Liliana Rhodes [His Every Whim 02] His One Desire (ang )

Chapter One Ashley I couldn't move. Xander's car was gone. He was gone. Stunned, I stood in front of his wife's grave, still holding the rose he gave me. At some point I must have run out of tears. I knew I cried when he left but the tears stopped. It felt like he had yanked my heart from my chest and stomped on it and the empty hole continued to ache. I knew I had to go. I had to drive back to Jefferson Manor and figure things out. He said I could stay there but I didn't want to risk seeing him. I knew if I didn't get away I would never get over him. My cell phone ringing snapped me out of my reverie. Zombie-like, I answered without glancing at the caller ID. "This is Ashley," I croaked, my voice filled with emotion. "This is Drake Winslow. Xander Boone recommended you for an assistant's position with me. Will you be available tomorrow for a lunch meeting?" His voice was deep and formal. "Umm yes?" "Very good. I'll have a Town Car pick you up at noon. Don't dress for an interview, dress for lunch. We'll be at Le Chateau." While the call pulled me out of my shock at Xander ending things, I was left even more confused. Drake hung up and I stared at the phone with surprise. Who was this guy? I wondered how much Xander told him. He said Drake was an old friend and the man I saw him with in the Hawaiian conference room. I hoped he didn't recognize me. Our brief conversation was enough to turn me off. I had enough problems with one crazy billionaire, I didn't need to work for another. Then again, I really needed a place to live. I wasn't getting that without a job. I probably wouldn't have agreed to meet with him if I wasn't suddenly unemployed. I drove back to the Manor in silence. Usually I listened to music while driving, but I couldn't stand any other sound than the hum of my car at that moment. No, not my car, his car. He didn't say anything about returning

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it to him, but it wouldn't be right of me to keep it. I guessed it was back to the bus for me. Having a car was nice while it lasted. When I got to my room, I opened up my laptop and searched for Drake Winslow. Overwhelmed by how many hits the search engine got, I decided to skim through a few of the headlines. The Winslow family were Hollywood royalty. My lunch meeting was with Drake Winslow, the third. I couldn't help but hear that in my head with a snobby accent. His grandfather bought his first movie studio in the 1930's and produced some of the biggest movies in history. As the business and the family grew, film rights were passed down through the generations enabling Drake the third to own several production companies and date the actresses in his films. He was tall, tanned and had dirty blond hair. He looked more like he should be in front of the camera, not behind it. He was a tabloid fixture and notorious womanizer. Drake Winslow dated starlets, singers, models, anything in a skirt. It seemed if the woman was beautiful she would eventually end up on his arm at an event or in his private jet, but it never lasted long. The next morning I looked through my closet at the clothes Joshua made for me. I knew if it wasn't for Joshua's clothing, I wouldn't have anything to wear to this lunch meeting. I pulled out a black, cherry-printed vintage style dress with a sweetheart neckline, full skirt and a red patent leather belt. Having never gone to Le Chateau, I didn't know what to wear but the dress seemed like the perfect combination of elegant and casual. As a far off church bell chimed the time, I heard the sound of a car pull up to the house on the gravel driveway. I wore my hair down in loose waves and matched the dress with a simple pair of black pumps. As I stepped outside, the driver opened the back door for me then closed it once I was in. Having people open doors for me wasn't something I thought I would get used to but it was really nice. I watched as the countryside changed from rolling hills to concrete once we neared the city. As we slowed down for a stop light, I saw Le Chateau ahead. It was both an old hotel and a restaurant and probably the most renown building in all of downtown.

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Taking up the entire block, Le Chateau looked like a large French castle which made the street its moat. It was at least six stories high and made of white stucco with a dark grey roof. While it should have stood out in a city with tall modern buildings, somehow the building held its own. Le Chateau was also famous for its rock stars and actors who lived, partied and sometimes died there. As I stepped out of the car, flashbulbs popped. Blinded, I lowered my head from the onslaught of cameras until the driver took my hand and lead me into the restaurant. I expected to see paparazzi outside since Le Chateau was such a popular spot, but I didn't think they would take pictures of just anyone. I recognized the interior of the restaurant from movies and tv shows. The familiar tera cotta tile, cream walls, tall arched windows, and exposed wood beam ceiling made me feel at ease even though deep down I knew I shouldn't be there. My place was with the tourists who stretched their necks for a peek, not having lunch. The driver whispered something to the hostess and she smiled and nodded at me as she picked up a leather-bound menu. "Mr. Winslow is waiting for you. Please follow me," said the hostess. As we approached the white linen covered table, I recognized Drake from Hawaii. His hair was parted on the side and swept back from his tanned face. He was elegant like a movie star, yet had a boyish quality to him. When I reached the table he smiled, his teeth gleaming and his warm brown eyes squinted a little, showing his age. He was absolutely gorgeous and would have made a great distraction, but to me he couldn't compare to Xander. "Ashley Monroe, I'm Drake Winslow. Please sit down." "Its nice to meet you Mr. Winslow." "No, call me Drake. I have to say Xander didn't tell me what you looked like but I took a gamble and assumed you'd be beautiful. Why else would he want to help you?" He smiled and laughed softly as I blushed. I could tell he didn't recognize me from Hawaii and I was glad about that. "Tell me Ashley, are you dating anyone?"

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"I'd rather not answer personal questions. I'm here for an interview, You said need an assistant?" I tried changing the subject hoping to move the conversation to the reason I was there. I didn't know why he was being so inappropriate at an interview, but I did not want to talk about what happened between Xander and me. "Yes, an assistant. Let's call it that." He smiled and looked around before moving his chair a little closer to mine, then dropped his voice to a whisper. "I have a proposition for you. I was hoping you'd be attractive, because no one would believe it otherwise. I need a girlfriend and I'm hoping to hire you for that." "What?!" I searched his face to see if he was joking but he wasn't. I stood up. "You've got the wrong girl. I don't know what Xander told you but–" He reached out and grabbed my hand. "No, not like that. Sit down. Now!" His voice was stern and I immediately sat down without thinking. "Listen to me and keep your mouth shut until I'm done. The paparazzi out there? I can't get away from them. I've tried dating unknowns, I've dated movie stars, it doesn't matter it all gets too overwhelming for them so they leave. I want to have a normal life, a wife and kids. I'm 45 years old and I know I'm missing out on a lot." He sighed and looked down at the table for a moment. "I don't know how I'll meet the girl for me, I'll have to make sure she's not after my wealth or my name, its so complicated. Meantime there's them." He motioned over his shoulder to the windows where photographers were trying to get pictures of the interior of the restaurant. "I'm sorry but you can't just pay someone to do that." "I'm not done." He shot me a look and I knew to keep quiet. "My publicist suggested I find a long-term girlfriend. His opinion is that eventually the public will get tired of seeing me with the same woman all the time and prices for the photos will drop and then I'll get a little privacy back." He leaned in a little further. "I will pay you to attend events and whatever else I would bring a date to. In return, you keep our arrangement to yourself." He looked at me long and hard. "Now you may speak."

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Speechless, I stared at him still waiting for the punchline. His plan was crazy! What did he think I was? Arm candy for the rich and famous? Ha! Me, arm candy! The idea made me laugh out loud and he sat back and smiled. "You're insane!" I finally said. "Maybe, but I'm hoping this is crazy enough to work. Just think about it ok? After lunch I want to show you something else." I had a great time at lunch with Drake. He was funny and smart and I enjoyed myself. I understood why he was a ladies man, he had a magnetism that was hard to resist. He knew everyone and had personal stories about movie stars that were even more outlandish than anything I read in the tabloids at the supermarket check-out line. I thought about his offer and wondered if pretending to be his girlfriend would always be lighthearted and fun like this lunch. His car was parked in a private garage underneath Le Chateau and after a quick drive we pulled into another underground garage. He slipped a card into the elevator and the doors opened immediately. "I own this apartment building. As part of your compensation, I would like you to live here so I know you'll be safe. There is a bellhop and security at the main entrance so no one can come in unless they're invited." The elevator slowed and the doors opened up again. I followed him down a quiet beige carpeted hall with pinstripe wallpaper to a door. "Let me know what you think." He opened the door to reveal a sunken living room. At one end of the room was a large stone two sided fireplace with the kitchen just beyond that. A doorway at the other end of the room led to bedroom. The apartment was furnished with contemporary furniture and felt modern yet comfortable at the same time. I must have been grinning from ear to ear because Drake smiled with a satisfied expression. "This is great! Its like I stepped into a magazine."

