I snorted. “Not possible.”
“Well, did your chauffeur ream you out?” Hanna raised an eyebrow and winked at me and for a moment, I felt my heart stop in my chest. How did she do that – fluctuating wildly between flirtatious vixen and blushing girl and leaving me breathless. I’d never been with a woman like Hanna before.
“No,” I said coolly. “He didn’t mention it.”
“Ah,” Hanna said. She smirked. “He was probably embarrassed.”
I shrugged. “So, I’m sorry this is a little last minute, but I want to ask you something.”
Hanna laughed. “Don’t you know you’re supposed to ask a lady out three days in advance?” She pulled out her phone and glanced down at the screen. “Although I should tell you, I’m wide open this week.” She stepped closer. “I probably shouldn’t have told you, though. Now you’re going to think I’m fast.”
I grinned. “Faster than sleeping with me in the back of a limo?”
“Hey,” Hanna said, narrowing her eyes.
“I was kidding—”
Hanna winked. “I know.” She tossed her hair over one shoulder. “I was just giving you a hard time. So, what did you want to ask me?”
“There’s a Christmas party every year – it’s not Magnate-affiliated,” I said, trying to read Hanna’s face as I talked. “It’s pretty stuffy, but I have to go. And this year, I’d like you to be my date.”
“Oh, a big Christmas party full of rich people?” Hanna raised an eyebrow. “I don’t really think that’s my scene, James.” She bit her lip. “I don’t think I’d fit in.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous,” I said. “Of course, you’ll fit in. My friends are dying to meet you,” I added. “It’s held by Richard Langdon – he’s an old family friend – and I have to go. It might suck, but afterwards we can go out and have some real fun.”
Hanna blinked.
“What?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Hanna said. “Really, James…it’s just…”
“It’s just what?”
“I don’t know that I’m ready,” Hanna said. She glanced down at her feet. “I mean, what are we doing? Won’t there be gossip at work?”
I rolled my eyes. “There’s always gossip here,” I said. “It’s an office – just because it’s mine doesn’t mean it’s not normal.”
“I just don’t want someone to think I’m…” Hanna trailed off. “Never mind.”
I groaned. “Tell me,” I said, reaching out and putting my hands on her shoulders. “What’s bothering you?”
Hanna stepped closer and a wave of floral perfume washed over me. It wasn’t overly sweet, but instead sensual and heated and I felt my cock throb in my pants as I stared at Hanna’s bright eyes.
“I don’t want people to think I’m only interested in you because of your money,” Hanna said. She swallowed and suddenly, I saw that she was nervous. “I mean, James – look at me. I’m twenty-four years old. I don’t have any business being with someone like you.”
Her words felt like a punch in the gut and I frowned.
“I really like you,” Hanna continued. Her forehead was creased with lines of worry as she talked. “But I don’t want people to think I like you for the wrong reasons.”
“Hanna…” I sighed, leaning against the wall and crossing my arms over my chest. “For one thing, you have to believe me when I say that some people will judge, no matter what. You could be rich on your own and I guarantee there are still some people who would think you were trying to take my money.”
Hanna frowned. “That makes me feel even better,” she said sarcastically. “James, I don’t know about this. How about if you go, and I meet you afterwards? If it’s as bad as you say, well, you probably won’t wind up staying long.”
I sighed. “I’d really love it if you’d come with me,” I said. “You’re fun and you’re charming – everyone is going to love you, I just know it.”
Hanna stared at me for a long moment, inhaling so fiercely that her nostrils flared. I could practically see the wheels churning in her brain, but she stayed silent.
“And I swear, if anyone is rude to you, we’ll leave,” I said. “I won’t let people treat you like that.”
Hanna snorted. “You think I’d let people treat me like that?” She cocked her head to the side and laughed. “James, this is exactly what I’m saying – we’re from two totally different worlds, and women from your world wouldn’t call out bitches…but I do, and I’m not going to change for you.”
A warm rush of affection surged through me and I grabbed Hanna and pulled her close, not caring if anyone saw.
“And that’s exactly why I like you so much,” I said. “And why I think you’re perfect for me.”
Hanna blushed. She looked into my eyes and I realized that she was scared.
“Really? You think I’m perfect?”
Leaning down, I kissed her forehead. “Yes,” I said softly. “I think you’re perfect.”
Hanna swallowed. “Okay,” she said. “You win, James. I’ll come to the party with you.”
I grinned. “Excellent,” I said. “You won’t regret it.”
“Good,” Hanna said. “I’d better not.”
***
The next day, I met with my shareholders for an all-day meeting. Most of the Magnate employees – even Hanna – weren’t in the office. Despite the important things I had to discuss with Mark and the others, the day seemed to drag. By the time I was ready to go home, I was exhausted. I thought about calling Hanna, but since the Christmas party was the following night, I figured that she’d be busy finding a dress or whatever women did the night before boring parties.
I barely slept that night. I tossed and turned in my bed, thinking of Hanna and her words. What if she was right? What if I was making a huge mistake bringing her to this party?
I rolled over and sighed. God damnit, James, I thought as I opened my eyes and began staring at the blank, white ceiling over my bed. You’ve got to cut this shit out. Besides, it’s not like I can un-invite her, can I?
The next day, I had Nick drive me over to Hanna’s apartment at exactly six-thirty. The party started at seven, and I figured we could go, drink, and schmooze for a couple of hours before beating a hasty retreat and getting dinner somewhere out.
When I knocked on Hanna’s door, she appeared almost instantly. She looked fantastic in a gold strapless minidress that hugged her curves and platform heels in patent black leather. I leaned down to kiss her cheek and inhaled a delicious blend of vanilla and spice.
“Do I look okay?” Hanna pulled away and gave me a flirtatious smile before twirling around in a slow circle.
“You look good enough to eat,” I said, licking my lips and giving her a wolfish grin.
“You don’t think it’s too much?” Hanna glanced down, plucking at the stiff material of her dress. “Danielle told me it would be perfect, but I don’t know.”