A Sketch Away From Perfect

rp

t morning, and we've finally gotten a chance to talk. When I

omplex, why don't you?" I hiss. "And

n't have to do the whole escort thing!"

use I thought I had to. I wan

he first date. And it wasn't even

ou've done it bef

nzy paces around me, looking me

" I g

kay, so I'm

o pinch yourself!"

. But honestly, Harper, you need to stop copying me. I'm sur

nts. "O

own." McKenzy rubs my back as I sink into a chair. "They

k up

"Okay, so ma

. "If they knew I'd kissed a man on th

you held hands

rticular sound the At

id give him your phone num

phone and stare at the sc

er date, he doesn't have to bu

reply, scrolling through the request. "He nee

enzy leans over me, soundi

hover my finger over

wrist. "What

dating Scott now. I should probably take

g to pay your ren

do you mean?

McKenzy points out. "If you're not getting it from Sc

Fu

Scott goin

e any more dates?" She fol

neck. "No. But I th

es, look at what this Damien guy is offering for the

beat. "If it all seems fine, then

"There's

aybe," I

o your messaging."

sage center an

m Harper. I see you s

s. Is there

to the p

and I like to feel a guy out before I go on a date wit

is vetted. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm very busy. You can

his response. My jaw hits the floor. This guy is loaded. Well, it's not

33: I'll ta

00 PM. Please text me your addres

have my home address? We do have good sec

hen Damien signs off, abruptly

I go up to my profil

nth's rent and groceries ta

n't see how much money it was, so she has n

to find you something to wea

absolutely nothing to wear and McKenzy doesn't either. This gallery

to take to get a decent-looking dress. It'll be more than Scott p

ok down and see it'

el

e just received a couriered package for you. T

s, just as bewildered as I a

downstairs. "Gotta see wh

ig, flat, white box. "This just came for you," she rep

I say, tak

what it is!" McKenz

ent, set the box on the tab

soft tissue paper, is

ble while McKenzy

in front of herself. "It looks like it's just your size too!"

om of the box and pick it up.

s W

need appropriate

ntrusiveness in pro

cer

n Bla

her tongue. "D-D

still trying to decide if I'm tou

est men in the United

my stomach drop

ought a chain of banks for like a couple billion dollars?" McKenzy takes

like Scott,"

ond. Honey, you need to land this whale! All y

re that much about money. I'm not going to

"By the way, when he buys you a penthouse, you remember

ress and one date. What's t

en, that's all I'm saying.

by their measurements so he could have the girl fit the dress? Whatever. It doesn't matter. I put on my best

g there, holding the perfect pair of Stewart

m on the concrete floor, and I slip them o

d," I

irl. I know you want to

men in the country, I have to laugh. I turn in a circle for h

em, girl!

t my phone. "And I've got hours. I'm going

's time to go, you're g

ruin it. I lay everything out for later and then get to work. I'm l

's from an u

ted to let you know I'll be there

er that I'll be ready and then rush to get back in th

s and hoping you're ready early. I l

ight. I add his num

er of fact, I am ready

ood: Excellen

McKenzy. "

ow the fuck did he get

Rich guy access

o anything weird to you," s

d to 'landing the wh

g fetish," McKenzy grumbles. "Be safe. T

right. Honestly, McKenzy, it's just one date and it's for pay. I do

ical but still shoves me

f, heading to the elevator. No way I

's a stretch limo with an honest-to-God uniformed driv

I whisper und

steps out. He looks a bit grumpy for a moment, like that's his usual disposition. Then hi

nd myself to close my mouth. Damien Black

een eyes are sharp, intelligent and hungry. He has the eyes of pred

my hand and kisses the back of it. "Yo

sh against my skin. "Thanks," I mu

me inside. "We're ready to go, Frederick," he

high-end cologne. Every time I

tly by phone. I was able to locate your number through my...

as having a dress dilemma right w

ther messy break-up last night. I looked you up by your measurements," Damien confirms. H

tan sedan I think I recognize, but I'

any other woman tonight." Damien smirks. He

Lord, am I