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"Its yours. You can move in now if you'd like...if you take the job of course." He grinned like a cat that swallowed a mouse, knowing my answer before I gave it to him. "I'll do it. I'll be your girlfriend." "Your first assignment is this Saturday. There's a benefit for my museum that Xander put together. He'll be there so you'll know someone besides me. The fundraiser is a costumed event and everyone will be dressed as glamorous movie characters. I'm going as Robert Redford from The Great Gatsby. You can choose whoever you'd like." I barely heard him after hearing Xander's name. I needed to catch Xander's attention and make him realize he made a mistake. There was only one person I knew who could help me with that–Joshua. He had to come up with something amazing for me to wear. Chapter Two Xander I woke and rolled over to look at the digital clock sitting on the small nightstand. 3am. The cottage was chillier than it should have been in early September. I got up, put on a pair of jeans and a heavy old sweatshirt and tossed the last log into the fire and hoped it would last until morning. It had been days since I last saw her but it felt much longer. I wanted to stay in my condo in the city but knowing that Ashley was still in the house, I felt compelled to be near her, wondering if I could catch of glimpse of her. I thought about her endlessly. That had to stop. I didn't need someone in my life. I didn't want to feel that pain again. I couldn't imagine losing someone again like I lost Darcy. I couldn't even say her name. Just thinking of her was difficult. Guilt consumed me the same way illness consumed Darcy. With all my money, there was nothing I could do. What good was money if it couldn't help the people you love?

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Watching her deteriorate was the most difficult thing I ever did in my life. Darcy was always so full of life. Even at the end, she never wanted anyone to worry about her. I would never forget the way she smiled, it lit up the room. Even in the hospital. Darcy changed my life. In college and graduate school, I kept myself in a drugged and drunken haze. Despite that, I graduated on time something I was certain had to do with my last name. Jaded by my experiences as Alexander Boone, I left everything behind and worked as a cook in a small restaurant outside of the city. Darcy waited tables there and had no idea what the last name Boone meant to people. It was refreshing to find someone who didn't bow to me because of my name, someone who stood up to me and treated me like everyone else. Watching how the restaurant worked, I thought I could help improve things and help the owner realize his dream of a second location. I created AJB Restaurants and got lucky. I contacted old school friends who worked in the banking industry and helped small family-owned restaurants get the funding they needed to expand. My pay came from the banks who paid me a finder's fee. Things grew so quickly, I needed help and immediately thought of Darcy. Even though I had asked her out many times, she always turned me down. Darcy was looking for something that paid more than waitressing and I thought if she wouldn't date me, I could spend more time with her if she worked for me. She only waitressed to pay for her massive student loans. During the day she was an art teacher in an elementary school, but it didn't pay enough. She would joke that that's what she deserved for majoring in Art History, a joke I continued to use after her death. Somehow she fell in love with me and she made me the happiest man in the world when we married. By then I had several companies under the Boone Enterprises umbrella, which was separate from anything my family did. It was Darcy who wanted to purchase Jefferson Manor, then a dilapidated money pit, but she saw its beauty. Darcy even convinced me the art

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gallery was a good idea, and it was in her honor that I begrudgingly attended each gallery opening. The art gallery was another reminder of what I lost when she died. While I closed Jefferson Manor and moved out after her death, I kept the art gallery open. I didn't want everything of Darcy's to die with her. I just couldn't face that house anymore. At my request, my mother handled the packing of the mansion and hired Tara to manage the stables. After three years of avoiding Jefferson Manor, I knew I needed to either sell it or move back in. It wasn't fair to Darcy's memory to let it become the dilapidated mess it once was. Returning, I found the house full of memories. As if her ghost walked the rooms, especially our bedroom but I couldn't touch it. Ashley brought back the happy memories of Darcy. How she held her ground when I tried to intimidate her. The way her face lit up when she smiled and the entire room dissolved so there was nothing but her. The similarities between Ashley and Darcy were obvious to me and I convinced myself it was those attributes that attracted me to Ashley. While I hadn't let myself feel anything for anyone after Darcy, I was sure what I felt for Ashley was only my grasping for the past. Either way I refused to suffer again. I poked at the dying fire trying to make it last longer but no such luck. It was early for the temperatures to drop so low and I wasn't prepared for it. I got up and looked over at the house with its dark windows. The house was large enough that I could sleep in one of the spare bedrooms and no one would know. While I wanted to see Ashley, I knew I couldn't. I needed to get her out of my system and seeing her black almond shape eyes and bee-stung lips was too much for me. I walked along the gravel up to the main house and quietly slipped through the back door. Knowing Ashley was alone in the big house, I didn't want to wake or startle her. Enough sun began to peek through the trees to light the way through the hall and upstairs to the circular study where the hallway branched off of to the bedrooms.

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Entering the study my eyes immediately went to one of the large armchairs in the center of the room. Curled up in the chair was Ashley in a large comfortable looking robe, her hair wild around her shoulders. I blinked a couple of times to make sure I wasn't dreaming, but I smelled vanilla and knew it really was her. Chapter Three Ashley "You should be sleeping." My heart leapt into my chest when he spoke. He startled me but that wasn't why my heart suddenly pounded in my chest. He looked better than ever with his worn jeans and disheveled hair. "Who are you? My father?" I saw the briefest smile play upon his lips. As he crossed the study towards the bedrooms, I wondered how someone could look so sexy in a suit, yet even better dressed down. "Luckily no. Good night Miss Monroe." "Xander wait." I got up from the chair and caught up to him in the hall. "I'm moving out today." "You know you don't have to. You can stay until you find a new place." "I have a new place. Drake has an empty apartment and offered it to me. I decided to take the job." "Oh. Congratulations then." "You can have your car back." I held the key fob out to him but he didn't take it. "Did he get you a car too?" He cleared his throat and I wondered if he meant for that to come out. "That's your car now," he growled as he turned away from me. "But–" "If you don't want it then sell it."

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He entered a bedroom before I had a chance to say anything else. I dropped the key back into my pocket and curled up in the chair again as I tried to enjoy my last sunrise there. I shifted in the seat trying to get comfortable again but no luck. I couldn't focus on the sunrise or anything else. Just standing that close to him again sent my pulse racing. I thought back to his outburst, was it jealousy? I was sure that was just wishful thinking on my part. Returning to my suite of rooms, I changed into black yoga pants and a rose colored tee shirt. I tugged at the end of the tee wishing it was long enough to hide my hips but nothing could hide them. Looking down I saw my soft belly and wondered if sit ups would help. I pulled my hair back into a pony tail and looked around at the boxed filled room. The only new things I had were the clothing from Joshua. I hadn't been there long enough. Most of my stuff was still in boxes from the last move. I hoped to stay in the apartment for a while. I didn't like so much change and I looked forward to having my own place for once. Maybe that was my problem though. Maybe I was falling back into the old Ashley's lazy routine by taking the apartment and job from Drake. I never thought I would experience the life of champagne and wealth that Xander showed me. I certainly never thought I'd go from working for one billionaire to another. Everything happened so fast. I had no choice but to take Drake up on his proposition. I convinced myself that by working for him, I might get to see Xander more and knowing I'd see him at the fundraiser so soon was good enough for me. I wanted him back in my life. I knew everything happened too fast between us but I needed him. No one else had ever made my heart leap, or made my stomach get butterflies the way he did. I might be leaving the Manor, but I knew I'd see him again soon. "I didn't think you'd last long." The woman's voice was cold and cruel, it made a chill run up my spine and not in the good way Xander's voice did. I turned around and saw a

