“I’m just going to go for it here.” I shifted on the couch to face her. “You said I hardly know you, and you’re right. I want to rectify that more than I’ve wanted anything else. But let me tell you what I do know.”
Her fingers found the ends of her hair, and she began twirling. The sight of her nervous tic made me worry a little, but I plunged ahead.
“I know that when I look at you, I’m happy. When we kiss, my heart races, and when you smile, I smile. When you look sad, I feel it.” I took a breath. “Waking up with you this morning felt right. I’ve never felt this way before about anyone. No one has ever taken my breath away before, just you.” I glanced at her fingers. “We have a lot to learn about each other, but most couples do. There are so many things I want to know.”
“Like what?”
The timid note of her soft voice struck a chord in my chest.
“I want to know if fidgeting with your hair is a nervous habit you had as a kid, or did it develop over time? And I want to know why I feel so jealous of Mason.”
Her nose crinkled as she scrunched her brow. “You’re jealous of Mason?”
“Tremendously jealous. Do you know your face lights up every time you see him? I know you’re best friends, but I want that more than anything.”
“You want to be my best friend too?”
I stood and rubbed the back of my neck as I took a breath. “No, you’re not listening. I don’t just want to be your best friend; I want to be . . .” I wanted to say everything, but settled for saying, “Yours. Because in my heart, body, and soul, you’re already mine.”
Lucy sat quietly, and it didn’t escape me that she stopped fiddling with her hair the moment I mentioned it. I sat down again on the sofa and tried to relax against the back pillow as I turned to look at her.
She smiled and rested her head against the pillow, mirroring my pose. “Where should I start?”
“For one, I asked you on a date over an hour ago, and I’m still waiting for that answer.”
“Oh, sorry.” A cute giggle escaped her. “Yes. I’d love to be your date.”
“I’m glad.”
“As far as the rest of it, let’s just take it one day at a time. I like you a lot, Drake, and I’d love to be yours one day, but we need to take it slow. This is a big year for you, and you don’t need any distractions.”
“The only time I’m distracted is when I’m wondering what you’re doing or thinking. But I know what will help.”
“What’s that?”
“Knowing you aren’t dating anyone else.”
She shook her head with a small smile. “I’m not dating anyone else. I really haven’t dated anyone exclusively in years.”
“I hope you’ll allow me to change that.” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her palm. “Ms. Washburn, will you date me and only me?”
She nodded and her smile rose, creating fine laugh lines beside her eyes. “Yes, Senator Prescott, I’d love to.”
Relief washed over me. “Please, call me Drake.” I knew she was kidding using my title, but I wanted to hear my name pass her lips.
Her body shifted as she brought my hand to her mouth and placed her soft lips on the back of it. “Drake.”
No woman had ever kissed my hand before, and there was something oddly seductive about it. The warmth of her lips as they pressed against my skin sent a shock wave up my arm.
Yes, I’d made the right choice. Lucy was perfect for me.
CHAPTER 9
~ Lucy ~
On Thursday, I went gown shopping with Gretchen. Drake had given her my number after he told me the event we were going to was a black tie affair. I had pretty dresses, but not one that would work for Saturday night.
I’d arranged to meet her at Tyson’s Galleria after work. The most shopping I’d ever done at this mall was via the windows. The stores here weren’t exactly in the price range of someone on a teacher’s salary, but I did have some money set aside in an emergency fund. And to me, this was an emergency.
When I walked into the ladies’ department at Saks, Gretchen already had several gowns waiting for me on a rolling rack. As I approached her and the dresses, my nerves spiked. They looked extremely expensive, which worried me. Even using my savings, I probably couldn’t afford them.
“There you are.” Gretchen hurried over to me and gave me a hug. “As you can see, I pulled some gowns that I thought might work for you. I guessed you were about a size four, right?”
“Hi, Gretchen, and yes, in most cases I’m a four or a six.”
“Fantastic. I wasn’t sure about your shoe size, so I grabbed a few different styles and sizes.” She tugged on my hand and led me toward the dressing rooms, where a very well-put-together woman was waiting for us, while another wheeled in the rack of gowns.
The saleswoman introduced herself and told us if we needed different styles or sizes to let her know. Before I knew it, I was in my underwear and bra, and Gretchen was helping me into my first gown. It was a black silk number and although it was pretty, it was too slinky for me.
Gretchen eyed me as I did a slow turn in front of the three-way mirror. “I don’t think that’s the one.” She went through the rack and handed me another. “Try this one.”
I slid into a black-and-red embroidered gown with an open back. It was gorgeous.
