Page 19 of Just a Little Tempted

Wren looked thoughtful. “I suppose he’s not completely terrible, then. For a wealthy businessman.”

“He’s not terrible at all.” The defensive edge in my voice caught me off guard and I quickly softened my tone. “He’s more than just a businessman. He’s close with his family. A few days ago, I reminded him about his twin nieces’ upcoming birthday party, expecting him to send me out to buy a gift. But he insisted on doing it himself. He wanted it to be personal.”

Wren didn’t respond immediately, just studied me with that sharp, calculating gaze that always made me feel like she could see straight through me.

“He’s just intense about work,” I continued with a shrug, filling the silence. “It matters to him, so he has high standards. That’s not a bad thing.”

The sales associate, Diana, approached then, a perfectly timed interruption. She’d helped us when we’d arrived and provided Wren’s champagne, then had given us space to browse.

“That dress is stunning on you,” she said with a bright, professional smile. “Is this the one you’d like to purchase?”

I offered a weak smile in return, suddenly having second thoughts. “I think I should probably text my boss before I buy it, just to confirm that the price is okay.”

Wren made a disapproving noise, but I ignored her.

“Oh, that won’t be necessary,” Diana said. “Mr. Powers called ahead before you arrived. He specifically asked me to help you find a complete outfit for the gala.” She paused, looking slightly embarrassed. “I’m sorry—I thought you knew.”

I blinked, processing this information. “What exactly did he say?”

“He wanted to make sure you were properly outfitted for the event, no matter the cost. His words.”

“You heard the woman, Raina.” Wren’s grin turned smug. “That means shoes too.”

“Of course,” Diana agreed, and the gleam in her eye suggested she was already calculating the commission. “What size do you wear? I’ll start pulling options right away.”

“Size eight,” Wren answered for me. We’d worn the same size for years and regularly borrowed each other’s shoes.

The associate hurried off, and Wren turned to me with a knowing look. “So. Your boss is wealthy, generous enough to buy you an expensive gown and shoes without blinking, and—according to you—secretly a softie—”

“That’s not what I said,” I interjected, but she talked right over me.

“—and you clearly like him. Which leaves only one vital question.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Is he hot?”

“He’s my boss! What he looks like is irrelevant.” I shifted my attention to the dress, brushing away an imaginary piece of lint. My traitorous cheeks were warming again.

Wren’s laugh came out as something closer to a cackle. “Oh my God. Heishot, isn’t he?”

I didn’t want to admit it—not even to her—because I knew it was dangerous to acknowledge my attraction to Simon out loud. I couldn’t control my thoughts, but voicing them made everything feel more real. More reckless.

But Wren didn’t need my confession. She could read me like a book.

“I almost wish I was going to this gala,” she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. “I’d love to see you on a date with your rich boss.”

“It’s not a date,” I countered quickly. “It’s a work event.”

Still wearing the gorgeous dress, I walked over to the chaise lounge where the associate was arranging an array of black heels for me to try on—some pointed, others rounded or square-toed, with heels ranging from sensible to dangerously tall. I’d be on my feet most of the evening, socializing at Simon’s side, so I reached for a pair with a more modest heel.

“Fine, not a date,” Wren conceded, settling into a plush chair nearby. “But hear me out. What if you pretended it was?”

I side-eyed my friend. “What does that even mean?”

“Have some fun, Raina. Hot guy. Fancy party. Expensive champagne. Take advantage of it. And him.” Her smile turned wicked. “Maybe even end the night in a way that helps release some of that tension you’ve been carrying around.”

My eyes widened. “Are you telling me to get laid?”

“Specifically, I’m telling you to shag your hot boss,” she said unapologetically.

I stared at her incredulously. “Have you lost your mind?”