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petite, thin woman with spiky grey hair who reminded me of Lydia Winklesmith the personal shopper, except this one wore a suit. "And you are?" "I'm Barbara Boone, Alex's mother." "Can I help you with something? If you're looking for Xander he's down the hall." I thought it was funny how she insisted on calling him Alex even though he demanded everyone called him Xander. I imagined she called him Alex as a boy and she didn't want to lose that, but looking at her I didn't see anything warm and motherly in her and I definitely hadn't heard anything nice about her. "No, I came to see you. I had to see what was occupying my son's attention and now I see you're packed to go. Is all this yours or do I need to make sure you're not stealing from him?" I blinked for a moment looking at her as I tried to decide if she was serious. She was. She walked over to the clothes Joshua made for me and looked at the label then back at me. "Those are mine. Xander bought those for me." "If you're moving out then I don't think you need these anymore." She pulled the clothing out of the box and draped them on her arm as she moved from box to box and roughly went through my things. I wanted to hit her or shove her against the wall but I knew I couldn't, it wasn't right. How she treated me wasn't right though either. I didn't know what to do. "Get the hell out!" Xander's voice boomed from the doorway. "I'm moving out, you know–" "Not you. Her," he growled and narrowed his eyes at his mother. "Those are her things, all of it, the clothing, whatever is in her boxes. I don't care if it has a sticker that says 'property of Xander Boone' on it, its hers." "Alex darling, I'm just trying to help you. This little tramp is just using you." "Get out! Now!"

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He stood in front of his mother and stared. I felt his anger coming off of him and backed up until I bumped into a wall then wished I could disappear into it. "Fine. You'll see, one day you'll come crawling back to your mother. Remember when Darcy died? Who did you come to? That's right–me! Maybe I won't be there next time." "There won't be a next time. Going to you was the biggest mistake I ever made." He looked over at me and his voice softened. "One of the biggest mistakes I ever made." I didn't know what he meant. Was I a big mistake? Was leaving me a big mistake? Before I summoned up the nerve to ask, they were both gone and I was alone again with my boxes. Chapter Four Xander I allowed work to consume me so I wouldn't have time to think about her. It didn't work. My mind alternated between Darcy and Ashley so much that thinking about Ashley made me feel guilty, as if I cheated on Darcy. Ashley had moved out of Jefferson Manor almost a week ago and into an apartment owned by her new boss, Drake Winslow. Drake and I went back to college except where I was wild, he was conservative. He was always very aware of who he was and how he could tarnish his family's name. It was a trait I found annoying. The man needed to live more. Drake's only vice was women and he used his name plenty to get whomever he wanted. Still, he was the perfect choice when it came to give Ashley a job. I knew Drake wouldn't lay a hand on her as his assistant, it was too inappropriate a thing for him to do. Plus, with our working together to open the Winslow Museum of Motion Pictures, I had a reason to speak with him regularly. "Lisette? Can you come in here?" I spoke into the intercom. "Yes Mr. Boone, right away."

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Lisette Medina was a temp who filled in wherever she was needed on the executive floor. She had been working at Boone Enterprises for the past couple of months and proved herself to be competent and trustworthy, except for giving the florist Ashley's number as a contact. I couldn't blame her for that though. I should have told Ashley about Darcy to begin with. Lisette entered the room with her dark blonde hair pulled back into a low pony tail and the standard skirt and blouse it seemed all the temps wore. I never noticed her but a few of the younger men in the office were constantly vying for her attention. "I need to you check on all the last minute details for Saturday's benefit at Ross Hall." "The gala for the museum?" "Yes. Make sure everything is perfect, we'll be entertaining a lot of people who need to open up their purse strings for this to be considered a success. Check on the caterer, music, flowers, every single detail. I expect you to spend the day there Saturday making sure the location is the exact vision Drake Winslow wanted." "Hollywood glamour costume party, correct?" She quickly jotted some notes in a notebook. "Yes, we want the investors to remember all the enjoyment those movies brought. Several props will be prominently displayed, make sure nothing happens to them, they belong to the museum now. I'll have to talk to Drake about hiring a curator to catalog and manage the collection. Get him on the phone for me." She left the room. As I waited for the phone to ring, I thought about how I could bring Ashley up. I needed to know that she was alright. I wondered if, as his assistant, she would answer his phone. I clicked the conference button so I could listen to Lisette's call. "Drake Winslow's office, this is Evelyn speaking." I hung up, disappointed. I didn't realize how much I hoped I would hear her voice. The intercom buzzed and I knew Drake was on the line. "Drake, there's still some details we need to discuss leading up to the fundraiser and then the museum opening."

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"Yes, I know Xander, a curator, security, staffing. Everything will come together, you know I don't bother worrying about the little details and you shouldn't either." "Its my business to worry about the little details, that's how I make money." "Let's deal with the benefit first and then see where we stand. One thing at a time. You will be there, right?" "Of course, do I have a choice?" "I know you hate these things but it comes with the name, you know that. You should be used to it, embrace it." "And you also know that I don't care about the name. There are more important things in life." I paused for a moment and came to the real reason for my call. "How's Ashley Monroe doing? Is she working out as your assistant?" "She's wonderful, thank you for recommending her to me. We'll see you Saturday night then. And Xander, do me a favor? Try to pretend you're enjoying yourself." I snorted and hung up. I couldn't believe that anyone so preoccupied with their family name would think I didn't enjoy myself. If anyone needed to enjoy themselves it was Drake. He could be such a damned stick in the mud. Wait a minute, did he say "we"? He rarely brought a date to these events, his excuse was the high profile nature of them, but I thought he liked to keep his options open. I must have misheard him. Chapter Five Ashley I arrived at Fashion Plaza for the second time in my life. The outdoor mall was still as impressive as it was my first time there. I walked a little faster than usual not only because it was chilly out, but because I was excited to see what Joshua had made for me to wear.

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I tried to focus on just seeing Xander. If I thought about being at the benefit, I doubted myself. I didn't know how I was going to pull it off. Drake needed someone who knew how to walk a carpet, not vacuum one. How many times had I dreamed of going to a movie premiere or an event like the Oscars. That wasn't my place though. A girl like me didn't belong in this champagne lifestyle. There were never big girls on the arm of someone famous, and there was nothing special about me to make me the first. I shook my head in awe when I thought of how much my life changed in just a couple of months. Two months ago I was serving champagne in an art gallery, now I was pretending to the be the girlfriend to one of the most well known, and handsome film producers in the world. As I entered Joshua's store, he waved to me from the back by the mini runway. I braced myself as I always did when I needed to go dress shopping and then made my way towards the back. "Ashley darling, how have you been?" He kissed both my cheeks and waved a salesgirl over for some champagne. "I'm good." I forced a smile and hoped he didn't notice how nervous and sad I felt. "That didn't sound good. What's going on? Did Xander do something stupid?" "We broke up. He broke up with me. I guess he didn't tell you?" I bit my bottom lip as I fought back tears. "That ass! Of course he didn't tell me, he knew he'd never hear the end of it." He sighed and shook his head. "He can be such a bastard sometimes. Let me tell you something about Xander, but you can never say anything to him." "Of course not." "I told you that Xander and I went to school together as kids. That was at the Avery Academy, I'm sure you've heard of it. Well, I wasn't your typical student there. While most of the kids there were trust fund babies, I only got the privilege of going there because I had brains. I grew up on the other side of town, away from all those mansions and money. When I started

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at Avery, all the kids looked down on me, like I had a severe case of cooties. All of them except for Xander." "What does all this have to do with me?" "Absolutely nothing." He laughed. "But I think you'll understand him better. Xander was always routing for the little guy. Whatever happened, he had your back. He went through life always thinking about how other people felt and because of that, he sometimes doesn't take care of himself." "I think you're thinking about someone else. Xander takes care of himself just fine. If anything he's known for scaring the crap out of people." I couldn't help but laugh thinking about how menacing he could be. "Yes, yes, trust me, its an act. He's learned to use that to protect himself. Xander doesn't care about the money or his inheritance. He even left it all after college, that's when we reconnected. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have this shop, he secured the funding for me and made my dreams come true. That's Xander and I can guarantee right now he's missing you but so afraid of how he's feeling that he thinks turning you away is the right thing for both of you." I shook my head. It made sense. I knew deep down that what Joshua said matched the Xander who planned that incredible day for me in Hawaii and gave me the car at my interview. It made me want him even more. "He's going to be at the fundraiser Saturday." I met Joshua's gaze and raised my eye brow, hoping he understood that I wanted to grab Xander's attention. "I know exactly what you need," he said excitedly. "I made this one but thought you would turn it down as being too flashy. Now I think its perfect." He winked at me then yelled towards the dressing rooms. "The red one! Ever see the movie 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'?" A spotlight focused on the runway and a girl with my similar body type stepped out. My jaw dropped. She wore a red sparkly dress that fit her like a glove. It had long sleeves but the front V'd all the way down to her stomach. The dress hugged her curves as she walked and revealed an equally sexy slit up her left leg that showed off all the way to her upper thigh. A large, ornate silver pin glittered on top of the slit.

