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My feet stalled as my gaze landed on a beast of a black Rolls Royce. The sleek expensive paintwork reflected the setting sun, making every passer-by pay attention. I was about to search for Joseph when he stepped out of the car and approached, his appreciative gaze sliding up my figure.
I held back a gasp as I admired him right back – shit, his gorgeousness shone as brightly as the car. He wore a navy-blue suit with a white shirt. There was no tie, but he didn't need it. His greying stubble hugged his cheeks and chin, just short enough to be sexy.
“Evening, Lola, you look beautiful.” Taking my hand, he kissed it before directing me towards the luxurious vehicle.
Blinking, I let him guide me and climbed in without replying. Had Joe just blown his whole profit to take me out in a posh car?
He came in behind me and sat right next to me before calling for the driver to go on. I licked my lips nervously as he glanced over at me, a smile playing on his own lips.
“You didn't expect to see me in this type of ride, did you?”
Snorting, I shook my head. “No! Honestly, you shouldn't have spent all your money on this.”
His smirk was accompanied by a slow nodding of the head. “Your naivety is cute.”
I swallowed and smoothed the dress over my knees. I wasn't sure whether to be offended or flattered. No, cute wasn't the impression I wanted to convey. I wouldn’t be a good companion to someone so striking if I didn’t live up to his gorgeousness.
“Where are we going?” I said, drawing the conversation away from my cuteness as I admired the leather interior.
Joseph's gaze followed mine, his brow furrowing. “To dinner. I hope you like fancy food.”
“As if I've ever tried it.” I laughed. “No, really, where are we going?”
“You said that you're a box baby,” he changed the subject completely. “How were your adoptive parents?”
The change of topic caught me off guard, causing me to cough. The sorrow fell around my shoulders, wrapping me tight like it always did.
“I was never adopted.”
My blunt reply made him sit back and shuffle in his seat. Had he just adjusted his crotch?
“I, erm,” I went on when he didn't say anything. “I had several foster families and moved into a house-share when I turned sixteen. That's where I am now.”
Glancing over at him, I studied his expression. He looked forward, his forehead creased and his thumb resting by the side of his mouth. He was chewing the nail quite intently.
“I'm sorry you went through that,” he murmured, turning to look at me. “It must have been traumatic.”
“What do you want me to say?” I replied, “That I've never belonged anywhere or had anyone who genuinely loves me?” Shrugging, I waved a hand in dismissal. “Lots of people go through worse.”
His breath hitched and he cupped my hand in his, caressing my thumb gently. “All trauma is relative.”
“Do you have trauma?” I whispered, staring into his bright blue eyes
For a split second, his gaze was soft, but then it hardened. “We're almost there. I truly am sorry for what you've been through. I'd like to soothe that in some way.”
“How?” I breathed; all my attention zoned in on his gentle touch.
The driver called back to us, breaking the staring contest that had developed. My insides quivered as Joe smiled and leaned over me to open the door. I hadn't even realised that we'd come to a stop.
I took my hand out of his grip and slid from the car, taking care not to trip. He was there beside me in seconds, holding onto my elbow. When I was on firm ground, I looked up at the hotel in front of me. Shit, I was out of my depth and about to drown.
Chapter Seven
The gorgeous brick building rose above my head. It had yellow bricks and a red carpet - yes, a fucking red carpet - in front of the door. A porter awaited us, his hands behind his back and a small red and gold hat on his head.
“Joseph,” I pushed through my teeth, “I can't go in there.”
Frowning, he took my arm and stepped forward, forcing me to follow his lead. “Why ever not?”
