Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 60105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“Now,” Devin said, moving back to lean against his desk, “Ethan has expressed interest in a second date with you.”
My heart sank at his words. The thought of enduring another evening of Ethan’s self-centered conversation, followed by his rough handling of my body—as arousing as some part of me had found it—filled me with dread. I opened my mouth to protest, but Devin held up a hand, silencing me.
“However,” he continued, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, “I’ve decided that won’t be necessary.”
I blinked in surprise, hardly daring to hope. Devin’s smile widened as he took in my expression.
“You see, Andrea,” he said, his voice warm with approval, “while your puss responded beautifully to Ethan’s attentions, it’s clear your mind wasn’t engaged. And here in this household, we believe in nurturing both the body and the spirit of our young women.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. I felt a surge of gratitude toward this man who, despite his stern demeanor and the humiliating situations he put me in, seemed to genuinely care about my well-being.
“So,” Devin continued, “I’ve taken the liberty of arranging a different date for you.”
My breath caught in my throat. Could it be…?
“Tomorrow evening,” Devin said, his eyes twinkling with amusement at my obvious anticipation, “you’ll be going out with Dylan.”
A wave of joy washed over me, so intense it made me dizzy. I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face, my heart racing with excitement. Dylan. Sweet, handsome Dylan, with his kind eyes and gentle touch. The man who had occupied my thoughts even as Ethan used my body.
“Thank you, sir,” I breathed, my voice trembling with emotion. “Thank you so much.”
CHAPTER 15
Andrea
I came downstairs in the green dress Lila had loaned me—and even altered, with frightening efficiency at her sewing machine, for my figure—at six o’clock the next night. I felt my face start to warm at the sound of conversation in the living room, and my blush came into full bloom when I found Dylan already there, talking to Devin and Greta.
“You’re taking our Andrea to the Trattoria?” Greta was asking, with surprise and what I thought might be a hint of disapproval in her voice. “For a first date?”
I had heard from Lila and Lydia that the Burger Barn was where associates almost always took subservient girls first, so as not to spend too much money on them if it didn’t work out. Lydia had opined that most associates wanted to make sure a girl would be happy with that kind of food, and not put on airs as if she were too good for it.
I had seen the Trattoria, down Main Street a little ways, when Ethan had taken me out. It looked a lot fancier than anything else in Cato. Lila said that it mostly served elders and their wives, and really, I should get used to the Burger Barn; Bill and Hank took her and Lydia there every time they went out. Neither of them had ever seen the inside of the Trattoria.
I paused just out of sight of the living room, my heart racing. I knew I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help myself. I had to know what Dylan would say.
“Yes, I’m taking Andrea to the Trattoria,” Dylan replied, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. There was a hint of defiance in his tone as he continued, “And I don’t mind people knowing I think she’s special.”
My breath caught in my throat at his words. Special? He thought I was special? A warm glow spread through my chest, and I felt my cheeks flush even hotter.
“Well,” Devin’s voice rumbled, “you certainly have every right to choose where you take Andrea. But I hope she won’t get any ideas from this.”
I frowned at Devin’s words, unsure what he meant by ‘ideas.’ But before I could ponder it further, I heard Greta clear her throat.
“Andrea?” she called. “Are you coming down, dear?”
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I stepped into the living room. The sight that greeted me nearly took my breath away. Dylan stood up from the couch, and I felt my heart skip a beat. He looked dazzlingly handsome in a crisp blue button-down shirt that brought out the color of his eyes, paired with dark slacks that hugged his muscular legs. His wavy hair was neatly styled, and a hint of stubble along his jawline made him look ruggedly attractive.
Before I could say anything, he had crossed the room in a few long strides. To my surprise, he wrapped me in a warm hug. The scent of his cologne—a subtle, woodsy fragrance—enveloped me, and I felt my body relax into his embrace. His strong arms around me felt so right, so safe. It sent conflicting feelings racing through my system—comfort and security mingled with a spark of desire that made my pulse quicken.