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"I can't wear that! I'll look ridiculous! I'm too fat." I shook my head but I couldn't tear my eyes away from that dress. "Ash, relax will you? I wouldn't have made it if I didn't think you'd look gorgeous in it. Just try it on." He dragged me into the dressing room and helped me into the dress. He pinned some areas in a bit more and let out some other areas. When he was done he stepped back and smiled, looking proud. I turned to look at the mirror and once again stood in amazement at his work. "Wow! I look like Jessica Rabbit but with dark hair." I couldn't help but start giggling. It amazed me how with such a revealing dress, he was able to hide all the bad spots on my body and only show off the good ones. "No darling, you look like Jane Russell. Back then women looked like women, not like now. So, what do you think? Do you want to see what else I put together for you?" I shook my head. "I think this is it. If Xander doesn't notice me in this then something is really wrong with him." "That's right! Trust me, his eyes will fall out of his head." He winked. "I know him, he misses you. He might never admit it but regardless of what he might say, he's never been as excited about any woman as he has been about you." "Really? You're just making that up." "No, I'm serious! Mrs. Porter in eighth grade would be jealous." While we laughed at his joke, I couldn't help but wonder about the woman in Xander's life who haunted him. I didn't want to replace Darcy and I knew he would always love her, but I couldn't help but feel good hearing what Joshua thought about Xander's feelings for me. I hoped the dress and the benefit would make things clear for me one way or the other. I needed to know–should I keep waiting for him or was it time to move on before I really got hurt? Chapter Six Xander

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I arrived at Ross Hall early to make sure everything came together as planned. Lisette ran up as I entered the building, looking worried and disheveled. "I've gone over everything and everyone. It's just like you said it should be. What else can I do?" "Thank you Lisette. You can go home. Take Monday off." "Thank you sir. Can I ask you something?" "Yes, but make it quick." "What costume are you wearing? It just looks like a nice tux." "I'm Bond, James Bond." I walked away before she could say anything else and entered the event room. Two bars were set up, one on either end of the room. Round tables dominated the room but with plenty of room to walk and admire the different movie props that were displayed throughout the room. At the far end of the room, an old fashioned big band sat in their white tuxedos practicing. A dance floor separated the band from the tables. The room filled quickly as the guests arrived. I sat by myself at a table and people-watched as I waited for Drake to arrive. I should have told him an earlier time. I forgot how much he enjoyed making an entrance. Everyone was in costume. I wouldn't openly admit it, but I enjoyed guessing what costume each person was wearing. Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe walked by. Next was Demi Moore and Tom Cruise. After them I spotted Robert Redford and Jane Russell. I stood up. She was breathtaking. Ashley's dark hair was parted on the side with large sculpted waves framing her face. And that dress! But why was she there with Drake? He wouldn't bring an assistant to an event like this. I felt someone nudge me and turned to see Henry Schwartz, a huge financial supporter of the arts. He was an overweight, elderly man who enjoyed dating women a fraction of his age. I didn't care about his costume, I only had eyes for Ashley.

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"Wonder where he found her, eh Xander? He's lucky he got to her first. What I would do to–" "Shut up old man!" "Fine, fine. Did you see this picture of her?" He showed me a website on his phone that had a picture of Ashley arriving for lunch at Le Chateau. "A natural beauty, that one there. I'll be waiting for when Drake tires of her." I snarled and walked away annoyed. I trusted Drake wouldn't touch her. Did I have to tell him she was my...nothing. She was nothing to me. I had no right being jealous. Anger boiled inside me as I watched Drake kiss her cheek before she walked away. I knew it was my only chance. I had to talk to her. I needed to find out if she cared for him. I easily caught up to her at the bar and stood behind her. Even in this crowded room I could smell the mixture of vanilla and jasmine that was Ashley. "Do you date all your bosses?" I growled. Chapter Seven Ashley I excused myself from Drake to look for Xander. I hadn't seen Xander and walking to the bar was the only way I could think that would let me look around the room more. I had to find him. Seeing him consumed my every thought and made Drake and I late because of my need to look perfect for Xander. As I approached the bar I figured I was out of luck. He must have decided to stay home. I was so obsessed with him I swore I smelled the citrusy spice of his cologne. "Do you date all your bosses?" He spoke right into my ear and I felt the words pierce my heart. How could he think that? I spun around to face him. "You actually think that? How dare you!"

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"Do not make a scene. People are watching. Come with me." He took my hand and led me through a service entrance and into the kitchen. Wait staff moved past without noticing us. He made a quick series of turns and we were suddenly alone, the noise of the party and the kitchen muffled behind stacks of dishes. "You have nerve! And what do you care anyway? Even if I was dating–" In one swift movement, I was in Xander's arms. His lips crushed mine and he held me tight against him. I felt my anger slip away as my body melted into his and the electricity from his lips shot through me as his beard gently scratched my skin. "Let's get out of here." "No, I can't. Drake–" "Him?? He'll get tired of you quicker than you can blink!" "You broke up with me remember? You said you couldn't be around me. Did anything change?" "No, you're right." He hung his head down and slowly shook his head. "I don't know what I was thinking. I can't do this to me or to you. You deserve to be happy." With a tug he loosened his bow tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. "I'm sorry. I miss you but..." He looked deep into my eyes for a moment and I held my breath hoping he would kiss me again or change his mind, instead he turned and started to walk away. "Wait! Xander!" He stopped but didn't turn. I thought about telling him the truth about Drake and I but I promised Drake my silence, plus I didn't think it would change his mind. There was so much I wanted to say but nothing came out. A cart of dirty dishes went by and he was gone. I felt paralyzed. I lost him again and this time I could only blame myself. I returned to the party in a daze. After all the effort I placed into seeing him, I never thought about what I would say. I mentally kicked myself as the old Ashley reminded me I was way out of my league.

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Drake came up beside me and slipped an arm around my waist while he smiled and nodded to some investors. "I've been looking for you. Is everything alright?" I moved my eyes up to his and his smile dropped. "Let's take you home. You can tell me what happened." "No, maybe some other time. I don't want to talk about it but I'm staying by you for the rest of the night." As he kissed the side of my head, I thought about how well Drake was at this charade. I spent the rest of the night with a phony smile plastered on my face as I tried to make sense of what happened with Xander. *** "He was jealous!" Drake exclaimed. "Listen, I know men, I am one." He pestered me after the benefit, wanting to know what happened but I wouldn't say a word. When he showed up at my apartment the next morning, I knew I had no choice. He wouldn't let it go so I told him. Just not all of it. I didn't tell him about Hawaii, I wasn't ready for him to recognize me as the stupid girl Xander bossed around in yesterday's clothes. I only told him the short version of what happened at the fundraiser's bar. "You're reading too much into it. He is not jealous. Why would he be jealous? He doesn't care what I do" "I can prove you wrong." He picked up his phone and dialed. "What are you doing?? You're not calling–" He put his finger up to silence me and turned the speaker on so I could hear. "Xander! I looked all over for you last night. I knew you wouldn't come." "I was there, I left early. What do you want?" "That's no way to talk to your old pal. I was hoping we could catch up. There's a lot I need to discuss with you about the museum...and other things."

