A Cinderella Seduction. Karen Booth

had touched her like that, and certainly no man as sexy and handsome as Daniel.

      “You get bonus points for flattery.” And for making me dizzy. “I’d still like to know if the dress can be saved.”

      “The two sides of the zipper aren’t attached anymore. It’s just the hook holding it together.”

      Emma didn’t know a lot about garment construction, but she did know that there was no saving that stupid zipper. “What do I do? I didn’t bring a jacket or coat.”

      “I did.” Daniel stepped back and shrugged his shoulders out of his tuxedo jacket. Emma got a much better sense of his body now that it was hiding under fewer clothes. If she wasn’t so deathly embarrassed, she might be daring enough to invite him home. He placed his jacket on her shoulders and held her shoe and handbag as she slipped her arms inside.

      “This is so nice of you.”

      “Think nothing of it.”

      Emma sat in a chair and worked her foot into her shoe. “I’m not accustomed to such chivalry.” Not even close. Her only real boyfriend had been the sort of guy who didn’t want to share his umbrella in the rain.

      “Still care for a drink?”

      Emma stood, well aware that whatever magic she’d managed to conjure this evening would evaporate if she was the woman walking around in a broken dress and tuxedo jacket. “It’s probably best if I head home.” She could hardly believe the words. He was too amazing. She was missing her chance. Hopefully, she’d have another, perhaps run into him in the building again.

      He nodded. “I understand. There’s someone I need to track down, anyway. Let me walk you to your car, though.”

      Emma pulled out her phone and sent a text to Mindy’s driver, who said he could be out front in a few minutes. The disappointing end of this evening was unimaginable, but she was determined to steal a few more lovely moments with Daniel. “That would be nice.”

      “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything bad happen.” He placed his arm around her shoulder and walked her through the double doors.

      They wound their way through the crowd. Several people gave her funny looks, but she did her best to hold her head high. Daniel’s presence certainly made it easier. He ushered her outside, where the red carpet photographers were lying in wait. As soon as she was spotted, the flashes started going off. Yet another thing she had not bargained on.

      Emma squinted as the bright lights made it hard to see. A black SUV pulled up to the curb and Mindy’s driver rounded the back of the car, waiting for her on the sidewalk.

      “That’s my ride,” she said.

      Like the perfect gentleman, Daniel escorted her to the waiting car, and Emma climbed into the back seat. As soon as she was inside, she started to remove his jacket.

      He held up his hand. “Please. Keep it.”

      “No. It’s okay. I know you have to go back in and find someone.” She had to wonder who he was meeting. Surely there were hundreds of women in that room who would love even a moment with Daniel. Still, Emma was immensely grateful for the time she’d had with him, even with the way it was ending.

      He slid his hand onto her shoulder and gave a subtle squeeze. Even through the suit fabric, it was wonderful. “I’m the only person who has seen the state of your dress. When you arrive home, I’d like you to be able to retain your dignity.”

      She smiled. “That’s so sweet.”

      “Oh, I have my reasons. If you keep it, it’ll give me an excuse to see you again.”

      Emma’s face flushed so quickly she was surprised she could still sit up straight. “You’re forcing me to hold your jacket hostage?”

      He leaned in even closer. Good God, she wanted him to kiss her. She found herself puckering just to extend the invitation. “Part and parcel of being a gentleman.”

      The car behind hers honked. She jumped. Daniel grimaced and looked back.

      “I should go,” she said, hoping he’d protest.

      “I’ll need your number if I’m going to see you again.”

      His voice was a bit desperate and that was when the realization hit her—he didn’t recognize her from their building. Looking back at the first thing she’d said to him tonight, she was shocked by her own brazenness. That had been a far bolder gesture than the real Emma would have ever made.

      “So you really don’t know who I am? I don’t look the slightest bit familiar to you?”

      “I’m so sorry. Should I know who you are?”

      She laughed quietly, but it was more born of sad resignation than happiness. He hadn’t noticed the everyday Emma. Not at all. She leaned over and placed a kiss on his cheek. She desperately hoped that wouldn’t be the extent of things between them, but if it was, at least the end could be on her terms. She’d either be bold Emma and go to his apartment, or she’d be her old self and leave the jacket with the doorman and attempt to hide from Daniel forever. First, she needed time for her ego to feel a little less bruised.

      She reached for the door handle. “Don’t worry, Daniel. I’ll find you.”

      And just like that, the driver pulled away from the curb and sped off into yet another magical big city night. Emma wrapped her arms around herself and sat back in the seat, looking off through the window, wondering what was ahead for her and her slightly-less-mysterious Mr. Brit. Romance? At least a real kiss? Or was tonight as good as it would ever get?