CHAPTER 5: ANOTHER LIE

Julia

I suddenly became afraid that he would bring up the past again, and I wouldn’t know how to deny it this time. But refusing to let him come with me might make the kids suspicious.

Breakfast was over, and I grabbed my purse as Michael and I headed out. He pulled the car door open for me, standing a bit too close. His dark eyes locked on mine, his lips hovering near mine, ready to claim a kiss.

I breathed faster, unwilling to stop him. Why did I feel such strong chemistry with him as he leaned closer?

“We should get going. My children are probably watching us,” I managed to mutter.

He stepped back, catching my drift, and let me get into the car. He entered the driver’s seat, and we drove off.

“I know just the right place. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take you there instead,” he said.

I nodded but I refused to let my gaze stay fixed on him this time.

“Where are we picking Beatrice up?” he teased, knowing I had lied.

“Uh… she just canceled.”

“Just us, then. Perfect.” He smiled.

I turned my face toward the window, avoiding any further conversation with him.

The rest of the drive was silent, but we occasionally stole glances at each other until we arrived.

My eyes scanned the building. It was clearly a high-end boutique. I hoped I wouldn’t have to break the bank because of this place.

As we walked inside, his hand conveniently rested at the top of my waist, holding me like I was his woman.

“Welcome, Mr. King,” a lady said, walking up to us with a warm smile. From the way she looked at Michael, she was clearly gushing over him. He was undeniably too good-looking, so I wasn’t surprised. She finally glanced at me. “Hello…”

“Julia. My name’s Julia,” I said, returning her smile.

“Welcome, Miss Julia. I’m Lilian,” she said, and I could see her prying eyes noticing the way Michael held me. She looked at me judgmentally, probably wondering what a mature woman like me was doing with a young, handsome guy like Michael. I started to feel a bit uncomfortable. Her gaze shifted from me to Michael, but he didn’t flinch. It didn’t seem to bother him. His hand remained glued to my waist.

“I want you to give her the best,” he said. He sounded in charge and in control. I liked it. But I was still scared of how expensive the dresses here would cost.

“Come with me, Miss Julia,” she said as my gaze shifted to Michael.

“Go with her,” he commanded softly.

I followed Lilian as she led me through an array of clothes, all from popular designers. There was no way I could afford these dresses. She looked at me from head to toe as if trying to assess my size, and then her hands got busy picking out dresses for me.

My eyes caught the price tag of one. What?! Twenty thousand dollars for just one dress. There was no way I could afford that.

“Lilian, I appreciate your help, but these dresses are way too expensive for me,” I whispered the last part, feeling a bit ashamed for it to be heard out loud by anyone else, especially Michael. It seemed like she misunderstood me, as she just kept picking more dresses.

“Lilian, I don’t think you heard me right. That’s enough,” I said, walking back to Michael, who was pressing his phone, patiently seated with his legs crossed, waiting for me. “It’s time for us to go.”

“Do you have everything you need?” His eyes searched for what I had picked out. But I couldn’t choose any of the dresses—they were way too expensive for me.

“We could go somewhere else. This place is just too expensive. I can’t afford any of it right now.”

His hands wrapped around my waist. His dark, hot gaze met mine. “You don’t have to, my beautiful Julia. I’ve got you,” he said with a sexy pride.

Just then, Lilian came with some of the attendees and several bagged dresses. She looked at us with the same judgmental look, and I pulled away from Michael.

It felt awkward.

She coughed. “All set, Mr. King,” she smiled, gushing after him again. She was probably his age too and beautiful. Michael would probably have every girl his age drooling over him, fighting for his attention. I was too old to be fighting for a man’s attention with girls half my age.

“Good.” He paid for everything with his card. I stood, stunned. What just happened? He took my hand and led me back to the car.

“Those dresses are expensive. We should return all of them. Where did you get the money to buy all those things?” I was the mature one here. I had to make the responsible calls whenever I had to, like now. “I mean it, Mr. King.” He just kept staring at me silently, his eyes studying me.

“You know what, I’m taking them all back now.”

He gripped my arm before I could move. I turned to face him, and his lips crashed into mine, kissing me. It was hot, electrifying, passionate. I loved it. I opened my mouth even more, allowing his tongue to explore mine.

Julia, you’re out of your mind. You have to stop this now. He’s your son’s best friend.

I rapidly pulled away. “Why the hell did you kiss me?”

“Julia…” he started, but I cut him off.

“Don’t call me Julia,” I had to be stern. “It is Mrs. Jameson to you, and I already told you, you have me mistaken for someone else.”

His intense gaze locked on mine, refusing to back down. “Look me right in the eyes and give me another lie, and I’ll kiss you again.”