The Engagement Game (Engaged to a Billionaire) by A. Gardner Read Free Book Online Page B

going to survive?
    My eyelids feel heavy.   It feels good to close my eyes especially after a night of constant cooking on my sore feet.   I try to relax, thinking about Rex.   About our kiss.   About the way his hand stroked the small of my back and how his scent seemed to encapsulate me.   In that moment, I couldn't think of anything else but being with him.
    I take a deep breath.   Then another.   And then another.   My heart rate finally slows, allowing my tense arms and legs to loosen themselves.   I sink deeper into the cushions, thinking more about Rex.   Fantasizing about our night together - playing out every step in my head.
    He walks through the door, takes one look at me and wraps his arms around my waist.   His kiss puts me under his spell.   I enjoy the burst of heat and the tingles each kiss sends through my legs.   I tell Rex he's the only one for me and tilt my head back.   His lips move to my neck, exploring every inch of my fiery skin until he reaches the heaving rim of my cleavage and-
    BUZZ!   BUZZ!   BUZZ!
    My eyes open to a bright living room and a moving phone.   I rub my eyes, completely confused.   It was morning.   Time to for another tiresome shift at Harrison Memorial.   My eyes go wide and I stare at a single unopened message on my cell.   It was from Rex.   Sent around midnight.   Something came up.   Promise I'll make it up to you.
    "Holly," I say through my teeth.
     

 
     
    Chapter Five
     
    "We need to set some ground rules."   I barge into Holly's studio, making a scene amongst the waiting room of yoga moms and weathered nannies.   Holly sits behind the front desk with an innocent look on her face.
    "Ground rules?"
    "With Rex," I continue.   "I think we should set some rules."
    "Is this about last night?   Because-"
    "How could you guess?"   My frustration only deepens as Holly gives my outfit a once-over.   Scrubs and sneakers hardly accentuated the muscle tone in my thighs.
    "Chill out," she whispers.   Her pink sweater and matching leg warmers bring out the pink in her lips.
    "Rex and I were supposed to have a date last night," I mutter, looking at gawking eyes around the waiting room.   "And you ruined it."
    "Sorry," she says quietly.   "How was I supposed to know that?   He didn't mention it."
    "He didn't?"
    "No."   She smiles at a woman in a paisley scarf.   "Morning, Mrs. Newman."   She nods reassuringly.   I glance at my watch.
    "Look I have to go but we're not finished with this. "   I was fuming, resisting the urge to ask Holly what had happened last night.   What did she say?   What did he say?   Did they kiss . . . or more?   I try to shake that image from my thoughts.
    "Honestly Kat.   I had no idea."
    "Sure."   I stare at the glass doors next to me, secretly hoping they'd spontaneously shatter and Holly would have to spend all morning on her hands and knees picking up shards.
    "Holly, can I talk to you about Becca's performance last week?"   Mrs. Newman stands up.   Her perfume fills the room as she moves.   I instantly recognize it.   Chanel.
    "Oh of course," Holly replies.   "Just a sec, Kat."   I heave as she leaves reception.   This wasn't the first time Holly and I had issues.   Usually they blew over quickly.   A buzzing behind the desk interrupts my thoughts.   I look behind the desk and see Holly's phone.   The screen displays the author of a text message.   Rex.
    My head is flaming and I'm overwhelmed with a tightening my throat.   I grab the cell phone and look to Holly.   She is worlds away in conversation.   Before I can talk myself out of it my fingers touch the screen and my eyes wander to an ongoing conversation between Rex and Holly.
    Holly: i had a good time last night.   when can i c u again?
    Rex: Thanks for stopping by & thanks for the drink.
    Holly: drinks. lol!   r u free later?
    Rex: My free time will be spent at the gym.
    Holly: perfect.   i'll meet u for a quick
    Rex: A quick what?
    Swim