Satoh Tomiichi is a busy man. As the successor of his father's multimillion-pound company, he has neither the luxury nor leisure for love - and certainly not the distractions that come from it. But when a crucial project requires him to provide more...
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"I still don't understand why I have to attend this party with you," says Naomi.
The expression on Jasmine's face is intent as she draws the eyeliner across the top of her eyelids. Naomi doesn't think she's ever seen her flatmate this focused before.
"Done." Jasmine curtsies, and does a little twirl. "What do you think?"
"That depends." Naomi gestures at the little black dress, thigh high boots and pearl earrings. "If you were going for conservative Catholic, I think you've done a terrible job. But if you're going for occasional slut with a regular 9-to-5, then I think you've nailed it on the head."
"Perfect." Jasmine pats the seat in front of the dressing table. "Your turn."
Naomi makes to protest, but Jasmine has already caught her by the arm and plonked her down in the chair.
"You know, for a woman who drinks only a kale smoothie for breakfast, your grip strength is freakishly strong."
"It's called yogalates, darling. You should try it. Now chin up."
With a sigh, Naomi tilts her chin up. "How did you get an invitation anyway?"
"Just someone I know."
"What do you mean, someone you know? I highly doubt anyone in the café can possibly have any connection with one of the richest millionaires in London."
"A little judgemental today, are we?" Jasmine puts down the eyeliner and picks up the lipstick. "If you must know, it's a friend of a friend of a cousin ... of a friend. Something like that."
It's a little hard to speak while one's lips are being rouged, but Naomi manages. "I'm not sure I like how vague you're sounding."
"Look," states Jasmine firmly. "All you need to know is three things. One, it's on a yacht. Two, it's an unlimited seafood buffet. And three, when I was told I could bring a plus one, I thought wouldn't it be great if I could bring someone who has never been near the finer lifestyle their entire life? Immediately I thought of you."
"Gee, that's real nice of you. Why don't you donate me a couple thousand pounds while you're at it?"
Jasmine caps the lipstick. "There! Now stand up and let me look you over."
Naomi stands. Instantly, the hem of her lilac bodycon dress rises with alarming speed. She yanks it down. Just as aggressively, Jasmine pulls the dress back up.
"This dress," declares Jasmine over the ensuing groans, "is meant to be this short. It works to flaunts the legs by drawing the eye away from the torso. Not that there's anything wrong with your torso. But you have better legs."
"Okay, but do I have to wear —"
"The strappy heels? Yes, because they complement your silver earrings. Which complements your necklace that accentuates your collarbones."
