His Surrogate For Hire

Chapter 4

Clay did not show up for lunch, but it did not bother Diana. She was able to eat and get a little rest. Sleeping in a king sized bed with fluffy pillows and white down comforters was enough to make her nap well into the evening. This was the first time she laid her head down without stress, giving her restful sleep.

She woke up to find a red envelope on the floor in front of her door. Flipping it open, she read an invitation to dinner. Everything was so formal and extravagant here. A red invitation written in script all for her to come down to the dining room and eat a meal.

After her shower, she went through her suitcase, trying to find something to wear. Somehow, the items she had did not seem like they were fancy enough for her wear to dinner.

The one thing she did have that was semi-formal in style was a cobalt blue dress that belted around the waist. With a pair of black pumps and her red and black hair in an upswept ponytail, she completed her look with a pair of her best diamond earrings and a pearl necklace. She wanted to impress Clay, but she was not sure why.

Winding through the hallways, Diana found her way to the dining room. Everything was exquisitely decorated, from the lush red carpeting to the fine china trimmed in gold, she felt both out of place and excited at the same time. The table was long enough to seat an army and she could not imagine having dinner with that many people.

No one was there when she arrived, so she just browsed, looking around at all of the décor up close.

“I’m so glad you are joining me for dinner.”

Diana turned around to see Clay standing there, looking dapper in a pair of dark tan colored slacks and a long sleeved blue shirt.

“I guess great minds think alike,” she remarked motioning between the two of them to point out the fact that they were wearing the same color.

“They most certainly do.” He came to her, offering a glass of red wine.

“Thank you,” she said accepting the glass and taking a sip.

He held out his hand. “Come and take a walk with me.”

“Alright.” She followed him out toward the gardens.

“This is beautiful, Clay.” Beautiful was an understatement.

“Thank you. I can really appreciate things that are eye catching. This space is my sanctuary. With all of the stress and high performance that goes into doing what I do, I need a space that is relaxing.”

“I bet. Tell me more about what you do.”

Clay looked a bit confused at first, but he went ahead and gave her the brief synopsis of what he did for a living and about his company.

“Sounds pretty interesting.”

“You know, no one ever really asks me much about myself.”

She sipped her wine. “Maybe you are associated with all of the wrong people.”

Clay threw his head back with a hearty laugh. “You may be right.”

They continued walking around the pathway. “What about you, Diana? Tell me about yourself.”

She hesitated for a moment, but figured there could not be much harm in sharing some information about herself.

“Let’s see. I worked for a company for over ten years, only to go to work one day and have them fire me. Actually, it was a bunch of us that lost our jobs that day. Anyway, it was pretty horrible, and I’ve spent the last few weeks trying to figure out my life.”

Clay smiled. “That’s because your work is not who you are. I asked you to tell me about yourself.”

She was stumped, but when she figured out what he was saying she obliged.

“I love romance novels, white cheddar cheese popcorn, the smell of clothes fresh out of the dryer, and the feel of sand between my toes when I go to the beach.”

“Aahh, interesting.”

Their playful banter was easily flirtatious.

“And you?” Diana asked.

“Well, I like long walks, going to the movies and especially watching horror movies, playing a strong game of chess, and a stiff drink at the end of the day.”

She giggled. “That’s quite a list.”

He raised his glass to her. “Yes well, I know what I like.” His eyebrow raised, he smiled. She could not tell if he was talking about his list or her.

“Are we late for dinner?” Diana asked.

“Late, no. But are you hungry?”

“Just a little,” she replied pinching her pointer finger and thumb together.

“Shall we then?”

Clay led the way back inside. It was such a warm night, she wanted to stay outside and enjoy the weather.

“Would it be too much if we moved our meal outside?” Clay asked as if reading her mind.

“Wonderful.”

Things were going well and she practically forgot she moved in to the mansion to become a surrogate. Instead, Diana felt like she was on a first date, getting to know a potential beau.

While Clay went inside to ask the staff to set up dinner outside in the gazebo, Diana took herself on a stroll, admiring the landscaping. It all felt so surreal. Even though there was a trade off, she felt so lucky.

“Diana, are you ready?” Clay beckoned her over to him.

“I am.”

He led the way to the gazebo, which had been set up as exquisitely as the dining room table had been inside.

“This is all so lovely, Clay.”

“Only the best.”

Diana hoped her stomach would not growl, she was so hungry. Being a gentleman, Clay pulled out her chair. Dinner and conversation was as wonderful as Diana hoped it would be. They laughed, talked about nothing in specific, and had more of the friendly conversation flow they had the first day they met.

Clay offered her a fresh glass of wine.

“Thank you.” By now, Diana could not remember how many glasses she’d had.

“This may be a bit presumptuous Diana, but I like you.” Clay’s smile was friendly, but Diana was sure she could detect a hint of a budding attraction.

Whatever was happening, she wanted to make sure it was genuine and not a result of the wine talking.

“I like you too, Clay.” It was not entirely a lie. He was totally different than what she thought he would be. He was more calm, talkative, and much more friendly than she assumed he would be.

“Shall we call it a night?” he asked.

“I think so.”

Clay came around to her side of the table and held his hand out to help her out of her seat. Their hands connected, Diana was unable to deny the electricity that was surging between the two. It caught her off guard. Just as the kiss he planted on her lips. She could not, and did not back away. Instead, she found herself savoring the taste of his lips. When she realized what was happening, the confusion set in. Had she just kissed the man that was employing her? Diana stepped back, trying to gain some focus and make sure she did not jump to conclusions.

Clay regarded her, staying quiet about what had just transpired.

“Can I see you inside?” he asked finally.

“Yes, thank you.”