Page 122 of Wicked Dares
I nod, glad she can see that about me. “That’s true.”
“Then it looks like I made the right choice.”
“Thanks again.”
“You are most welcome. Now eat up. I want to show you the hall where the gala is going to be held tonight. I decorated it. It’s beautiful, if I do say so myself.”
I giggle. “I’m sure it is.”
* * *
By the time the gala begins, Belladonna Ridge is glowing beneath the Texas night sky.
String lights glow between the vines looking like tiny stars and lanterns have been placed near the round dinner tables for those who want to eat outside.
Like all the other events, it’s a great turnout. People are everywhere, laughing and talking while waiters move gracefully through the crowd carrying trays of wine and bourbon.
Everything feels warm here.
Like Southern charm wrapped in elegance.
Ellie Mae and I stride toward it.
I smooth my hands down the soft fabric of my dress as I step farther onto the lawn. She insisted on dressing me, which somehow resulted in me wearing a pale champagne-colored gown.
It’s stunning. So is my hair. I had a stylist for that, who teased it into loose waves that settle around my shoulders.
“There they are,” Ellie Mae points ahead at Levi and Arthur standing on the terrace.
They’re next to a wine display surrounded by a group of businessmen.
The two are talking heartily, but the instant Levi sees me, his entire focus shifts.
I find myself smiling.
Excusing himself, he walks straight toward me without hesitation. God, butterflies explode in my stomach.
“I’ll take this as my cue to leave.” Ellie Mae smiles back at me sweetly, tips her head at Levi when he reaches us, and continues on toward Arthur.
Levi drifts toward me and takes my hand.
“Butterfly.”
“Mr. Wicked.” I glance up at him and smile.
“Come dance with me.”
“Of course.”
He guides me beneath the canopy of lights, where music and laughter drift through the warm night air. He pulls me close, and we sway to the soft country music drifting from the live band.
“You disappeared on me today,” he murmurs, holding me closer.
“I was busy being emotionally adopted by Ellie Mae.”
“She really likes you.”
“Yes. She told me she wanted to spoil me because she doesn’t have daughters.”
