Page 74 of Between the Lines

Shoot—I need to hurry up.

The shopping bag with a green silk dress has been sitting on the kitchen table for two days now. It was like a scene out of a movie when I walked into the boutique that I only ever window-shop at, never entering because the prices would make me vomit. But I did this week—Caden’s credit card in hand. The moment I saw the dress with spaghetti straps, a cowl neckline, and a slip above the knee, on the mannequin, I was drooling.

Even the store associate clapped when I put it on, telling me my date was going to be weak at the knees. It was sweet, but he’s not my date. However, her kind words riled me up and I bought it, along with a pair of nude heels. Penny lent me pearl earrings, but as I secure them in my ears and swipe on dark berry lipstick, my hands tremble.

“You deserve this. It’s going to be fun. You can do this,” I affirm in the mirror with a lopsided smile.

The green silk is like butter under my fingertips, but now I worry this is too much. I rotate, realizing how high the slit in this dress is. Was it always this high?

Hamburger jumps on the bathroom counter, startling me with a loud meow.

“I should just tell him I’m sick,” I tell my cat frantically, but then two loud knocks sound on the front door.

“Mother effer,” I groan, inhaling deeply. I turn off the bathroom light and take careful steps towards the front door, heels clicking the whole way.

I know what’s waiting for me on the other side of that door, and I’m not sure I’m ready to confront it.

But I turn the doorknob anyway.

31

Caden

The moment she opens the door, every doubt about going to this awards dinner is washed away.

So is every coherent thought, too.

“Wow,” is all I manage to say.

She blushes, pursing her red-painted lips, glancing down at her dress.

“Am I overdressed? I’ve never been to a cocktail event.” Her green eyes meet mine, impossibly long eyelashes batting.

I shake my head, jamming my hands in my pockets.

“No, no.” I clear my throat. “You look great, Fia.”

She dips her head and smiles, tucking her long curled hair behind her ears. “Thank you, you clean up well too.” She gestures to my custom-tailored navy suit, complete with new leather shoes.

I even ironed the white shirt underneath.

“Ready?” I ask, and lead Fia out to the driveway. Every step feels like a slow-motion film. The sound of her heels on the stone walkway, the smell of her jasmine perfume filling the evening air, the silence between us full of small smiles and stolen glances.

“Wow, you even put the roof and doors back on.” Fia raises her brows as I open the car door for her.

“I did.” I smirk, looking at the car. “I’m a man of detail.”

“Huh,” she replies, just watching me, and I shut the door, collecting myself with a slow walk around the Jeep before I join her in the cab.

Fia fills me in on her day at the beach with her family as we drive into town, and I don’t say much in response. I’m happy to just hear her talk. The conversation is easy and casual, but it’s not until we get to the venue that I realize she’s clutching her hands together, playing with the stack of gold rings on her fingers. Something I notice she does when she’s nervous.

I attempt to rack my brain for something to say to soothe her nerves, but the valet nods at me as we pull up, and I hand my keys over with haste, immediately bringing my attention back to Fia.

There’s only one mission for me tonight—to make sure she enjoys this event, without nerves. I extend a hand, helping her out of the Jeep as she holds up her green dress.

Guests clad in suits and dresses walk past us, heels clicking up the stone steps through the large double doors. I know there’re eyes on me, but I ignore them all and lead Fia by the elbow off to the side of the entrance.

“Hey, if at any point you’re not enjoying yourself, say the word and we’ll get out of here. Deal?” I whisper, and she glances up at me. There’s a slight pause, like she’s trying to figure me out, but then she nods, her lips pulled to the side.