Katherine

Katherine, tried to wipe of the scowl of her face…Barbara!

Damn, it had been a while since she’d felt such an overwhelming urge to do something bratty.

Don’t, she told herself, you’re too old for that shit.

Besides, it only ever got her negative attention. Though back then, she considered any attention good attention.

Right now, James’ impression of her probably couldn’t get much worse, but from the moment he realized who she was, and she saw that look of disapproval and scorn on his face, she felt a strange longing for him to see her differently. So far, she hadn’t made any progress. Getting shamed in public by her dad certainly hadn’t helped. And now she was being outshined by this Barbara person. Not that it was so difficult.

Trying not to be too obvious, Katherine kept sneaking glances at the woman. It was the same one she’d seen when she sat mindlessly staring out the window inside the bistro. The woman had been lingering outside front entrance of Reed Industries on the other side of the street, seemingly waiting for someone. Which turned out to be right.

She’d figured she’d noticed the woman because she stuck out as the only person there who didn’t look busy. Now, she realized it must have been because of how elegant and accomplished she looked. Like someone who had it all figured out and never looked like an ass getting up on a barstool.

Katherine guessed this was one of those planed chance meetings. ‘Oh, I just happen to be in the area’. A suspicion the woman confirmed by pointing down the street, as if she just came from that direction.

Oh, she was a sneaky this one.

But of course, James was single, wealthy and handsome. He was probably accosted by women like this all the time.

This one was good though, she was really good. The woman knew exactly what she was doing. The most impressive thing was how she managed to constantly touch him without seeming gropy.

James didn’t seem uncomfortable with her advances. Except for the angry glares he kept sending in Katherine’s direction, he looked perfectly happy talking to the woman. Nodding and smiling at her like she was absolutely fascinating. And she probably was.

If he met women like her all the time, why was he single?

She didn’t know him well at all, but she knew he didn’t just look good on paper, he was actually a really good guy—albeit somewhat judgmental.

Her dad had often talked about how he always kept his word, and how you could always rely on him in a jam. Now, she was experiencing it firsthand.

She didn’t think it was a typical billionaire pastime to babysit a friend’s misbehaving daughter. And really, only her dad would be so rude to ask. Seriously, the whole thing was a testament to his arrogance.

But James came through, and in person too. She hadn’t expected that, she’d figured he’d send someone.

Katherine snuck another glance at the pair just as the woman reached up and smoothed James’ hair down. Okay that was a little much. Sheesh…Personal space, lady.

Also, because she was the reason for his hair being messy, Katherine felt strangely like she was being wiped away.

Katherine groaned inwardly. This was so stupid. How could she be this jealous over someone she barely knew?

The whole situation made her feel kind of helpless. There was no way she could outperform this woman. Despite all the mischief and shenanigans she was guilty of, there was one area where she’d remained completely innocent. She had no idea how to be sexy like this woman. In theory, sure, but she didn’t have any actual experience.

But the way he looked at her before? Holy shit!

Sure didn’t seem like he found her lacking in appeal.

She was no stranger to men checking her out with that glint in their eyes, but that had been on a whole new level. 

Of course, then he found out who she was and walls came up. But she’d still caught glimpses of it. She was sure there was something there, something more.

Or it could be that she was just a starved for attention little virgin, reading too much into it.

Yeah, could be, but damn…she wanted him to look at her that way again.

“Can I help you?” a male voice said and she looked up to find the guy behind the coat-check counter smiling at her.

Right, it was her turn.