Chapter 7 Secrets

After taking one, I thanked the waitress. I took a tiny sip and tasted the warm liquid, which was silky to the touch. It was a beautiful wine that probably cost me a whole month's income. I made more money than anyone else my age, but that didn't mean I could afford to live in luxury. I had to take care of my father. He wasn't getting any younger, and the doctor warned that if he didn't seek timely treatment for his cardiac condition, it might worsen.

Bring it, Victoria. Steve took my hand and led the way to a gathering of couples, saying, "I'd like you to meet some of my colleagues.

Uh-oh. No. This was bad. What if they had already seen me accompanying someone else? My secret would be revealed. What would that mean for his standing?

We moved in their direction, so he must not have given a damn. They didn't even give me a second glance as they greeted him right away. I could already tell they treated Steve like a king based on the way they spoke and acted.

Saying, "Meet my date, Miss Allison." Steve said, turning his attention to me. I put on a kind smile and extended my hand to shake theirs. I'm happy to meet everyone.

The group saluted one another in unison before turning their focus once more to Steve. Snobs.

Even though I had only been there for five minutes, I excused myself and left him there so that I could freshen myself in the ladies' room.

I walked away as Steve gave me a blank look. He appeared perplexed.

I peeked out and said, "Restroom break." Surely he would comprehend.

He consented by nodding.

I could feel his gaze following me as I walked away.

I went to the restroom after a waiter sent me there and discovered a large number of women touching up. While the others reapplied their makeup, some were conversing. I joined them and made an effort to block out the mutterings.

When I exited the restroom, Steve was nowhere to be seen. Even though there was no official agency policy requiring us to remain by our client's sides for the entire date, I nevertheless looked around the room for him.

Steve was not a timid person. He was unlike any other person I had ever escorted before. They were needy and clingy. All of that didn't seem to affect him. And I had a feeling that he valued his independence. Was that the cause of his lack of a girlfriend?

When I at last removed my stilettos, I exhaled a sigh of relief. Even though I'd only been standing for a short while, it felt like I had been moving for several hours. I made the decision to ignore the sharp pain that was radiating from the heels of my feet.

As my breath became short, my jaw clenched. Had he lost track of me? It wasn't important. Whether or not I was by his side, he was paying the bill, and I was collecting his payment. Why then did it upset me that I hadn't seen him in thirty minutes? Was it me who was clingy? I took my phone out of my purse and checked Facebook before failing to find any texts.

A well-known male voice gave me the chills down my back. Steve walked over to me and said, "There you are. His outfit hugged the size of his powerful thighs.

I snapped my eyes away from his physique and threw my phone back in my bag.

A line appeared between his eyes as he gazed at the open handbag. Do I annoy you?

Shit. The use of the phone bothered him. My use of my phone was entirely for distraction rather than boredom. I couldn't get my mind off of him any other way, but I wasn't about to tell him that. "No sir. I'm sorry, but when I returned from the bathroom, I couldn't find you anywhere. I made an effort to pay attention while standing. He was at least five to eight inches taller than me, so my head barely reached his chest. "What would you like to do right now?"

He pursed his lips as he met my eyes. Victoria, what do you want to do?

Every time he said my name, his slick tongue flashed lust into the space between us. I'm not sure which of his remarks set off a throbbing arousal in me, but I needed it to end. My thoughts briefly raced through his query. My inner thighs began to heat up at the thought of him smothering me with kisses. I needed him to completely devour me, so everything else had to cease.

My cheeks warmed up as it moved from my neck. My spine was straightened. "I've never had a client ask me that."

This time, he was the one who was taken by surprise. He stood up differently and made a whistle-like motion with his lips. "Concerned bastards,"

My tummy rolled with laughter. I had no choice but to listen. He made the silliest remarks, and his touch put me at ease. Perhaps this wasn't as horrible as I thought. The frightening Steve Clifford wasn't as bad as I originally thought. Had I focused too much on his outward appearance and neglected to consider what was within?

Do you date outside of the arrangements made for you by the agency? His tone was one of interest.

My pulse quickened. The query surprised me. It meant that I had no life, and I was both private and intrusive. Naturally, I date. Everywhere and here." I lied.

He cocked his head sideways. Anyone intriguing?

I laughed at the query. "Would I still be here if I had someone interesting?"

Steve said, "Whoa," smiling as he quickly snapped his wrist to shake off his hand. She biting. I'm beginning to believe you find me uninteresting right about now.

I was frequently having problems with my tongue. "No, I apologize. I didn't intend it that way. I merely meant that I hadn't met anyone remarkable enough to start a family with. You are not at all boring to me. I find you fascinating.

I told the truth to be heard. Since I attempted to return to the dating scene, I haven't found any interest in males. I created two or three online dating profiles and went on a few dates, but nothing happened. In any case, what was the point? I had two options: I could allow guys to buy supper and be bored out of my mind, or I could allow them to get food and give me a large sum of money. I liked the latter more. Sex was never discussed. I would be a true hooker if I had had sex with every agency man I had dated. My interest was first piqued by Steve Clifford.

He smiled widely, and his eyes brightened at the compliment. I'll accept it.

Why was I discussing my love life-or lack thereof-with a complete stranger? He was apathetic. In any case, he would never choose someone like me. I was merely a female escort for him. damaged goods. I didn't have the same level of elegance as many of the women at the auction, and my only aspiration was to be a man's date to a blasted gala.

But that was the mistake he'd make. Despite the fact that I began my career as an escort, I still had goals. Steve didn't need to know that I was a go-getter and a diligent worker because I left my job and enrolled in architecture school. As the host pulled back the curtain, I mentally reasoned everything out. Victoria, keep your focus on the goal.