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Drake looked like he was in his element. Meanwhile, I had never been so embarrassed in my life. "Fine, when do you want to talk?" "How about today? I remember you have some fine horses, lets go for a ride." "I'll see you later," Xander grunted then hung up. "Drake, that proves nothing." "You'll see. Hope you like horses." "I've never ridden one." "Even better." I was quiet during the ride to Jefferson Manor. A huge part of me was dying to know if Xander really was jealous, but another part of me was afraid the answer would be no. Drake wanted me to go along with whatever he said and did. Xander said he missed me, but he also turned away from me. Maybe he needed a jolt to see what he was missing. Drake pulled his car around to the stables where we found Xander brushing a tall chestnut horse with a white diamond shape on his face. He had on a pair of loose jeans and cowboys boots with a denim jacket over a faded chambray shirt. I had to stop myself from staring at him. I didn't know what to wear so Drake suggested a dark pair of jeans and an old blue button down top I owned. I didn't realize until we got out of the car that we were dressed alike. We looked ridiculous, but it was part of his plan. Xander did not look happy as we approached. He glanced at us and then looked away and focused on the horse in front of him. Drake was all smiles and walked with his arm around my waist, as we approached he whispered into my ear. "Go along with whatever I say." Xander pulled two other horses out of the stable and Drake went to help me get on one of them. "I can't, I don't know how," I whispered. "What's wrong?" Xander asked as he walked over. "I've never been on a horse before."

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"Here, its easy and this is a really tame horse, you'll be fine." Xander held his hand out to me but Drake stepped forward. "No, she's my girlfriend, I can help her." I thought it was funny having two handsome billionaires fighting over me, even if one of them was only playing. Drake helped me get on the horse as Xander walked off. I thought Xander seemed upset but I wasn't sure. Xander climbed on his horse easily and headed into the countryside. Drake held the reigns of mine and began walking alongside it, smiling up at me. "This is ridiculous, he's not even paying attention. And its childish. I just want to go home Drake." "No, I'm telling you, he's jealous. Look at him, he slowed down, he's watching. Bend down and give me a kiss." "No!" "Do it." He used his stern voice that I couldn't help but listen to. I leaned down and kissed his lips softly before sitting back up in the saddle. Xander's horse neighed loudly as he turned it back towards the stables and galloped over to us. "I have to cancel. The trail is too covered from the last storm, a new rider shouldn't be on it." As Xander rode into the stable, I had Drake help me down. I couldn't take it anymore. Deep down I knew he was in pain and whether it meant we were apart or not, I couldn't continue this game. I entered the stable, leaving Drake outside with the horses. "Xander? Are you ok?" He climbed off his horse. "I'm fine. Go have fun with your boyfriend. Maybe he'll help you find your next billionaire." "No! How could you think that?" "Get out of here. Your boyfriend is waiting for you." "He's not–" I stopped myself from saying the truth. I turned around to go, I didn't want to fight. I really just wanted to see him. As I walked towards the door, Xander quickly caught up to me, grabbed me and brought me into a corner. He looked down at me and I saw

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his eyes soften briefly. I reached up, putting my hands on his closely cropped beard and pulled him down to kiss me. He returned my kiss and pressed me against the stable wall. I wrapped my arms around him and held onto him tight as we kissed, our lips moving hungrily and I softly sucked on his bottom lip. Everything was perfect until he pulled away then walked out. Stunned I took a minute to respond but by the time I ran to the door and looked outside, he was gone. "What happened?" Drake asked. "I saw him come out, he looked miserable." I burst into tears. I didn't want to make Xander miserable. It was bad enough I felt miserable. I buried my face in my hands and turned to go back into the stable, not wanting Drake to see me cry but he grabbed hold of my arm. "Let's go. I think there's more you have to tell me. I'm taking you home." As we walked back to his car, I looked for Xander but didn't see him anywhere. I collapsed in my seat as all the emotions of everything that happened in the past two months caught up with me. Drake listened to the entire story as he drove. He held my hand as we took the elevator up to my apartment and came inside with me. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dump everything on you like that." "Stop. Go put on something more comfortable. I'll make you some tea." I nodded and went to my bedroom and got changed. I came out with my hair up in a pony tail and in an old pair of sweats and a faded sweatshirt I always wore when I was down. Drake started the fireplace and had a mug of hot water waiting for me on the cocktail table with tea bags. "I'm guessing this isn't your first girl meltdown?" He laughed. "You'd be surprised how many of my dates end up with the woman in love with someone else. I can't believe I didn't recognize you from Hawaii. I guess I didn't make the connection because I could tell how

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much he cared about you and this didn't make sense. I understand him though." "You do?" "Yes. I was always jealous of what Xander and Darcy had. I'm an old fashioned man and maybe it's from being surrounded by movies all my life but I always had this idea of how special love should be and what it should look like. That's what they had. But Ashley, that's what I saw in him when he saw you in the conference room in Hawaii. Not exactly the same, but love. I'm sure of it. You have to talk to him." "I don't know what to say. Besides nothing I say will change his mind." "Fine, I'm not interfering any further. Regardless, I need to fire you." "What?! Now?! Are you kidding me??" "Listen." He stared at me before continuing. "I can't continue our arrangement knowing that its hurting not only you, but my friend. I didn't realize how serious his feelings for you were or I wouldn't have played with him. I would like to make you a different offer though. My museum needs a curator. Any interest in that job? Take some time to think about it." "I don't need to think, I know I'd love it!" Chapter Eight Xander Weeks had past since Drake and Ashley had visited. Drake had phoned me several times but I didn't return his calls. He was the last person I wanted to speak to. After leaving Ashley in the stable, I knew I needed to face my demons. I hired an interior designer and redid the master bedroom. None of the old furnishings were used. The room was painted a dark green that I felt suited the large area better. The style of the bedroom became casual and relaxed instead of the antiques I always found stuffy.

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After the redesign of the master bedroom was complete, I moved in. While I looked back fondly at my time in the cottage, the large house was my home and I was ready to fight and do what needed to be done. Unfortunately she was still there. Everywhere I looked I saw her. I hired the designer to back and redo the rest of the rooms too. All of them except for the study. It was always her favorite so I couldn't touch it. I wouldn't allow myself to touch it. The rest of the furniture was removed and would be sold to dealers. The entire interior was painted so the home would have a more modern feel despite the antique crown molding. For the first time, the house felt like it belonged to me. And yet she was still there. I couldn't shake her. Her ghost haunted more each passing day. I imagined her eating in the kitchen or running down the hallway. I envisioned her in my new bedroom, deliciously naked on my bed with her luscious curves. I remembered how she looked in the morning when she woke. I couldn't escape her. She was everywhere I looked. Everything reminded me of her. The memories were so vivid I could almost smell her. I began doing the things she did and appreciating the small things she loved. If I couldn't get away from her I planned to embrace what she did. So every morning I sat in the second overstuffed chair. I pictured her with her hair wild, curves covered up by her robe, and holding her mug of tea. I woke every morning on time to see the sunrise. It was spectacular. The oranges and reds the sun cast while it was down, then turn brighter into yellows as it reached a high enough point in the sky. Then the morning came that I realized I was out of rooms to redecorate and her ghost was still there. I couldn't deny it to myself anymore. I loved her. I still fell for her. Despite how much I tried not to. All these years I felt guilty over Darcy and judged myself based on what I thought would make her happy. Darcy didn't haunted Jefferson Manor though, Ashley did. And I knew what I needed to do. I needed to make it

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known to the girl I loved that I wanted more than just her ghost in my house. I needed her there too. I was incomplete without her. Chapter Nine Ashley I was so grateful to Drake for having the curator position. Not only was it a dream come true, but having to plan the grand opening of the museum came at a great time. I was so busy with work, I barely had any time to obsess about Xander. The day had been especially busy with the exhibits. A constant flow of trucks came and went from the museum, as they delivered old movie props and stage sets in their crates from around the country. I wore jeans and a plum v-neck sweater because I never knew when I'd have to get dirty or move an old prop around. As I pushed an errant lock of hair back behind my ear, I heard another delivery enter the large empty room. I didn't even bother to look up from my clipboard. Deliveries were coming in faster than I could keep track. I knew I'd have to stay late to make sure everything had arrived and was unpacked appropriately. "Ashley, I want to discuss the arrangement of a display. Do you have time now?" Drake called from the doorway that lead to the special exhibit room. He wore a navy suit, his hair was tousled, and I couldn't help but think it looked like he was up to something. "Sure, I have time. I didn't think we were putting anything into that room though." "Just come. Don't start questioning me." He gave me an annoyed look. As I walked over to the room, I highlighted the items I didn't see arrive yet. The day was far from over but I requested all deliveries to be made that day so I needed to make sure nothing was delayed or lost in transit. I

