“Promise.”
Chapter Three
The evening of dinner with Jason’s parents, I went straight to his place from work. We’d agreed earlier on the phone that he’d join me there and then we’d go to the dinner together.
I took a shower and picked out a dress from the closet. It was navy with cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and a bodice that skimmed my torso and ended around my knees. My phone rang just after I slipped it on and finished my makeup.
“Ready yet?” Jason asked.
“Almo
st,” I replied. “Why aren’t you here yet?”
He sighed. “Impromptu meeting about a small issue that will take a few more minutes to resolve. Leonard is coming to you. You two can swing by and pick me up on your way, okay?”
“That’s fine,” I said. “Will you have resolved…whatever it is by then?”
“Yes. It’s just some clarifications on a couple of documents that require my signature. I’ll be set in about half an hour.”
I slipped on a pair of diamond studs, a gift from him, and fastened the matching pendant. “See you soon,” I said. “I’ll be ready by the time Leonard gets here.”
There was a pause on his side. “What are you wearing?”
I chuckled and swept my hair over one shoulder. “I’m not telling. You’ll see when you see me.”
“Whatever it is,” he said, his voice low, “I can’t wait to peel it off you.”
Something tightened sweetly in my belly, and I took a deep breath. “Will you peel it off or tear it off?”
He chuckled. “I’ll consider those two options and let you know.”
I sighed. “You’re making me horny.”
“I like you horny.”
“Not when we’re about to have dinner with your parents.”
“Hmm.” There was a short silence. “Don’t worry, they’ll be focused on Amy and Colin. The dinner is for them anyway.”
“If you say so.”
“Leonard is waiting downstairs,” he informed me. “He’s ready when you are.”
I dabbed some fragrance behind my ears before making my way down to where the car waited at the entrance. Leonard opened the door for me, and I smiled at him. I was growing fond of the quiet, dependable older man who barely talked. “Good evening, Leonard.”
“Good evening.” He nodded. “Looking great tonight.”
I beamed. “Thank you.”
He shut the door and went over to the driver’s seat. As we pulled into the street, I decided to ask him about Jason’s mother. I’d pushed her to the back of my mind, but I was still unsettled about the situation. I hadn’t given up on hoping there was some way to bring her and Jason together.
“Hey, Leonard,” I started.
He glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “Yes?”
“I need to ask you something,” I said pensively. “In confidence.”
“Anything you need,” he said without hesitation.