Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 89259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Chapter 9
I pulled up next to Lindsey’s car at the office. We had not spoken since we left the hotel, and the awkward silence between us was becoming more and more uncomfortable. She gave me a weak smile and got out. I stayed to make sure she was securely in her car, and then pulled into traffic to head home. I couldn’t wait to crawl in my bed, in my dark bedroom and shut the whole world out for the next forty-eight hours.
A week ago, I knew exactly who I was. Life had given me just what I expected it too. Then, like a whirlwind, Luke had appeared and turned everything upside down. Now, I didn’t recognize the girl I saw in the mirror every morning. Every second of every day, I thought of him. I was happy and smiling, for no reason. He had changed me. In the small amount of time that I knew him, he had reminded me what life felt like. How it felt to love and appreciate things that money could not buy. He had given me Lindsey. My friendship with her was one I knew would last forever. He taught me humility. I found myself doing things for people that normally I never would have. He had impacted my life, yet I pushed him away. For what? Because he didn’t want me driving home drunk? Because he made sure I was taken care of? Did he not warn me not to be flirting with other men? I blew it. The only man who could ever potentially love me and capture my heart was now out of the picture.
Maybe I did need someone who wasn’t scared of my intimidating ways and who could take care of me. I decided right then that if God was gracious enough to give me another chance with him, I would not push him away. Well, not for the things he had done in the past anyway. We would definitely discuss it, but I would not run from him. Hattiesburg was a small town. Surely I would bump into him. But, what if he no longer wanted me? What if I had ruined my last chance?
My phone rang out over the loudspeaker, and without even seeing who it was; I hit the call button on my steering wheel.
“Dallas Knox,” I answered in my Monday thru Friday monotonous tone.
“Do you always answer your phone like that?” Lindsey asked disapprovingly.
“No, it normally rings only on work days. What is it?”
“Well, I wanted to remind you of the Mayor’s daughter’s engagement party tonight. We sent an RSVP. Do you want me to cancel?” Lindsey asked, regret filling her voice.
Who was I to ruin her weekend? “No, don’t cancel. I’ll be there. Arrange for us to have a limo. Y’all can pick me up at six.”
“A limo?” Lindsey asked shocked, as if it was the first time I had asked her to get one. “Don’t you think that is a little over the top for an engagement party?”
“It’s a black tie isn’t it?” I snapped.
“Yes, it is. I apologize. I don’t know where my head is. I’ll arrange for it to be here at five-thirty and we’ll be at your place by six.”
I hung up the phone without a goodbye. Lindsey was my friend, but business was still business and I didn’t like to be questioned. Hell would freeze over before I showed up driving my own car while some of my most prestigious clients and competitors looked on. I agreed to this dinner for one reason only. Mayor Kirkley owned some properties that I was interested in purchasing. I already had an investor looking for something in that area and if I could land it, it would mean a huge profit for the company. Not to mention, that would mean that I owned over sixty percent of the commercial property in Hattiesburg. Tonight I would put Luke out of my mind and focus on business. If I was lucky, maybe some bachelor would come along and relieve some pent up stress. No, nothing to remind me of Luke. Tonight I would be the Dallas Knox I know. Tomorrow I could go back to being the sap I had become.
After a nap, a bubble bath, and a quick masturbation session, I was completely relaxed and ready to begin dressing. The limo would be here in an hour, which means we would arrive at approximately six-thirty. Perfect. The party started at six, so that would give the other guests plenty of time to arrive before my grand entrance. I applied light make-up consisting of a little mascara, blush and a clear lip gloss and swept my hair into a knot just above my neck. A few tendrils fell, framing my face, but still making my diamond teardrop earrings visible. I chose a floor length, pale yellow, satin gown that had a small train. The back was cut out and dipped low, starting right at the top of my perfectly toned ass. It was borderline inappropriate, but still looked classy. One row of rhinestones went across the back, right below my shoulders, keeping the dress held together. The front was cut low, covering both my breasts, but leaving the space in between open. I slipped on a pair of matching heels that were custom made just for the dress, grabbed the matching clutch and turned to look at the vixen in the mirror. I would, without a doubt, be the talk of the town. My tanned skin contrasted perfectly with the pale colored dress, and although I was covered, the outline of the dress left little unknown as to what was underneath. I sprayed on my most alluring perfume and headed out to make every man in Hattiesburg envious of the husband I didn’t have.