What was something almost all wealthy, successful men were wary of?

A gold digger!

So, that's exactly what I needed to become.

If I made Julian believe that I was more interested in his money and the luxuries that could afford me—I'm certain he would be disgusted by the thought of spending any more time with me. It was the safest and quickest way to handle things.

I fluffed my curls with my fingers. The image in my mirror set my teeth on edge. Bright red lips and dark sooty shadow, the shimmer on my cheeks glittering under the fluorescent light. Becca would be pleased. I could hear her in my head telling me to exchange my simple stilettos for my thigh-high boots. But that wasn't going to happen. This look was going to draw enough attention.

Twisting to the side, I grimaced. This skirt was too short and too damned tight. It was like I stuffed myself into a human-sized finger trap. The thought of trying to get it off later made me want to vomit or maybe that was the vice grip around my stomach. 

 A part of me was grateful that I spent a large portion of the summer working out with Becca. Most of my hard work had faded with stress and my fondness for pasta. But the small bit of flesh exposed by my cropped, double breasted vest top showed the smallest outline of abs. I was attempting a sexed-up secretary look—something tasteful but sent a particular message. My grimace deepened as I stared down at my chest.

Even with the pushup bra, there wasn't much to work with. It's not that I cared. Well, I cared a little, but I didn't hate my body. And if I were going to pick something to change it wouldn't be my cup size. I hunched forward in the mirror and bent my knees, trying to keep myself fully in frame. Thankfully, Julian was a tall man. Though, maybe it would be easier to break things off if he was shorter than me. 

The alarm on my phone cut through my anxious thoughts.

It was time.

I flashed myself a tight, forced smile in the mirror, snatched my phone and clutch from the counter and left the bathroom. Walter was basking on his driftwood, looking rather content after the treat of grapes I'd fed him earlier. I was a bit jealous. But after tonight, everything in my life would go back to the way it should be 

I headed out of my apartment, passing Mrs. Song my elderly neighbor as I made my way to the elevator. She peered over her glasses at me, a sound of disapproval echoing at the back of her throat. I gave her a sheepish grin. We shared many conversations over the several years I lived here. She looked out for me and I looked out for her — but that also left me open to her judgments. Not that I minded all too much. She cared, despite her harsh remarks.

"You look cheap. Even I could afford you."

My tongue slipped over my bottom lip as I pressed the call button for the elevator.

"Are you so bored you've been paying for company now? Tell me the going rate so I can compare."

Her brows arched up, the corner of her mouth lifting into a crinkled grin. She pressed her key into her door. The snick of the lock releasing was followed by the ding of the elevator.

"I'm not interested in listening to a screaming baby. Make sure to wrap it."

A familiar ease and laughter settled over me. We shared a smile before I stepped into the elevator. 

The ride down and walk through the lobby were nothing compared to stepping out onto the sidewalk. It was impossible to ignore the burning of attention of bystanders as I approached the dark windowed, sleek SUV parked at the curb. A middle aged man in a finely pressed suit stood waiting near the backseat passenger door. His eyes widened at the sight of me but his expression remained neutral. That little detail helped ground me in reality, to be honest.

"Miss. Andrews?"

I gifted him a soft, business smile.

"That's me. Though I'd rather Kate. You are?"

"Just the driver this evening."

He dropped his head in a chivalrous acknowledgement before opening the door for me.

"I don't make it a habit of getting into the cars of strangers, just the driver."

I waited a silent moment before he gave up his name.

"Zach."

"Would you look at that? Now we're no longer strangers."

His shoulders relaxed at my teasing words.

Turning my attention from him, I peeked into the backseat, noticing it was empty. A frown pulled at the corner of my mouth.

"The Director..."

"Something required his attention unexpectedly at the office earlier. He'll be taking another car."

My gaze slid back to Zach beside me, assessing the truth of his words. He met my stare with a pleasant, non threatening smile—though it didn't reach his eyes. No, those were begging me to get in the car already.

"We should leave soon if we want to make sure you aren't late..."

Ah, so that was it. Julian and his time policing. I noticed the sweat beginning to bead along the man's brow. Poor guy. Even though this felt like the perfect reason and opportunity to go back to my apartment and avoid this whole situation, I didn't want to put someone else in a harder position. My fatal flaw was that I was too nice and a busybody. Well, according to Max and Becca, anyway.  

"God forbid, we keep the man waiting," I muttered under my breath.

A snort came from Zach, but he recovered quickly.

It took all of my effort to get into the car without ripping out of my clothes. Once I was settled, Zach sprang into action. His driving was beyond competent. He was moving the car as if it were an Olympic sport and he was a gold medalist. knowing exactly what streets to take to avoid the worst congestion, weaving through lanes like his life depended on it. And maybe it did.

Honestly, when I left my apartment at seven, it was a power move. I knew Julian had a thing about time. I wasn't trying to please him. But checking my cellphone as we pulled up to a curb on Parks Avenue—it was only seven thirty. Not late; exactly on time. Curse, Zach and his god level driving.

