“
Guess what.”
“
What?”
“
I kissed him,” I said, excitement flooding my voice.
She squealed. “Really? Well, kiss and tell, girl! How was it?”
“
Mind-blowing.”
“
I said you should be friends, not friends with benefits.”
“
It’s not like that. I tried not to let it happen, but one thing led to another, and—”
“
And now it’s Ashly and Jake, together once again.”
“
Not officially,” I said.
“
Is he still hot in bed?”
“
Nadia!”
“
What? You’ve seen the guy, right? He looks like he could—”
“
We haven’t slept together on the trip.”
“
Why not?”
“
Because we’re taking things slow.”
“
How boring. Do you even know how much fun you could be having?” She paused. “Wait…maybe it’s best that you don’t sleep with him.”
“
Why?”
“
Because once you do, you’ll never wanna leave that hotel room. I know I wouldn’t! Then you’ll never get those photos.”
“
Listen, I gotta go. Jake’s coming.”
She laughed. “Apparently not yet.”
I chuckled. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
“
Heh. I’ve been trying to, but it kinda likes it down there.”
“
Bye, Nadia,” I said, then hung up with my friend and prepared to move on to our next adventure.
Chapter 12
We checked into The
Omni Royal Orleans, only twelve
miles from New Orleans International Airport,
a
four-diamond, luxury, seven-story wonder located in the historic French Quarter. It was beautiful, with an old Southern charm that took my breath away. It was an older building, so the rooms were somewhat small, but it was quaint and cozy and comfortable. Sitting on the table was a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice, along with a plate of chocolate covered strawberries.
Jake picked up a strawberry and held it near my mouth.
I took a bite. “Mmm. Delicious.”
He grinned. “I agree.”
“
So what’s on the agenda?” I asked.
“
Do you wanna go take a walk, order room service, hit the rooftop pool, or rent a movie?”
“
I definitely want to get some shots of the French Quarter from the rooftop terrace.”
“
How about a bite to eat first? There’s the Rib Room, Johnny Po Boys, or we could try the Royal Oyster House across the street. If you really want to be adventurous, we could have a New Orleans favorite, boiled crawfish.”
“
I’ve never had that before.”
“
It’s a favorite down here. You’ve gotta suck the head to get all the juices and flavors, then grab the tail with two thumbs, break it apart, and pull out the morsel of meat.”
I winced. “Uh, New Orleans cuisine classic or not, I think I’ll pass.”
“
But you love trying new things.”
“
I do! But biting off the head of tiny, little creatures is where I draw the line.”
“
If you’re scared, guess we’ll miss out then.”
“
Hey! Are you accusing me of being a wimp or something?”
“
I’m just sayin’—”
“
Just for that, I’ll try it. I’ve survived lions, a crocodile, and a shark. I’m not gonna let a freakin’ little crawfish make a wus out of me,” I said.
“
Good. Then I’ll try it too.”
I gazed into his eyes and cupped his face. “Can you believe we’re here for Mardi Gras? I say we celebrate!”
He smiled and popped open the bottle of champagne.
“
L
aissez les bons temps rouler
!” I shouted.
He cocked a brow.
“
Let the good times roll!” I translated.
He poured a glass for each of us and handed one to me.
I raised my glass and made a toast. “Cheers!”
He clinked my glass with his. “Cheers!” Jake then walked out on the balcony, and I followed along behind him. “So…what exactly is Mardi Gras?” he asked. “Isn’t it just a huge parade where everyone wears crazy, gaudy, outrageous costumes? Oh, and there’s that thing about people going topless when you give them some beads, right? I’d like to get you a strand or two of those, if that’s the case.”
“
Jake!” I said, slapping him playfully. “It’s more than one parade. There’s all kinds of parades, private parties, and masquerade balls during the twelve days leading up to Mardi Gras.”
A cool breeze blew through my hair. I tapped my finger on the railing to the tunes drifting up from a street band playing lively music. I sipped my champagne as I peered out at the Mississippi River.
“
Wow,” he said. “Sounds like quite the party. I’m glad I’m spending it with you.”
He pulled me close and placed a long, passionate kiss on my lips. Then he led me back inside our room, set his champagne glass down, took mine from me and set it down as well, then threw me on the bed and kissed me again with an undeniable hunger. He moved slow and didn’t push for more than I wanted.
We ended up talking all night long and sleeping in till noon the next day. We had so much to catch up on, and we had a blast doing it. Talking to Jake was so easy, so natural. I had never felt so close to anyone. It was as if he was the only person who’d ever really gotten me.
* * *
After dinner, while I was getting ready for Mardi Gras, a knock on the door startled me. When I answered it, I found a hairstylist and makeup artist from the same company where I’d rented the dress. My lawyer had paid for the entire package.
“
I’m Tina,” she said, smiling. “I’m here to make you look beautiful, but I can see that won’t be too difficult.”
“
Thank you. I’m Ashly.”
