“He was polite and considerate. He’s charming,” she says quietly. “He couldn’t take his eyes off of you, Olivia.”
“He wanted to buy me a drink after you and Jack left.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I made a fool of myself. My phone was dead. I thought he was trying to help me with my nipples, and…”
“What?” She laughs aloud
. “You have to explain that one. You thought he was trying to help you with your nipples?”
I laugh too because I know how it must sound to her. “That came out wrong.”
“You think?” She wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I’m sure if he could he’d help with your nipples and all the other bits of you.”
I cover my face with my hands. “Let’s not go there.”
“Why not?” She squeezes my shoulder. “You’re attracted to each other. Why not act on it?”
“Well…” I start to protest, but can’t think of any reason why I shouldn’t consider having sex with Alexander.
“Don’t overthink it.” She moves to stand. “Just go with what you’re feeling in the moment. Sometimes it’s good to be spontaneous.”
She gave me the same advice last week when I couldn’t decide what to order for dinner.
“It’s time to try on some dresses.” She reaches for my hand. “Let’s find you something to wear to the symphony that will blow Alexander’s mind so later that night you can blow him.”
I let her tug me to my feet. “I don’t blow on the first date.”
“You’re no fun.” She grins and squeezes my hand. “Never change, Liv. You’re a fiercely independent woman that any man would be lucky to spend time with.”
“I hate that he makes me nervous.” I bow my head. “It makes me feel out of control.”
Her fingers find my chin and she tips it up until our eyes meet. “Nervous can be good. He’s different than other men you’ve met. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
I nod. “You’re right.”
“Take it one step at a time.” She grins and starts walking toward my bedroom. “Step one is wardrobe selection. Let’s get to it.”
Chapter 16
Alexander
I’ll never tire of the high I feel after a performance like that.
It was exhilarating and as the crowd rose to their feet and cheered, I reveled in their adoration for the orchestra.
My job is to sculpt the music into a piece of art that every person on the stage can be proud of. I may guide them, but they are the true masters of the journey.
I take another deep breath as I gaze around the room.
I notice Olivia before she notices me.
She’s already arrived at the private cocktail reception that’s being held in the lobby. Dressed in a backless black dress and black heels, she’s flawless. Her long dark hair is styled into a knot at the base of her neck.
She looks elegant, almost regal. It’s no wonder that men are turning in her direction once they catch sight of her.
I slip the bowtie from around my neck and tuck it into the pocket of my tuxedo jacket. I unbutton my collar for comfort.
Pushing my hair back from my forehead, I approach Olivia. She’s having an animated conversation with Kate, Jack, and the female client he brought with him.
He’s banking on the fact that she’ll work with him to invest more of the fortune she inherited from her late husband.