"Well, I think so. Usually when you say you're bringing a woman home to meet your mother there are romantic feelings involved. If you're bringing home a work colleague, it's just about work." My heart was thumping in my chest.
He had a bit of an amused look on his face. He gave me a slight smirk and cocked his head to the side.
"Hmmm, interesting. So, I brought you home to meet my mother. Tell me, which category do you think you fall into?"
My cheeks were on fire. Of course I hoped it was the former, but I wasn't going to kid myself. Joshua was a very powerful and wealthy man who I'm sure had women constantly throwing themselves at him.
"I would just assume the latter." I couldn't even look at him when I said it. I was so nervous in that moment.
"Work colleague?" He searched my eyes and I could see that he wanted to say something. He started to speak and then stopped himself. He reached out and gently smoothed hair out of my eyes. "We should continue with the tour."
I didn't push back for an answer, I just continued walking with him. I felt that in time he would open up to me. I decided to focus on the splendor of the home. It really was incredible. Joshua told me it had an art gallery, a library, a 40 seat movie theater, a dining room that could seat 22 comfortably, and a grand ballroom that could accommodate up to 200 people. 200 people in one room in someone's house! I was definitely in a different world.
When we made our way to the ballroom, I was speechless. The crystal chandeliers sparkled like the night sky filled with stars. It was simply breathtaking. We stood in that room and I closed my eyes and imagined Joshua holding me in his arms, twirling me around. I was completely engulfed in my reverie when Joshua lightly tapped me on the shoulder.
"Earth to Sarah." A soft chuckle escaped from Joshua's lips.
My eyes snapped open as my hands flew to my flushed cheeks. "I'm sorry. I'm just not used to all of this. It's like a fairytale." Did I really just say that fairytale part out loud?
"Well, you'll have a chance to dance in this ballroom at the party on Thursday."
"Oh? Will I?" I couldn't help but flirt with him just a little bit.
"If you're lucky." He winked at me and proceeded with the rest of the tour.
There go the butterflies again.
"Did you buy more than one gown in Dubai?"
I panicked as I realized I had nothing to wear to Bunny's birthday party.
"No, I didn't. What am I going to do? I don't suppose I can wear the same dress I wore to the charity event?" My palms were getting sweaty as I tried to figure out a solution.
Joshua must have seen the panic written all over my face. "Calm down. Don't worry. I will take care of everything."
His gentle tone surprised me but was so comforting. I really loved this sweet side of him. I stood staring at him, my eyes filled with gratitude. I think it made him a little uncomfortable.
“We should probably get back to everyone else. I'm sure they are wondering where we are."
CHAPTER 3
The next morning I was lying in bed thinking about where I was. It was still hard for me to believe this was real. Dinner was pretty wonderful the night before and Bunny's brothers and sister were just as nice as she is. As crazy as it may sound, I felt as if I fit in with this family.
I hopped in the shower, got dressed and was just finishing curling my hair when I heard a light knock at my door. My heart skipped a beat because I knew that it was Joshua coming to get me for breakfast. I opened the door with a big smile on my face and it immediately fell and was replaced by confusion.
Ethan was leaning in my doorway flashing his pearly whites at me.
"Ethan. What are you doing here?"
"I thought I would escort you to breakfast, gorgeous." That sexy smile of yours is not going to work on me. Just as I was about to respond, Joshua appeared at my door.
"Thanks for the offer cousin, but the lady is spoken for." His dark eyes fixed on Ethan’s, and his imposing stance sent a clear message to Ethan that he should back off.
"For now." Ethan winked at me as he sauntered off.
Joshua came into my room and closed the door. He turned his fiery gaze on me. "Did you invite him to your room?"
"Of course not! You heard him say he wanted to escort me to breakfast!"
"I told you he's trouble Sarah! Don't encourage him." I could see a flicker of hurt fly across his eyes and I quickly went to him.
"Look at me." I was surprised at how bold I was being with him.
He looked at me, his eyes longingly searching mine. I reached up and gently held his face in my hands. "I am not encouraging him in any way. He is not the…” I stopped myself. I had already said too much and I didn't want to scare him away.
Joshua gently pulled me to him and softly kissed me on the lips. I thought I would melt into his arms. He pulled back slightly, still holding me close and looked into my eyes. He caressed my cheek softly with his finger.
"We should get downstairs for breakfast."
After breakfast everyone was lounging by the pool when Jake came over to me.
"How's my favorite new associate enjoying her visit?"
I giggled at his playful banter. "I am having a great time. This house is incredible and your mother is lovely."
"I think Vivienne is a bit envious of how mother has taken to you." He leaned in to whisper to me. “She has only ever felt this way about one other woman."
I looked at him and knew the answer before I asked.
"Lauren?"
"Yes." His mood darkened for a minute and I think I saw a moment of anger flicker in his eyes. I changed the subject to lighten things up.
"I'm looking forward to the party on Thursday. I saw the ballroom and it was so amazing. You guys really have an incredible life."
Jake looked at me and smiled. There is the friendly face I recognize.
"I'm looking forward to the party as well. Be sure to save a dance for me."
We chatted for a little while longer and then Joshua came over to us. As he was walking toward us I happened to glance to my right and I saw Vivienne and Ethan in what looked like a heated discussion. Something is definitely going on there.