I think about Jenna and Kenneth sending her clothes. Is that how all wealthy men operate?

“I can find something on my own to wear.”

He shakes his head. “Let me for springing this on you at the last minute.” I nod. “Then let’s go inform the team they had a spy in their midst,” he says conspiratorially.

I groan and he laughs.

The rest of the week breezes by. I spend part of the time at his office and I’m forgiven by Ted’s accounting team, but I can see the hurt and mistrust in some of their eyes. Ted e-mails them part of my report which gives a glowing review and eases some of the tension. By Friday, I almost accept an invite to hang out with Mandy but I haven’t been sleeping well, so I decline. She makes me promise I’ll go out with her next week when I inform her of my date for Saturday.

Andy hasn’t called and I’m not sure that’s a blessing or a curse. He’s obviously moved on but it hurts more than I thought it would.

Saturday comes with a winter mix falling from the sky. Undaunted by the weather, my clothes for the evening arrive as promised by Ted. I stare at the beautiful things he’s sent. The dress is black, classic, and simple, but quite stunning on. The forgiving fabric won’t show the lacy La Perla bra and panties that are included. The garter belt and thigh highs are a surprise, but then again Ted seems very detail oriented. However it’s the red-soled heels that make my heart flutter … until I reach the rectangular box. Inside there is a ribbon choker with a large onyx stone that dangles from it. The stone is crowned in tiny sparkling black jewels. There is also a matching pair of understated stud earrings. I don’t want to be dazzled by his wealth of gifts, but it’s hard not to. I probably have enough time to go out and find a dress of my own.

“Jenna, what should I do?”

Her voice is filled with humor. “Let him spoil you. He can afford it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t do it, Cate.”

What he spent is probably nothing to him. So I dress and fix my hair in an understated, yet elegant do, so it won’t compete with my outfit and jewelry. By the time I get to Ted’s limo, I feel pretty.

“Cate, you are exquisite.”

“Thanks. You’re look very handsome yourself.” And he does. He’s classically dressed in a tux with a white shirt and it suits him. “I have to say I’m a little hesitant to wear this jewelry.”

His finger brushes the stone and I have a moment to wonder if he’ll touch my skin. He moves his hand and the moment is gone. “They are expensive but not so much as you would need a body guard to wear them. And it’s my gift to you. Don’t argue. I can already see it in your eyes. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t want to. And there are no conditions on the gifts. I don’t expect anything from you tonight. We’re just two friends out on the town.”

Hardly, but I won’t say anything. He isn’t a struggling college graduate. He’s a billionaire and whatever he’s spent on me is probably what he spends on a good bottle of wine.

I change the subject. “Are you going to tell me where we are headed?”

His eyes twinkle. “I hope you like the ballet. We are headed to see the Nutcracker opening night. All proceeds benefits one of my favorite charities for kids.”

The ballet and the Nutcracker to boot. It reminds me how close we are to the holidays. I couldn’t have imagined that it would be a star studded night. We pose for pictures on a red carpet. I feel mystified how my life has changed in the last couple of weeks. This marks the third event I’ve been to where celebrities in attendance are not by chance but expected.

“Cate,” a woman calls. Before I can stop her, Désirée is air kissing me. “Wow, Ted, you look very dapper this evening.”

Ted obliges her and gives her the two air kisses I neglected to give the fake woman.

Her grin turns megawatt and she aims it at me. “Drew and I missed you last night at the White House Press Dinner. Now I see why he didn’t bring you. Oh, and I must get a picture of the two of you.”

My hand comes up to block the picture but she beats me with her tap on the phone. I’m too late as her thumbs furiously move across the screen. “Young and in love. Short and sweet for InstaGram don’t you think?” She winks before striding off.

I groan. I have no doubt she’s posted the picture more than just there. I don’t know what I should worry about, the picture or the fact that Andy was out with her last night.

“Shall we?” Ted holds out his arm, clueless about my inner turmoil.

I accept his arm, giving into the night. Ted seems like an okay guy. Andy is obviously out of the picture. It’s time I move on, take back my life, and enjoy it a little.

We end up in box seats alone. The ballet is spectacular. After, we have a late dinner. Ted is cordial and our conversation easy. He doesn’t leer at me or make suggestive comments. I begin to think Jeff’s dislike of the man has nothing to do with Ted at all.

“Why don’t you get along with Jeff?” I ask.

He sighs and uses the napkin to blot his mouth. “Truth?” he asks. I nod. “This will sound somewhat arrogant but there is no way around it. Simply, Jeffery was interested in a woman who was more interested in me.” Shocked, I feel my eyes reach my brows. “Don’t look so surprised. Jeffery is a bit on the sweet side but he’s into women.”

He laughs at my open mouth. We end the night with Ted regaling me with tales of Jeff’s escapades Ted’s caught him in. None involve work and I get that Ted is professional and wouldn’t give me information me about his employees that is work related.

When the limo stops in front of my building I can honestly say I had a good time. Ted, again the gentleman, walks me to my door with my arm in his.

“I had a lovely time Cate. I hope you did too.”

“I did.”

He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “I would kiss you Cate, but I don’t want to scare you off, as I’m sure Jeff has done his best to do. And maybe some of what he’s told you is true. But I can make this an experience of a lifetime for you, and who knows what the future would bring. I’m headed to France for the holidays after Christmas and through New Year’s. Maybe you would consider joining me.”

I’m too stunned to say anything. He leans down and presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth, just missing my lips. I watch him walk away and get back into the limo. When he drives off, I try to decide if I should be worried about what little Jeff has actually told me. He hasn’t said much but implied many things. I turn to head inside when I hear my name.

“Cate.”

I swivel around so fast I sway, catching myself. What I find is Andy closing his car door and walking toward me. I didn’t hear an engine cut off, so I wonder if he’s been waiting for me all this time. He looks distressed, still in his scrubs. His hair is disheveled and his face sports scruff. He stops a few feet away from me as his eyes drift the length of my body and back again.

“God, you take my breath away.” His words are smooth but the sadness in his eyes takes away from his compliment. “You went out with Ted Caine. I saw the pictures.”

“Andy.” The word leaves my mouth on the wind, drifting away as if we are two ships passing in the night.

“Did he kiss you?” The anguish in his voice is palpable.

I shake my head no, unable to speak for fear my voice would break.

He comes forward and cups my frosty cheeks with his hands. His warm lips against mine take away the chill in the air. When he pulls back, I find myself reaching for him but he steps out of my reach.

“I want you to be happy, Cate. I always have. You’re the one woman that’s made me want to change my life to make you the center of my universe.” His eyes are filled with so much emotion I’m captured in them. “Maybe fate is wrong or my interpretation of it. I won’t chase you anymore. I’ll leave you to be the Princess Ted can make you be.” He glances at my dress which can partially be seen through the opening in my wool coat. “Maybe it’s better this way.”