Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
“When did Claire and you get close?”
“When you began putting your work before your friends, and ignoring us for the tip tapping of your keyboard.”
I groaned in annoyance.
“You’re coming.” He pointed at me. “It will be fun. Let’s make it an elegant group affair. I’ll call Claire up to let her know. And then you can bring Shi, so he will know for sure that you are not taken, but you’re a bit married to your work.”
“How does that show I’m married to my work?”
“Bringing your assistant as your date is a classic symbol of being a workaholic.”
“Oh well.” I gazed back down at the invitation. “I am what I am, and it is what it is.”
Horace clapped his hands. “And now back to business. I say hell no to Zombie Love, and yes to a new book with a billionaire softly kidnapping an unknowing woman who is in need of an escape. Give me 90,000 words of excellence, and lots of steam, and please don’t forget the happily ever after. During the epilogue, I want to cry tears of joy for the extremely fortunate couple.”
I let out a long breath. “Fine.”
“Yes!” Horace clapped and then leaned his head to the side. “Can you hear that, Maya?”
“Hear what?”
He held up his hands. “All that money coming in.”
I rolled my eyes. “Shi, I need some new notebooks for this soft kidnapping billionaire romance.”
“But, do you?” Horace chuckled. “I’m literally staring at ten blank notebooks you can use.”
“I still need more.”
She bobbed her head and headed away. “More notebooks, paper, and print out the manuscript. I’ve got it.”
I called after her, “And, don’t forget that you’re coming with me. You’re my plus one. You’ll need a dress. . .and a mask. I guess.”
“Yes, Ms. Johnson.” She left the office.
“Okay. I’m out.” Horace headed away. “Don’t forget, Maya. Soft kidnapping. Not hard. A little like the bodice rippers. Forced, but with a butler, yacht, and diamonds. That makes it different.”
I frowned. “And then after this soft kidnapping, I’m writing Zombie Love.”
“We’ll see. You may be drowning in so much money you may not be able to find your laptop to write it.”
Chapter 2
The Night of the Party
The sun began to set.
My phone buzzed.
I checked the text.
Claire: We’re coming around the corner.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
I placed my phone back in my purse and headed out of my house.
I had to admit that I felt a bit ridiculous in the expensive purple gown and matching mask. The gown was made of fine silk and soft to the touch. The neckline plunged into a V, cut low enough to show off my cleavage, but not too much. The skirt flared out at my hips and then spilled down my legs.
For an event like this, I should have picked black or white, but I loved this color so much.
Purple was a mixture of the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. Due to that, in some ways purple represented transformation. And because of its historical association with ancient monarchs, purple definitely was the color of royalty.
And I wanted to feel royal tonight—like I belonged among rich folk, like I was meant to be there mingling.
Plus, something in my heart told me I had to wear it. I was big on trusting my heart when it came to things that made me nervous.
I’m really doing this.
The only accessory I wore was a purple mask that covered my forehead, around my eyes and even my nose. Brilliant, clear gems swirled and dipped along the purple and gold.
I put on minimal make-up because I barely knew my way around a powder brush and contour kit. It was better for me to keep it simple, than show up looking like an absolute clown.
My lips were painted a deep shade of wine.
A large limo turned into my driveway. It had a gleaming black finish and white tires.
I tightened my grip on my clutch. “Here we go.”
The limo stopped in front of me.
Fast, the driver jumped out and hurried over to my side. “Good evening, Ms. Johnson.”
“Good evening to you too.”
He opened the door.
Laughter instantly greeted me.
At least everyone is in a great mood. This will be fun.
I slowly entered the vehicle, making sure my purple gown didn’t get too wrinkled.
The limo’s interior was just as polished as the exterior—long white leather seats and sparkling chrome finishes.
The first person I spotted was Shi and headed in her direction. When she showed up to work as my assistant, she usually had on a simple white top with plain black pants, tonight she dazzled in a sparkling red dress. It beautifully clung to her petite frame. A red mask covered her entire face, but I could see her eyes shining in the dim lighting. “Hello, Ms. Johnson.”
I grinned. “I’m not your boss tonight. I’m your date. Call me, Maya.”