I peeked out the window, noting the fancy cafe we were parked in front of. They served specialty coffees. Coffee that was too rich for my blood, quite literally. Zach appeared at the door, blocking my view momentarily before he opened the door for me. Gathering a shallow breath in my lungs, I scooted to the edge of the seat, throwing my legs out of the car.

Julian appeared out of the shadows, cutting through the flow of people walking on the sidewalk—or more like parting them like a sea, the effort casual and without thought. My eyes tracked him of their own accord. Roaming from his italian leather oxfords, up his tailored slacks that clung to his thick thighs like a glove. The neatly pressed shirt pulled across his chest, buttons doing the work to keep it from splitting as he adjusted his suit jacket. It wasn't right for him to look so good. I couldn't stop myself from wetting my lips, finding it harder to breathe.

"Sir."

"Right on time. Good work, Zach."

His words snapped me out of my staring. Heat rushed up the back of my neck and set the tips of my ears on fire. Maybe he didn't notice my oogling him...I peeked up at him from under my lashes. And my stomach clenched as I noted the slight lift at the corners of his mouth. Nope. He totally caught me.

His dark eyes drank me in, somehow, growing darker. The slight curl of his lips turned into a panty melting smile. "I hope the ride over was pleasant."

I nodded my head like an idiot, before recovering my composure. Get your head in the game, Kate. Time to execute operation: Gold digger. 

"I have to say I was expecting a fancier ride."

I forced myself to sound disappointed, fixing my face into an expression of indifference. Julian arched a brow, almost contemplative.

"Noted."

Simple and to the point; completely unbothered. Alright, I was going to have to work hard tonight.

He reached out a hand between us. "Shall we?"

I slid my hand into his, the heat of his palm radiating up my arm. My mouth went dry again as the smell of his cologne wrapped around me. It took everything in me to not lean forward and breathe him in deeper. My years of self-imposed singleness and career focused determination were coming back to bite me on the ass. I needed to get out of this car and put space between us pronto before I did something stupid. 

Snatching my clutch in my other hand, I all but jumped out of the car and away from Julian.

However, in my hasty movement, my elbow caught the door and I lost my grip on my clutch. With an irritated curse, I dropped myself low like it was a practiced move. And, okay, who was I kidding? It was considering how much dancing I'd done throughout college. 

The sound of ripping fabric turned me to stone. I remained squatted; the hand wrapped around my clutch tightening. There was no need for me to look. The cool, evening air hitting my upper thigh was enough information.

"Kate?"

"Just a moment."

I dropped my face, cheeks burning as I reached over with my free hand to check the damage. A tiny, nervous laugh bubbled out of my mouth as I reckoned with the gaping tear along the seam of my skirt. All it needed was a firm tug and the thing was likely to split all the way down and reveal me to everyone within fifty feet.

At least I was wearing sexy underwear.

"Everything okay?"

"...I'm not sure."

Julian stepped closer, shielding me from people passing on the sidewalk.

"Do you need help getting up?"

I shook my head. There was definitely an image I wanted to exude tonight, but helpless and embarrassed was not it. I lifted my face to meet his warm, concerned gaze.

"I appear to be having a malfunction with my clothes."

"Malfunction?"

His brows furrowed at my words, eyes skimming down over my body. It wasn't in a sexy manner, but more clinical and detached. I should be happy about that but when you're on a date with a handsome—seemingly decent; it could wound a person's pride.

I cleared my throat.

"My skirt's ripped."

Without any prompting, Julian shrugged out of his coat and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth of his body and gentle cologne engulfed me suddenly. In an instant my annoyance and embarrassment were forgotten. I stared up at him in a bit of a daze.

He stretched out his hand to me, the corners of his mouth turning up. "First, let's get you up." 

"If I stand up..."

His gaze darkened at my words, the clinical manner he was looking at me with before—gone. Whatever images my implied words conjured had blown right through that.

"I'm going to pick you up, is that okay?"

And I'm back to nodding like an idiot.

That's all the encouragement he needed, in a swift and surprising move, Julian gathered me up in his arms. Picked me up like a princess as if there was nothing to it at all. I wasn't a small girl, but in his arms, pressed against his body—I felt fucking dainty.

"Sorry to ruin the night."

God, could nothing work out right for me where this man was involved?

His soft chuckle rumbled through me, sending my stomach into a flurry of flutters.

"You haven't ruined anything, Kate. The one thing you learn in my position is to adapt."

And those words settle my nerves.

"...Right."

"Now—" He settled me back into the car before turning to Zach. "Change of plans, we'll be heading to Zora's before dinner."

Zach nodded and headed back for the driver seat without any further direction. Julian met my gaze before leaning in over me and buckling me in.

"Just in case, you seem accident prone," he whispered, lips close to my ear.

My cheeks heated at his words and playful grin as he pulled back. He was clearly enjoying himself at my expense. I couldn't decide if I wanted to strangle him or kiss him. But he closed the door on me before I made a decision. Lucky him.