Tina winded the curling iron around my hair, adding loose, flirty curls, then used her fingers to break them up a bit so they’d look more natural. “I’m gonna sweep some hair up and back, while still showing off those long gorgeous waves. You’ll look soft and casual, just beautiful.” She teased my hair and smoothed it back, securing it with bobby pins at the crown of my head. After applying a liberal amount of hairspray, she spent forever applying my makeup, then met my gaze. “All done! You look fantastic, if I do say so myself.”
“
Let me see,” I said, smiling.
“
Nope. No peeking.”
“
What?”
“
It is best not to look upon a masterpiece until the finishing stroke has been made,” she said, as if she was some sort of Maybelline Michelangelo. “Go in the bathroom and put the dress on…and no peeking in the mirror.”
I did as I was told, then came back out so she could help me with the buttons. I had selected a long, white dress swirled with silver. The scooped neckline, flowing layers of lace, and ethereal, billowing sleeves were amazing. The silver corset covered in beaded lace, beaded trims, brooches, and other delicate notions took my breath away.
“
Are you ready to have a look at yourself now?” my miracle worker asked.
“
Yes!” I said excitedly.
“
All right. Go ahead.”
I slowly spun around, and when I caught my reflection, my jaw dropped. I looked elegant and feminine, bold and daring. I had smoky eyes, simple eyeliner, eyelashes lengthened with designer mascara, and fire-red lips.
Endless rows of spiral curls cascaded from the top of my head into tiny ringlets, one of the most sizzling up-dos I’d ever had.
“
You may think this date is no biggie,” she said, “but it will help you determine if he’s worth all the trouble and worry.” She smudged my cheek, making sure to fix every last detail. “There. A work of art.”
I couldn’t stop gazing in the mirror.
Sweet, romantic waves of hair fell past my shoulders and were topped off with a cute, teased crown that was elegantly pinned. My skin looked flawless, and the dark circles under my eyes had vanished. She’d done such a brilliant job with my makeup that my lashes looked long and lush, and the eyeshadow made the color in my eyes pop. “Wow,” I said. “It doesn’t even look like me.”
“
It’s all you, girl.”
I let out a long breath, barely able to recognize the reflection staring back at me. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
She met my gaze and smiled. “You look like a princess.”
“
And I feel like one,” I said, smiling back.
“
Don’t go getting your heart stomped on. I’ve been there and done that, and I know how much it hurts. Just take your time.” She picked up her bag and collected everything, then headed toward the door. Before she walked out, she glanced over her shoulder. “Good luck. I hope you find the fairytale ending you deserve.”
I grinned, flashing her the biggest smile ever.
“
Oh! Almost forgot. I brought some heels in your size. I’m sure you’ll love them,” Tina said. “They’re authentic Christian Louboutin
Cinderella heels.”
“
That’s nice of you, but I already picked some out, and I love them.”
She smiled. “You might just change your mind.”
“
Nah, I’m sold on the others.”
“
Okay. Well, if you don’t want my glass slippers, I’ll just hand them off to one of your evil stepsisters.” She dug in her bag and pulled out a pair of heels that were designed to look like a modern-day Cinderella slipper. The
Swarovski
crystals and lace detailing were to die for.
My jaw dropped, and I had to have them. I threw off my other heels and put them on. They fit perfectly, and I couldn’t stop smiling as I tapped my foot, admiring the beauty. “They’re gorgeous,” I said.
“
If you want them, they’re all yours.”
“
Did my lawyer pay for those?” I asked.
“
He demanded that you be pampered, so I hope I’ve done that.”
“
That and more,” I said, still gawking at the stunning footwear.
“
Well, I’ve got to go,” Tina said.
I thanked her once again, and she went on her way to work her magic on someone else, like a fairy godmother with a bag of cosmetics.
When
Jake walked in, his blue eyes locked on me.
A big grin curled on my lips, and my heart raced with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to put my arms around him. I held up a colorful mask with a thin rod attached to the side. The mask was decorated with feathers and rhinestones. “Hi J
ake,” I said, unable to wipe the big grin off my face. Every time I saw him, my day instantly became brighter.
“
Your costume is beautiful,” he marveled.
Smiling, I slowly moved my mask away so he could see my face.
“
You look so…just absolutely stunning,” he said, smiling and gulping down a knot that had formed in his throat.
I suddenly felt even more alive. While the butterflies danced, I couldn’t stop staring at his messy tangle of dark hair; I loved that sexy, messy look. From his piercing blue eyes to his strong, chiseled jaw to his handsome face, he was smoking hot in every way. I took a deep breath to calm myself down, but it felt like time stopped right then and there. My heart was beating a million miles a minute, and I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. Whatever we had, it was intense. The guy was my world. He looked amazing in his royal-blue tunic that accentuated every sculpted muscle in his chest; there was an emblem of a crowned lion in the center. His red velvet cape was trimmed with black and white fur, and it hung close to the ground. He topped off the ensemble with a gold crown adorned with jewels, and the facets of the gems reflected the light. Most of all, his dreamy smile blew my mind.