Chapter 7
EVIE
Still, feeling overwhelmed, I stare at the clothes I’ve laid out on the massive bed. I can’t believe Rhett did this for me.
I was sitting on the couch, thinking about everything Rhett had already done for me when the woman knocked on the door. I thought it was Rhett, but after opening, the woman from the boutique explained that she was here to take my size.
The cream cashmere sweater is the softest thing I’ve ever felt. I lightly trace the tips of my fingers over the fabric as a smile forms on my lips.
All the luxury is a lot to take in. Growing up, I never had anything I could call my own. I still don’t, but for tonight, I’m going to pretend this is all mine. I might never get a chance like this again.
I walk to the extravagant bathroom and fill the tub with steaming water. I can’t wait to soak in it. Brushing my fingers over the towels, I notice a collection of bath products on the counter. Lifting a tiny bottle of shampoo, I unscrew the cap and take a deep breath of it. It smells divine, like a bouquet of flowers.
Another knock at the door has me quickly screwing the cap back on. I place the bottle back with the others and rush to the door.
“Who is it?” I ask while peeking through the peephole.
“Room service.” I can see part of someone dressed in white, and a cart with silver dinnerware on it.
When I open the door, an elderly man pushes the cart into the room and turns to me. “Where can I place it for you?”
I point to the living room, wondering if he didn’t make a mistake.
“I didn’t order anything,” I say.
“The order was placed with reception. Enjoy your dinner,” he says before leaving the room.
Oh yes, I forgot. Rhett did mention that he would have food sent up. With all the excitement I forgot.
I close the door and walk over to the cart. When I lift one of the lids, and I see a spread of fresh fruit, my mouth instantly starts to water.
I’ll never be able to repay Rhett for all his kindness.
I take the plate of fruit to the bathroom and strip out of my dirty clothes while nibbling on grapes. When I sink down into the hot water, I let out a happy sigh. I let the warmth seep into my bones while I eat most of the fruit. With a satisfied stomach, I lie back and close my eyes.
When the water turns cold, I add hot water before washing my hair. Being able to use beauty products fills me with excitement, and I can’t help but laugh out loud as contentment fills my chest.
When I’m clean from head to toe, I dry myself with one of the fluffy towels. Taking a complimentary robe from behind the door, I put it on.
There’s even a toothbrush and paste, which I don’t hesitate to use. This room has everything I could ever need, and by the time I’ve dried my hair, I feel more like a woman and less like trash.
Careful not to wrinkle the new clothes, I hang them in the closet. I crawl into bed and let out a bliss-filled sigh as I snuggle into the plush pillow.
“Thank you, Rhett,” I whisper as I snuggle deeper under the covers.
∞∞∞
I can’t remember if I’ve ever slept as well as I did last night. I’ve taken another bath before getting dressed in the new clothes.
I’ve been staring at my reflection for so long that I’ve lost track of time. I’m clean and the beautiful sweater, jeans, and boots, make me feel feminine. It’s something I haven’t felt before.
I even have new lace underwear on.
My hair frames my face with light curls, which brings out the green of my eyes. I might be way too skinny, but after all the pampering, I feel pretty.
I make the bed and clean the bathroom before I place my wet clothes in a plastic bag. After I’ve thanked Rhett, I’ll find a spot where I can let them dry in the sun.
My clothes might be ragged, but I try to keep it clean.
I feel guilty when I place the tiny bottles of beauty products in my bag, and I hope I won’t get caught with them.
When I’ve cleaned the room, and everything I own is packed in my bag, I glance around the room one more time.
Feeling a little sad, I remind myself to be grateful for the experience. I take a deep breath before I leave the room, and with my energy replenished, I walk to the elevators.
When I walk out into the reception area, there’s no sign of Rhett. For the first time, I think that he might not come to meet me this morning.
Hoping that he will show up, I take a seat on one of the couches and watch the entrance.
As time goes by, I start to grow anxious. I glance down at the keycard in my hand as my thoughts turn to the deal Rhett has offered me.
I want to jump at the chance, but my pride keeps me from saying yes.
I can always pay him back.
I frown at the thought. I haven’t considered it before. If I take the deal, I’ll be able to study and get a good job. I can pay Rhett back once I start working. It could be a loan.
My heartbeat speeds up with hope as I consider all the possibilities.
But… can I trust Rhett.
The thought puts a damper on my excitement until I remind myself that Rhett could’ve hurt me already if that was his plan. He has been nothing but kind to me.
I glance up at the entrance, still undecided about what I should do. Rhett walks in, and just seeing him makes my heart skip a beat. A tremor of nerves sets in as my eyes follows him.
I’ve been so caught up in my troubles that I haven’t really looked at Rhett again since I saw him coming down the stairs at his house. Now that I’m feeling rested and I’m not so scared, I take a few seconds to examine him.
He’s wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt today. I notice the tattoo which covers his entire left arm all the way to his knuckles. Even though he’s dressed so casually, he still looks like a force to be dealt with. Every movement he makes exudes confidence which only adds to his already incredible good looks.
Never taking my eyes off Rhett, I get up and nervously clutch my hands together in front of me.
His dark eyes skim over me as he scans the area. A worried look crosses his features before he glances in my direction again. This time he doesn’t look away as he slows to a stop in the middle of the reception area.
I start to feel self-aware and painfully anxious as he continues to just stare at me. When it borders on awkward, he finally moves, stalking towards me.
I swallow hard and force a smile on my face when he stops right in front of me. He opens his mouth but no words come out, so I take my chance.
“Thank you, Rhett. I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.” I’m happy when I don’t fumble all over the words.
A slow smile starts to form around his mouth, which makes my heart do a somersault. At least it doesn’t look like he regrets helping me. That would’ve sucked.
“Morning, Evie, you look great. I forgot to ask last night, but can I see your I.D.?”
I didn’t expect that from him and feeling nervous again, I unzip the front of my bag and remove the card. I hand it to him and wait anxiously while he inspects it.
With a stunned look, he says, “Damn, you really are eighteen.”
He hands it back to me, and I quickly tuck it back in the front pocket so I won’t lose it.
When I glance up at Rhett again, there’s a sexy grin on his face which makes my stomach flutter. My eyes grow huge as I quickly look down at the floor. I can’t think of Rhett as sexy, or attractive. That’s asking for trouble I don’t need.
“Are you ready for breakfast?” he asks.
Still unsure about taking his deal, I hope that having breakfast with him will help me decide.