6. Hugo

6

HUGO

W e walk back to the car with my arm around Zoey. I’ve only known this woman for less than twenty-four hours, but I feel so comfortable around her. Like I can talk to her about anything; like she understands me.

My lips still tingle from the kiss we shared in the woods. My body aches to explore her curves, but I can tell she’s still unsure about me. But I don’t mind. Some things are worth waiting for.

We get to the car, and I open the back door and pull out my suit. I pull my Christmas sweater off and unbutton my pants.

“What are you doing?” She looks alarmed.

“I’m getting into my suit.”

“Here?” She looks around the parking lot full of Christmas shoppers hurrying past with overflowing bags.

I shrug. “Why not?” I slide my jeans down my legs and step out of them. Zoey gasps, which makes me smile. I’m enjoying shocking her.

I’m between the wall and the open car door so no one can really see anything, but Zoey is behind here with me. I catch her reflection in the window checking out my package. Then she turns her back quickly, embarrassed.

I chuckle. “You like what you see.”

She puts her hand to her head. “No wonder your dad thought you needed a babysitter.”

“Don’t worry. No one’s looking.” I step into my suit pants.

“I thought you wanted to embarrass your dad with that sweater.”

“I changed my mind. I don’t want to get you in trouble. If I turn up on time and looking smart, he won’t have anything to complain about.”

“Except for the fact that I was meant to bring you to the office five hours ago.”

I shrug, even though her back is still turned and she can’t see me. “Yeah, well, don’t worry about that. You were still able to manage your emails.”

I tuck in my shirt and pull on my suit jacket. A thought suddenly occurs to me. “What are you wearing to the party?”

“Me?” She sounds surprised. “I’m wearing this.”

“But it’s black tie.”

“For the guests. I’m not really a guest.”

“Of course you are. You’re Dad’s personal assistant.”

“It’s a party for the suppliers and clients. We have a separate office party for staff.”

I frown. Trust Dad to keep them separate, as if he can’t trust the staff to behave. “That doesn’t sound right.”

“Oh it’s fine, believe me. Our party will be a lot more fun.”

I finish sliding into my coat. “How do I look?”

She turns around, and her eyes look me up and down critically. She breaks into a smile. “Good. You look good.”

It’s the best praise I’ve ever had.