A Workplace Affair by Isabella Rae Read Free Book Online Page B

under my breasts, and the skirt falls loosely to the floor. I spin slightly, hearing Carter return, and enjoy the twirl of the skirt. Carter looks at me satisfied, dangling a pair of strappy green satin heels. Staring at the thin spikes I wonder how he expects me to walk. Before I can protest Carter is bent down, slipping my feet into the shoes and buckling the straps. Once I’m fully strapped in he offers a hand to help me down.
    “You are putting movie stars to shame right now.” He smiles a genuine smile and slips my arm into his as we walk to the small office located at the back of the boutique. Once there, I see the same women who had worked on my hair and make-up this morning. Carter leaves me in their capable hands and promises to be back in ten minutes. Immediately the women get to work fixing my hair and face. In exactly ten minutes, Carter returns with Leslie who has changed into a sleek simple black mini-dress. Even the high neckline of the dress couldn’t hide her surgeon given gifts, but she looked beautiful. One of the women hands me a mirror and I approve of their work. My hair is still down, but the length has been given beautiful body, curling at the ends, and my make-up is done in golden tones with a hint of green on my eye lids. Helping me up, Carter once again slips my arm into his, and does the same to Leslie on the other side. Together the three of us make our way to the lobby where Leland is waiting for us. At first, he doesn’t notice us, giving me a chance to appreciate how handsome he looks in his slate gray suit. He’s brushed his hair back and he looks nervous.
    “Hey handsome, you sure you don’t want to be my date?” Carter yells a little loudly across the marble expanse, drawing Leland’s attention to us. He fidgets with his suit jacket as he walks over to us.
    “No, I’m good with the date I have; maybe next time though.” He says this without ever taking his eyes off of me, his crystal blue eyes burning into me. Taking my hand he spins me around, my skirt twirling slightly. “You look amazing.” He says so quietly. I almost can’t hear him. Realizing that both Carter and Leslie are watching us, I feel the blush rushing to my cheeks.
    “Thank you.” I smile wishing someone else would say something, Leslie grants my wish.
    “So where are we going?” We? Confused, I look from Leslie, back to Leland.
    “Oh, by the way dear, I invited Carter and Leslie to join us tonight.” Turning his attention to Leslie, he tells them both to follow him. Placing his hand on the small of my back, he leads me towards the elevators. Beyond the elevators, we enter the hotel restaurant, where Leland gives the maitre’d his name.
    We are led to a table positioned in the center of the room, all eyes are on us. Leland pulls a chair out and motions for me to sit. Thanking him, I do so. Leland takes the seat to my right, Carter to my left and Leslie across from me. Leland leans over and whispers in my ear, “play along or she’ll know we’ve been lying, and that would not be good.” His breath is warm on my ear and has my insides turning as he takes my hand in his.
    The meal goes very slowly, a full five courses including a cocktail course. As the night seems to be coming to an end, I find myself slightly disappointed. Being on a date with Leland was actually very easy, he easily joked with our companions and seemed at ease with Carter even when he made reference to his sex life with other men. I was very impressed. As we exited the restaurant, Carter catches me up in a hug and whispers, “Best fake date ever,” before pulling away. Leslie seems unconvinced by our act, and who could blame her when I know so little about him. She is keeping a watchful eye on us.
    “Your woman looks like she could use a kiss.” She was smiling like she had figured out our secret until Leland smoothly pulls me to him and gives me a long, lingering kiss.
    “I’ve wanted to do that all day.” He says this just