as level a voice as she could manage.

Did he expect her to attend the festivities? It certainly sounded as though he did by the way he outlined the events. She supposed it would be rude to tag along and lurk in the shadows waiting for her appointed time. Or maybe he envisioned having her follow him around everywhere so he could fit in snatches of conversation when possible.

“I’d be happy to purchase any items you may need for the trip,” he said.

Startled, she glanced up. “No, I mean….. no. Of course not. I can manage just fine. You don’t have to do that. You’ll need to tell me the appropriate dress code of course…. Or maybe Abby will. I guess she will be going now that you are”

He managed a wry smile. “I’m sure anything to do with Loveth will be formal. Quite formal with lots of glitter and fanfare.” he said.

His gaze slid sensuously over her features and then lowered until her neck heated with a blush.

“I think anything you wear will be stunning. The dress you wore the other night was perfect on you.” he said.

The blush climbed higher and she prayed her cheeks didn’t look like twin torches.

“I’m sure I can find something glitzy and glamorous,” she said lightly. “We girls do like the opportunity to dress up.”

Interest sparked in his eyes. “I can’t wait,” he said.

“I should probably talk to Abby about it. Don’t you think she’d find it weird that I’m coming with you?”

He shook his head. “Trust me, she’d be glad that you’re coming. Don’t worry, I can talk to my sister”

The waiter returned with the wine, and Nina latched gratefully onto the glass.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Her hands shook. She was sure if she stood, she’d go down like a brick. She’d break an ankle trying to stay up on these ridiculous heels.

Note to self: Don’t pack gorgeous, sexy shoes for the weekend. Around him, she’d be a disaster on stilts. He’d spend his entire time picking her up off the floor, that is if she didn’t end up in the hospital in traction.

“I’ll call you later in the week with the flight arrangements. We’ll be taking my private jet. I will let Abby know too.” he said.

She swallowed and nodded. The waiter approached with menus and Julian looked to her for her order.

“Just the lunch salad,” she said. What she really wanted was a really greasy burger with onion rings, but she didn’t want to appall Julian. Her brothers gave her all sorts of hell for her indelicate tastes, but then they were to blame for them.

Julian ordered a steak, medium, and after the waiter was gone, Julian stared over at her, his gaze inquisitive.

She cocked her head, prepared for him to ask her a question, but he didn’t say anything. He just seemed to study her as if he wanted to uncover all her deep, dark secrets. Finally he sat back with a satisfied smile. His eyes glinted with triumph.

“I think this wedding is going to turn out to be enjoyable after all.” he said.

————————–

The car that Julian had sent to collect Nina and Debbie pulled up to the plane parked on the paved landing area that led to the single runway and stopped just a few feet from where the door to the jet lay open.

Nina looked out the window to see Julian standing a short distance away. He was waiting for them.

The driver opened her door, and she and Abby stepped into the afternoon sun. She blinked a few times then pulled her shades from her head over her eyes. Maybe then it wouldn’t be so obvious how she ate Nina up with her gaze.

He was dressed casually. Jeans, polo shirt and loafers. She’d only ever seen him in suits, and she hadn’t imagined he could look better. She was wrong. So, so wrong.

The jeans cupped him in all the right places. They clung to his thighs, rounded his butt and molded to his groin. They weren’t new, starchy-looking jeans, either. They were faded and worn, just like a good pair of jeans should be.

“Nina. Abby” he said with a nod as they approached.

“Hi,” Nina said.

“I wonder why you changed your mind about going to this wedding,” Abby said to Julian. “I know it’s mom’s handwork. Just so you know, You really don’t have to do this, and no one would blame you if you didn’t. I wouldn’t have gone either if you weren’t. I would have stayed back, you know,… As a sign of protest for by brother”

Julian grinned at her. “Thank you,” he said. “I really appreciate the sentiment and support”

“You’re welcome. Anything for my brother. I’m just going to try to enjoy myself as much as I can” Abby replied, as she walked past them into the plane.

“Very dramatic… My sister ” Julian said to Nina and she laughed.

“Yeah. It’s one of the things I love about her” she replied.

“If you’re ready, we can be on our way.”

“I just need to get our luggage…..”

She turned to see that the driver was handing their luggage to a uniformed man.

“Okay then, I’m ready,” she said cheerfully.

He smiled and motioned for her to precede him onto the plane. She mounted the steps and ducked inside.

Her eyes widened at the luxurious interior. It was simple and understated, but she recognized it for what it was. Very expensive comfort. She shoved her shades up so she could get a better look.