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stopped in front of Drake, able to only see the pant legs of his charcoal grey suit with my head still down in my spreadsheet. "Its funny I thought you were wearing navy." "I am," he said from behind me. Confused, I looked up and the clipboard fell from my hands, sending sheets of paper everywhere. Xander stood in front of me. The sight of him sent my heart into flips. The butterflies awoke in my belly. I quickly passed my hands over my hair trying to smooth it, then to my sweater as I wished I had on a nicer, more figure flattering outfit. Xander pulled my nervous hands from me and I felt the same electricity I always felt from him course through my body. "Stop, you look beautiful." As he pulled me into the exhibit room, I realized he was wearing the same charcoal grey suit and ice-blue tie he wore when we met. The plain white room was now filled with all kinds of flowers. I couldn't believe I had been so busy that I didn't notice their scent before. There were flowers hanging down from the rafters, in vases on the floor and on stands, there were even flowers floating in large open bowls. I stood in awe. "What is all this?" "This is me trying to right a terrible wrong." Still holding my hands, he pulled me further into the room and handed me a single red rose surrounded by pretty purple and yellow wildflowers. "I don't understand." "Ashley, I've been a fool. I was so scared of falling for you and then losing you, I didn't realize I already had fallen for you and was pushing you away." He stepped forward and my heart pounded faster in my chest. "There are so many things I want to say, but I'm not sure how." He stared into my eyes and I felt myself lost in his blue eyes. "Can I take you to dinner tonight? I can't promise you a moonlight night on a Hawaiian beach, but I guarantee you the best meal you've ever had." He smiled and touched my cheek. "Please say yes." I nodded, unable to speak.

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"Thank you." He pulled me close and kissed my forehead, leaving his warm lips pressed against my skin which sent shivers down my spine. "I promise I'll make it up to you," he whispered. Chapter Ten Xander I owed Drake. If I hadn't listened to him I might have lost Ashley for good. Once he explained their arrangement and convinced me that I still had a chance with her, I knew I needed to do something extravagant. I would do anything for her. She was all I needed and all I wanted. Ashley brought me back to life after a long time of feeling dead. After leaving the museum, I went straight to the supermarket. It had been a long time since I stepped foot in one but when I promised Ashley the best meal of her life, I meant it. And I planned to cook it. I bought romaine lettuce, eggs, anchovies and a few other things to make Caesar salad. Next I stopped by the seafood department and had them peel and devein jumbo sized shrimp. I bought flour because I planned to make my own fettuccine, and then heavy cream and parmesan to make an Alfredo sauce. Lastly I bought bittersweet and semisweet chocolate for the chocolate soufflé I planned on making. From the first day I met her I wanted to cook for her. Having total control over those ingredients to create whatever I wanted was my guilty pleasure. Being able to share that with someone I cared about was even better. As I drove to Jefferson Manor I realized that not only had I never cooked there, I didn't want to. Cooking to me was intimate, sensual. That big kitchen, while the space made everything easier, it wasn't the image I had in my head for our romantic evening. Instead of stopping at the main house, I went directly to the cottage.

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Opening the door brought back memories. I still enjoyed the simplicity of the small house and wondered why I left. I even had some clothes at the cottage from when I lived there. I changed out of my suit and into a pair of old jeans and a tee shirt. I started the fire in the fireplace and went to the kitchen to start prepping. It had been a long time since I cooked. I never liked preparing a meal for just myself, felt like a waste of time. The cottage was the perfect place. I wanted to show Ashley that I didn't need all the fancy stuff. I knew she felt uncomfortable around so much of it and the small house gave me the chance to talk to her and romance her without everything else getting in the way. Tonight was going to be special. I chose this meal because it was decadent but quick to make. The soufflé took the longest to prepare out of everything if you excluded my making the pasta. Maybe I was a control freak but I wanted everything to be perfect. I had flowers delivered to the main house earlier and brought them to the cottage. I didn't overdo it like I had at the museum but I wanted to have some flowers around since she liked them. I heard my phone ring and was going to ignore it but noticed it was Drake. "Yes Drake?" "I wanted to make sure everything was going to plan. Anything I can help you with?" "No, thanks you've done enough. Part two should arrive soon. Then I want to pick her up at work. Make sure she doesn't leave the museum early." "Got it. Good luck!" I hung up with him and changed back into the charcoal grey suit with ice-blue tie knowing she recognized it. I still had a few more things I needed to do before heading back to the museum. I grabbed my car keys and vowed that tonight would be the first of many great nights for her. I just wanted to make her happy. Chapter Eleven

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Ashley As soon as Xander left, I tried figuring out if I had enough time to get changed before he picked me up. I wasn't sure what I was going to wear, but anything would be better than what I had on. "Drake, I'm sorry but I need to leave early." "No. You have a job to do. There's a major delivery arriving any second and you have to stay for it." "But Drake, you know I've been waiting for Xander to change his mind." I couldn't believe Drake was being like this. "No Ash, I know you're young but you need to learn that work comes first, your personal life can wait." He turned as the front door opened. "That should be the delivery now. Go!" He clapped his hands as he rushed me. I went to check on it even though I was angry with him. He was right, just because the man of my dreams showed up and declared his love for me, that didn't mean I could just up and leave to get ready for a date. I couldn't act like old Ashley who had no responsibilities and got no where in life. As I walked into the museum's grand hall I spotted Joshua with two women. Next to them were hair and make up train cases and wardrobe bags. "What are you doing here?" "I'm your fairy godmother darling. You can't go on the most important date of your life without being happy with how you look. Xander called and arranged all this. He knew you'd want to doll yourself up." "But I can't. I have to work." "Ashley, sometimes you can be so dense." Drake laughed as he entered. "They'll get you ready and then Xander will pick you up. I'll take care of everything here. You know I'm a sap for romance." I hugged both men then took Joshua and the two women to a small empty room towards the back. We found a chair and while one woman brushed my hair out, the other applied my make up. "I brought two dresses for you to choose from. My first choice is this one."

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He pulled out an ice-blue halter dress with a deep V on the bodice. It was a soft lace with sequins that made it glitter like a snow flake. The dress was much shorter than anything he had previously made for me, with a full skirt that would hit above my knee. The dress was youthful yet sophisticated and I fell in love with it instantly. "I don't need to see the other one. That's the dress." He grinned and pulled out a pair of silver strappy sandals for it and I realized I hadn't painted my toe nails. Joshua must have seen the look on my face. "Don't worry Ash, we've got everything under control." The woman who worked on the mess I called my hair, smiled and opened a case filled with nail polish. I laughed as relief rushed over me. I wanted so badly to look amazing for tonight. Joshua was right to call himself my fairy godmother because I felt like Cinderella getting ready for the ball with all the attention they gave me. As usual the dress fit perfectly and once my hair had a little hair spray in it and some lip gloss was applied, I stood up and admired myself in the mirror. "I know he'd wait forever for you, but Xander's outside," Drake said as he peeked into the room. "You look lovely." "Can you help me? Put this on?" I handed Drake the platinum necklace with sapphire solitaire Xander had given to me in Hawaii. I wore it everyday but took it off when my hair was getting done. Wearing it made me feel closer to Xander, even when we were apart. Drake put the necklace on me and then kissed my cheek. He and Joshua walked me to the front of the museum where Xander stood outside of the limo waiting for me in his suit. I smiled seeing him and once again remembered the frightening scowl that managed to melt my heart. He walked up the steps and took my hand as he helped me into the limo. Sitting beside me, he smiled and intertwined his fingers with mine. "I hope you don't mind, we're not going anyplace very fancy." "I don't care where we go or what we do. I just want to be with you Xander. That's all I've ever wanted."

