The Escort by Harmony Raines Read Free Book Online Page B

you really do look beautiful."
    "Thank you," she said breathlessly, and followed him up the steps, feeling as though she was going to an impending doom. Yet she would go anywhere with him, and that made her a fool. This wasn't real. But for tonight they had to make it real, so she gave herself permission to live in the land of make-believe for the rest of the evening.
    However, as they were about to go inside she had second thoughts. What was she doing? Surely it would be better to arrive alone, than to have someone find out she had hired Dan to accompany her. Robin was right, and the whole thing had got out of hand, and needed to stop. She could just imagine her father's face when he heard about it. His chubby daughter disappointing him again.
    "Dan, I... "
    "Hello, again." Too late to change anything, Phil climbed the steps into the hotel, right behind them. There was no way she could back out, She looked at Dan imploringly, and he seemed to read her mind, he slipped an arm around her shoulder, possessively, and pivoted them both around to present a firm, and very much together, front.
    "Hello, Phil. Amy." He reached out and took Amy's hand, his eyes going to hers. Max was mortified to see Amy blush, and cover her mouth with her hand.
    Phil had gone red for a different reason. "We'd better get inside." He blustered past Max and Dan.
    Amy followed him, saying to Dan on passing, "Perhaps you could save a dance for me?"
    Dan simply smiled and watched them leave. Max on the other hand was furious, probably on a par with Phil, but managed to keep her composure. "What the hell was that about ?" she asked once Phil was out of earshot.
    "I couldn't resist."
    "If you're going to make a fool of me, then please leave now. I'll give you your money, just leave."
    "Hey, Max, no. That's not my intention at all."
    "Then what is your intention? To make Phil jealous by flirting with his wife."
    "A little. She will have her eye on me all evening, but I am not going to leave your side. Phil can stew for a bit."
    "That's mean."
    "I'm sorry. It's only the way he looked at you last night. It really got me. Thinking there was no way we should be together."
    "But he's right isn't he." She lowered her voice to a very quiet whisper. "If I wasn't paying for your services, you wouldn't be here."
    "Max. I enjoyed myself last night. More than I have for a very long time. I wish I could explain things to you, but I can't. So for now will you please believe that I genuinely had a great time. And money aside, I would date you in a heart beat."
    Max examined his face, using her years of experience with clients to try to read him, If he was lying them he was very good at it. She had no choice but to take his word, and hope he kept his part of the deal.
    "By the way, we didn't discuss what job we were going to say you did. I told my secretary you were in construction. I hope you can bluff your way through that."
    "Construction. I can go with that. At least you didn't say I was in insurance, or a lawyer."
    "I don't think anyone would believe me. You're too fit for an office worker."
    "Fit. That's nice to know."
    "I mean physically in shape. Nothing more."
    "Don't kid yourself, Max. We both know you're attracted to me."
    "I've never said that."
    "You don't need to. Your lips did all the talking last night."
    His hand was on the small of her back, guiding her forward into the bar where drinks were being served. She wanted to turn and give him some clever retort, but she couldn't, her nerves took over, and she felt sixteen again. Awkward and naive. They headed over to the bar, she figured a glass of wine might calm her nerves, but she told herself to stay off the alcoholic punch, to get through the evening, she had to leave her faculties fully functioning.
    "Here," he said, passing her a long stemmed glass.
    "Thanks," she said, sipping it while looking around the room. Everyone was here, and quite a few people were taking an interest in her and her partner. That's