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Chapter 18
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Struck by Love Chapter 19
Laura and Angelo had fallen asleep together in her bed for a couple of hours that Saturday night. When they awoke, it was still only early evening and they were both starving, so they had ordered a large pizza and watched a movie. Angelo’s clothes were clean by then, so he had gotten dressed. They were very affectionate with one another and had a cozy, comfortable evening in one another’s company. Laura felt closer than ever to him after their very steamy, erotic encounter. Angelo headed home late that night. Laura had considered inviting him to stay over, but she wasn’t ready for that. Waking up with him, the morning after, spending a Sunday together, the implication of it all was just too much too soon for her, even though she was falling hard for him, even more so now. She needed more certainty in where she really stood with him. Sarah would give her heck, but she had still been too scared to ask those questions. She couldn’t handle hearing an answer she didn’t like right n
Struck by Love Chapter 20
Laura blushed and her thoughts once again went zooming to that night. “I had hoped so, too.” He was saying exactly what she wanted and needed to hear. “Good,” he said, smiling. The waiter came back with their bottled water and to take their orders. Laura was starting to wish at this moment that she and Angelo were alone. It’s just lunch, girl, she told herself, stay focused. They both ordered the lunch special. “Very good,” the waiter said, then took their menus and departed. Angelo turned back to Laura. “I would like to invite you to a charity ball as my date.” “Wow, that sounds wonderful. I’ve never been to a charity ball before.” “It’s quite an experience. Have you ever heard of the Dream Ball?” Laura’s face blanched. “The Dream Ball?” She swallowed hard. “Everyone in New York has heard of it.” This wasn’t what she was expecting. He smiled. “Well, my family is one of the major supporters of it. We participate every year to raise money
Struck by Love Chapter 21
Laura had worked late Monday night, and then spent a panicky rest of the evening rummaging through her closet, finding nothing even remotely suitable to wear, and then on the phone complaining about the situation with Sarah. Sarah wasn’t impressed that a man would give a woman so little notice for such an important event, no matter the excuse. She said that he shouldn’t have put her in a position like that. She emphasized how he had no consideration for Laura with respect to how much time and money goes into preparing for a high society event. Laura agreed. She was planning on turning down the invitation. Her life would be much simpler that way. She could spend a cozy Saturday night cuddling with Jasper. At least he didn’t put crazy demands on her. Maybe all I need is my cat, she thought to herself. We could live happily ever after. After having some treats and a nice, long tummy rub, Jasper seemed to agree. ***** Tuesday came and Laura’s stomach was in knots. She
Struck by Love Chapter 22
Saturday came and the night of the Dream Ball had arrived. Laura had spent the entire day getting ready. She had made appointments at her neighborhood salon for a mani and pedi and a blowout for her hair. Her regular stylist, Josie, had squeezed her in once Laura told her what the last-minute appointments were for. Laura was grateful to have the pampering. It relaxed her and it helped her to have someone to talk to about how nervous she was about the ball. They were just people, Josie told her. Just like them, just in a different set of circumstances. People were people. The rest was mostly dressing. Laura hoped what she said was true, but she was still uncertain. Laura had never been to such a formal, fancy function before, but Angelo had assured her he would take care of her and had filled her in on what to expect. She was working hard to shed her insecurities about not belonging. Finally, Angelo came to pick her up in a stretch limousine. Laura heard the buzzer.
Struck by Love Chapter 23
Angelo’s face flushed at the direct insult. “This is Laura Parker and she’s my date tonight,” he said defensively. “Laura, this is Portia. My sister-in-law.” Sister-in-law? she thought with a giant sigh of relief, mixed with confusion, as her mind replayed that day at lunch and their intimate-seeming interactions. “Hi,” she said, extending a hand, “nice to meet you.” Portia took her hand in a limp touch, as though she might catch something. “Indeed,” she said, giving a half-smile that barely masked her disapproval. “This is quite a surprise,” she said, as she looked Laura up and down. Taking note, Laura thought to herself, of her not-stick thin figure. Compared to Portia, she felt like a different species all together. “Portia also works at our company,” Angelo interjected. “She’s a finance and economics whiz.” “Oh?” said Laura. She also took note of the woman’s intensely green eyes, framed by dramatic black false eyelashes. “So, how do you two know e
Struck by Love Chapter 24
She writhed sensually against his firm body. “Yes?” she asked, her voice a low purr. She looked up at him, pretending not to know what was on his mind or what effect she was having on him. She swayed her hips just a hint slowly from side to side, feeling his body clearly respond. She was generating some dangerous heat between them. His hands gripped her hips, holding them still. She tried to writhe out of his grip, but he held her firm. He pressed his lips to her ear. “You little devil,” he whispered, “you’re enjoying this. Teasing me, knowing I can’t do anything about it.” He leaned the side of his head against hers. His breath was hot against her neck, his breathing heavy. He held her hips away from his. “You started it,” she whispered back. She wanted to press close to him, press herself into him. Her primal side was taking over. She no longer cared about the hundreds of people close by. She felt emboldened, her instincts clamoring for more touch, more taste, more feel.
Struck by Love Chapter 25
Laura’s breath caught in her throat. It wasn’t just that Angelo was with someone, it was who he was with and what was going on. She felt conspicuous, so she found a spot that would mostly shield her from being seen, but give her a good view of them. She downed the rest of her Prosecco and set the empty glass down on a wide window sill. Her heart was beating faster. She peered out. Angelo was engaged in deep conversation, but not with Portia. With Raquel. Laura didn’t know her boss was going to be here. Raquel hadn’t said a word about it, even though she knew something was going on between her and Angelo. She felt her face grow hot. That schemer, she thought angrily. She also felt angry with Angelo. How quickly his attentions could turn, she told herself bitterly. He hadn’t told her Raquel was going to be here and he'd said he’d come find her after he was done talking to Portia. It had been almost forty-five minutes now and he obviously hadn’t come looking for her.
Struck by Love Chapter 26
Angelo led Laura up to the 17th floor. He had booked an Emperor’s Suite with a view of Central Park. She was suddenly nervous again. She was quiet as they walked to the room. Angelo held her hand firmly. “What if I want to run away and escape?” she teased as they headed down the elegant hallway. He held her hand tighter. “You won’t get very far.” “What if I start to struggle?” He looked down at her, his blue eyes smoldering. Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms. She gasped, feeling a warm thrill at his strength and masculine dominance. Her heart was pounding in her chest. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said, his voice a low deep, growl. He marched them towards the room, her weight feeling like nothing in his arms. He set her down when they got to the room and opened the door. “Inside. Now.” She did as he said. He closed the door behind them. She was immediately taken with the spectacular grandeur of the room, but she was also e
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