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He leaned towards me and kissed my lips. It was such a delicate kiss, it was almost like it didn't happen but I felt that kiss down to my toes. I leaned my head against his chest and looked out the window. The city faded away as the rolling countryside took its place. I thought about my cab ride to Jefferson Manor not that long ago and then wondered if that was where he was taking me. I looked up at him and as always, it was like he read my mind. "Yes, I'm taking you home." He paused. "Kind of." "Kind of?" "We're not going to the main house, we're going to the cottage." As we pulled into the long driveway, I saw him text something but despite how curious I was, I didn't want to ask. The limo turned away from the Manor and turned towards the stables before coming to a stop in front of the cottage. By the stable door I saw Tara and waved to her as Xander helped me out of the car. The cottage looked like it had fallen out of a book of fairy tales. I couldn't help but think this was the perfect place for my Cinderella date. The roof of the small house sloped down the length of the house and seemed to have grown out of the wildflowers in its front yard. Early lightning bugs flashed in the flowers, making the place seem magical. When I stepped inside I saw the fireplace going and tiny candles along the hearth and the tables throughout the small living area. Calla lilies, orchids and roses adorned several vases, making the room was warm and romantic at the same time. "This is wonderful Xander!" I couldn't stop smiling. "I thought you promised me the best meal of my life though," I teased him. "Yes, I did. Sit right here and I'll serve the salad so you can eat while I make the main course and get dessert in the oven." Once again, he left me speechless. I sat at the small dinette and picked at the salad as I watched in awe as he made an alfredo sauce and then sautéed shrimp with garlic, lemon and butter before serving it together in a giant bowl.

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Chocolate filled the air as the soufflé baked in the oven. Xander sat across from me and served us both. His dinner was amazing and I thought what made it even better was that this gorgeous man made it just for me. The entire time we ate I could only think of one thing though–how our time in Hawaii was interrupted. Now that we were alone and in the cottage, my mind was filled with only him and what he would look like without the suit. He got up to take the soufflés out of the oven, his suit jacket hung on the back of his chair and I admired his firm ass and broad shoulders that made the shirt taut across his chest. "Try this Ash." He held a spoon with chocolate and whipped cream close to my mouth. The deep taste of the chocolate with the light whipped cream and airiness of the souffle was heavenly. I closed my eyes as I tasted it. While my eyes were closed, Xander kissed me. His strong lips parted my mouth as his tongue moved along mine. I grabbed onto him, not wanting him to stop when he suddenly pulled away. "I'm sorry. I tried. I can't help myself anymore." He picked me up and carried me the short distance into the living room. He leaned down and blew out the candles on the cocktail table out before kicking it out of the way and laid me on top of the plush rug in front of the fireplace. Frantically we pawed at each other's clothing. I fumbled with his shirt buttons so with one quick motion he yanked his shirt open and took it off. I almost forgot what an incredible body he had. His chest was muscular and strong, not the torso of a man who sat behind a desk most of the day and when I unzipped his pants, I saw he had those hip bones I always found sexy on men. He unfastened the dress at the back of my neck while kissing me hungrily then unzipped the rest and lifted it off, tossing it like a rag. Before I knew it we were completely naked in the glow of the fireplace, me on my back and him supporting himself over me as we kissed. His lips moved with mine as his strong hand slid down my soft, naked body. I sighed happily as I marveled in how good his touch felt and how

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his strong lips seemed so in control. My body reacted to every touch of his fingers and the slower he moved, the louder the throbbing between my legs became. I needed to have him. I didn't know how much longer I could take it. Having him so close, his lips against mine, his body pressed against me, I obsessed over what I wanted next. As he laid beside me, I felt his powerful back underneath my fingertips then slid my hand to his chest and over every nook of his hard abs as I moved closer to my goal. His lips left mine and traveled down my neck and I lost control. It wasn't like me to be pushy or aggressive but I wanted him so badly. I knew if he didn't want me to, he wouldn't let me do it so I pushed him onto his back. Seeing him laying there next to me got me even more excited. I kissed his shoulder as my hand traveled down his body to his stiff member. His hands cupped my heavy breasts as his thumbs moved in circles over my erect nipples, making them ache. He lifted me up towards him as if I weighed nothing. I straddled his body and let one hand feel his hard chest while my other hand moved slowly up and down his shaft. Lifting himself up a bit, his mouth covered my nipple as he sucked hard. His hand pinched my other nipple and I knew I had enough. I lifted my hips and positioned his member at my wet entrance. Moving his hands to my hips, he guided my hips down onto him. I gasped softly as I felt his thick cock slide inside me. I leaned forward, putting my weight on my hands on his chest and rocked my hips. Our eyes locked as he thrusted his hips from underneath. My breathing came faster. Each time I moved my hips, I felt my body flush then cool. Shivers shot up my neck. I swore electricity ran through my veins. For the first time I wasn't aware of my size or weight. It didn't matter that I was exposed on top of him. He made me feel sexy and alive and the intense feeling of him inside me overruled all the negative voices in my head. He reached up and grabbed my hair and pulled me down to him, locking his lips back into mine. I stroked his beard with my fingers as we

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kissed then he moved his lips to my neck. His beard tickled my neck and I giggled. Sitting up, he crossed his legs as he repositioned me like a rag doll with my legs wrapped around his waist. His strength intoxicated me. My breasts rubbed against his chest as he lifted my hips slowly. The slow rise and fall of my body sent jolts of energy through my body as the pressure inside of me grew. I shifted myself so my knees touched the floor again and moved my hips faster. I heard his breaths shorten. Between the heat of our bodies and the fireplace a soft sheen of sweat developed between us. Our thrusts quickened and our panting became louder. I let out a moan as I felt a chill go up and spine and I knew I was going to come. He pressed me tight against him as the intense feeling inside me exploded. I clutched him as the waves shook my body which felt out of control as I trembled in his arms. As I cried out in ecstasy, he groaned before releasing himself inside of me. I felt his warmth pulse into me as collapsed, exhausted but happy. We slid back down onto the rug, still in each other's arms as we tried to catch our breaths. The fire was beginning to die as we laid panting. He kissed my forehead then my lips before he lied back against the floor. Outside I saw the sky beginning to lighten and I knew sunrise was approaching. "Let's go outside," he whispered. "I don't have anything but that dress with me, it'll be too cold." "You can borrow my clothes. They'll be big but it doesn't matter, I want to watch the sunrise with you." He disappeared into the bedroom and came out with sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and socks for me. While I dressed, he put on a pair of jeans and a sweater. Since I only had the sandals he let me ride piggy back with my legs wrapped around his waist and my chest pressed against his back. He carried me to the other side of the stables where there was a stone fire pit in the middle of a hardscaped walk way. Putting me down on a bench,

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I noticed a break in the trees that gave us a full view of the rising sun. He started a fire and wrapped his arms around me as he sat down. "I never knew this was here before." "It wasn't. A lot has changed around the house since you left. All for the better." He leaned down and kissed me before clearing his throat. "There's something I want to talk to you about. I know it might be sudden and I realize it doesn't make any sense, but when I bought you that necklace I also bought you this." He handed me a small blue box with a white ribbon around it. I recognized the box as Tiffany without having to see the name. Holding the box in my hand I looked at him. I was frozen, unable to pull the ribbon. I didn't want to get my hopes up, it was too crazy a thought, surely there was something with less significance in the box but I couldn't look. "I...Xander...I don't know. What is it?" He pulled the ribbon and took the box from me. Lowering himself onto one knee on the cold surface of the patio he removed the small hinged box and opened it to face me. A vintage style emerald cut diamond gleamed in the orange streaks of the rising sun. I sat with my eyes wide, unable to believe this was happening. He held my hand with his free hand and looked into my eyes. "I bought this ring on impulse in Hawaii because I knew back then I wanted you to always be in my life. I know what I said before, and I ended things because I was confused and still hurt from losing Darcy. I didn't understand that I could still love her and love someone else even more. I didn't know I was capable of feeling as much love as you have shown me. I know I could lose you one day, as I lost her, but if I can't be with you...if you weren't in my life, then my life would be a waste. I love you. And whether you say yes or not, I will love you for always." I felt his eyes piercing mine, as if he looked into my soul. "Ashley Monroe, will you marry me?" "Yes!" June

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Chapter Twelve Ashley As I admired myself in the full length mirror, I couldn't believe how quickly six months had past. It had been almost a year since I first met Xander on that fateful night at the Boone Art Gallery. Now I was moments away from marrying him. Joshua smiled as he helped affix the long veil to the tiara in my hair. He designed a simple but beautiful wedding dress. I didn't want anything too extravagant especially since we planned a small intimate wedding. The white chiffon wedding dress had a low V-neckline with soft elegant ruffles that came down the sleeveless shoulders then joined on the side at the waist and cascaded down the length of the long dress. The dress was modern and classic at the same time and could easily be worn at the beach. Those were my only requirements for the dress and Joshua knocked it out of the park as usual. Having only six months to plan the wedding was difficult but Xander helped every step of the way. The most difficult part was finding a location and while we toyed with doing a tropical wedding, Xander came up with an idea that I loved even more. Since we met at the Boone, Xander suggested we get married there. It seemed like a perfect idea. The space could accommodate whatever we planned. My old friend Jackie came into the room wearing a simple blue sheath dress. "Everyone is here and in place. Sam has all the hors d'ourves ready to go with a full staff prepared for the champagne toast. I think you'll really be impressed with her." "I trust you and I wanted to help her out. Hopefully she'll get some leads."

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Drake entered wearing a tuxedo as Jackie left. I was beginning to feel nervous so I was glad to see him. "You look like an angel. Are you ready?" "Let's go. The waiting is killing me." I slipped my hand through his arm and he led me to the entrance of the main exhibit hall. About fifty of our closest friends were seated in white wooden folding chairs that lined either side of the aisle. Blue and purple floral garlands hung dramatically from the ceiling giving the hall an ethereal quality. The room was a fantasy land. I couldn't believe how great it looked. In the corner the string quartet played the "Bridal Chorus" and I looked down the aisle to where my prince stood in his black tuxedo and ice-blue tie. *** Xander and I sat alone at a table and held hands as we ate at our wedding reception. Jackie's friend Sam was a hit. Everyone loved everything she made and Xander said he would consider using her next time he had an opening. A band played music and several people danced on the small dance floor. Drake came up to us and kissed my cheek. "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Boone. Any chance I can steal your bride away for a dance?" "Yes, but don't dance too close." Xander teased then kissed me before I left. As Drake and I danced to the music, I noticed he seemed distracted. I followed his gaze which was firmly attached to the curvy body of my redheaded caterer. "See something you like?" "What? Oh no. I mean yes but...who is she? She looks familiar." "Maybe she's your dream girl. That's Samantha Mayfair. She just started her own catering business."

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"Mayfair? Sammy?" "Do you know her?" "I believe I do. I can't believe how grown up she is. She was my nanny's daughter. She was always much younger than me, but she would follow me wherever I went. I guess I never thought of her as being more than that" "Maybe it's time you got to know her again." "Maybe it is. Arrange for a party at our museum for her to cater. Use whatever excuse you want. She's not the type of girl I would normally date, but maybe that's why I'm still a bachelor. It's time to change that." "Yes sir." I clicked my heels together and laughed. "You're something else you know. You realize I'm in a wedding dress right? I'll plan your party after I get back from my honeymoon in Tahiti." Chapter Thirteen Drake Ashley was special, but she wasn't my type. Over the months that she worked for me, we became close, like siblings. Because of that, I treated and acted differently with her than I would any other woman. I always had my pick of women. They were easy for me to get and always willing to do whatever I wanted. Was it my looks? My money? I really didn't care. I just knew none of them could really be trusted. While I always said I wanted to settle down, I never planned on it. There was always another woman to conquer, another body to explore and claim as my own. But while I danced with Ashley, something happened. I spotted a beautiful woman with fiery red hair, pulled back into a braid, setting up the dessert station. I imagined her hair undone, wild and soft, somewhere I would want to bury my face. She had a lush, curvy body. Some people might call her big but after being with all kinds of women, I found I enjoyed the soft delectable body of a

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real woman most. Never had I been so drawn to a woman before. And never had I been unsure what to do. Ashley said her name was Samantha Mayfair and that struck me the most. Could she be little, annoying Sammy Mayfair, the young daughter of my nanny? The little gnat who constantly pestered me when I wanted to be alone? Maybe Ashley was right and I needed to talk to her. Samantha Mayfair could be the girl of my dreams. The girl I avoided as a boy, only be drawn to like a bee to honey as a man. The problem was I didn't know if I was ready for that. Was I ready to let go of my womanizing ways and really settle down? I didn't think so, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. As the music stopped, Ashley stepped back and gave me a stern look I probably taught her. "Go talk to her." Chapter Fourteen Samantha Of all the places, why did he have to be here? This damn town is too small! Had I known Drake Winslow was going to be at this wedding, I would have passed on it. I didn't care how important this event was or the affect it could have on my business. I would pay to not be in the same room as him. Drake was a selfish, egotistical bastard and had been his entire life. When I thought back to how I used to follow him around like some stupid little kid, it killed me. I mean I was a stupid little kid. He was seven years older than me, but that didn't mean he had to be such a jerk all the time. It wasn't my fault I had to grow up in that stupid mansion. When my friends found out I knew him they always wanted to meet him. If I had a dime for every one of my friends he screwed, I would've been able to start my catering business years ago! I had to admit I was curious why he never chose me. When I thought of how many times I threw myself at him and he always just laughed and

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treated me like a kid, or made fun of my freckles. I should probably be happy I was never one of his conquests. I hoped I could get the hell out of this place before he noticed me. If only I didn't have to do everything myself, I could hide in the break room instead of having to set up these desserts not far from where that jerk was dancing with the bride. "Excuse me, Sammy? Sammy Mayfair? I'm not sure if you remember me," Drake said as he stood behind me. "Oh I remember you alright. Now if you don't mind I'm trying to work." I spun around and faced him ready to give him more attitude if he didn't go away, but there was something different about him. Suddenly I was that stupid kid crushing on him again and I smiled. Oh no you won't Sam! You will not be another notch! "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you," he said. He reached behind me for a mini eclair and our hands briefly touched. A warm feeling spread from my hand through my entire body and it took everything I had in me to not melt into a puddle on the floor. Damn! What was it about that man?

Will Samantha be the dream girl who tames Drake or will she be the one girl who Drake cannot get? Get to know Drake Winslow and Samantha Mayfair in the next book–coming soon!

Author's Note If you enjoyed reading this book, it would mean a lot to me if you helped others enjoy it too. Recommend this book to friends or family or consider writing a review on the site you purchased it from. Reviews and word of mouth recommendations are the best gift you can give an author. It helps other readers discover new books too! I love hearing from readers! If you do write a review please let me know by emailing me at [email protected] and I'll thank you with a personal email. xoxo, Liliana

Liliana at Barnes & Noble Links to some of my titles Short Stories Wanting Him #1 Having Him #2 Choosing Him #3 & full series Her Vampire Guardian Per His Request #1 Per His Command #2-coming soon! Novellas A Captive's Submission His Every Whim Get news about my new and upcoming releases as well as special offers by signing up for Liliana's Email Newsletter Stop by and say hi! My Website and Blog http://www.LilianaRhodes.com My Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLilianaRhodes My Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Liliana_Rhodes

About The Author Liliana Rhodes writes erotica and erotic romance with fun, engaging characters. Blessed with an over active imagination, she is always writing and plotting her next stories. She enjoys movies, reading, and listening to music. Liliana lives on the east coast with her husband, son, two dogs who are treated better than some people, and two parrots who plan to take over the world.

Copyright His One Desire Copyright © 2013 by Liliana Rhodes Cover by Liliana Rhodes Photography: ©Depositphotos / danielkrol85 This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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