“Wow, Lucy. It’s beautiful on you. You have such great boobs, you won’t even need a bra.”
My face heated as I’m sure all the blood in my body filled my face. “There are cups sewn in, so this isn’t all me.” I tried to smile, but I was embarrassed.
“Do you have any idea how stunning your body is?” Gretchen shook her head. “Look at yourself. What do you think?”
“I think it’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever had on.” I did a one-eighty on the little pedestal, and when the saleswoman walked in, her opinion was the same as Gretchen’s.
The gown was a bit long, but I wearing high heels. As if she read my mind, Gretchen said, “You need a kickass pair of shoes.”
I grabbed the tag that hung under my arm, and when I read it, my heart stopped. The gown cost nearly four hundred dollars.
Gretchen shook her head. “Don’t be angry.”
“Why would I be angry?”
“Because the gown is paid for.”
“What? Who paid for it?”
“Drake did.” She lifted her palm to stop me from arguing. “He wanted to do it. When he wants something, he generally gets it, so he had me give his credit card information to the saleswoman.”
I frowned. “Yes. I’m figuring this out about him.” Inspecting the dress in the mirror, I did one final spin. “Hmm, I guess I have more money for shoes now.” Then I had an idea. “Would it be weird for you if we went to the lingerie department?”
Gretchen gave me a wicked grin. “My brother is a lucky man.”
After I picked out a gorgeous pair of red pumps that rivaled the price of the gown, we headed to lingerie, where I learned that Gretchen wasn’t a shy woman. She tried on a red satin corset ensemble with a tiny pair of matching panties, and looked like a Victoria’s Secret model.
I had selected a black lace garter outfit, but I didn’t model it for her. Unsure if Drake would even see it, I needed to buy it. I’d never felt so sexy in all my life.
When I got home, I hung up my gown and sent Drake a text.
LUCY: Thank you for my gown. You didn’t have to do that.
DRAKE: I wanted to do it.
LUCY: Well, I appreciate it.
DRAKE: My pleasure.
LUCY: Speaking of, I bought some things to go with it.
What was I doing? I was practically sexting with the man. Mortified, I reached for the button to turn my phone off when his next text came in.
DRAKE: Like? ;)
LUCY: Shoes.
There, that will fix that.
DRAKE: Is that all?
LUCY: No.
My hand flew over my mouth, even though I wasn
’t actually speaking.
DRAKE: Hmm, is it sexy? Please say it’s sexy.
LUCY: Maybe.
DRAKE: I can’t wait to see it.
LUCY: How do you know you will?
DRAKE: Will I?
LUCY: Maybe.
DRAKE: I can work with that.
A giggle escaped me. Maybe Gretchen had the right idea. Being naughty was actually fun.
LUCY: Thanks again. I’m tired and heading to bed to read.
DRAKE: Sleep well.
LUCY: Thank you. Sweet dreams.
DRAKE: You can count on it.
I ate a quick bite and soon afterward headed to bed. Once I’d changed and snuggled into my bed, I grabbed my Kindle, but didn’t turn it on right away. Instead, I thought of everything that had changed since Drake walked into my classroom. Could I actually have found someone for me?
My thoughts drifted to my high school boyfriend, Greg. I’d thought I was in love with him, and maybe I was. We were so young, but he made me happy, and he was so smart. He didn’t go to the same school I did, but when we met, something inside me clicked, much like with Drake.
But Greg and I didn’t last. Mistakes were made, and there was no way to recover from them. No way to turn back the clock to tell him I was sorry.
• • •
Saturday night was finally here. Tiny beads of sweat trickled down my spine as I stared at myself in the full-length mirror on the back of my bedroom door. I turned to the side and craned my neck to be sure I looked good from every angle.
I caught a glimpse of the picture I had on my dresser of me and Mason from my college graduation. I was half-tempted to call him earlier to get a male opinion before I saw Drake, but he’d tell me I looked great, even if I only looked mediocre.
I strolled toward the picture of Mason and me, thrilling a little to the click the heels of my stilettos made with each step I took across the hardwood floor. I picked up the silver frame, a graduation gift from Mason, and ran my fingertips over the inscription: I’m so proud of you. Love, Mason.
Proud. He was proud of me that day, and truth be told, so was I.
Back to the mirror I went for one last glimpse, but before I did, I grabbed my phone to take a picture of my reflection. I stared at the small screen and couldn’t believe it was me. I’d actually taken time for myself today.
My first stop had been the spa, where I was waxed and had makeup professionally applied. Happily, the esthetician didn’t make me look like a clown. Granted, I was a bit nervous when the foundation she applied came out of a mini-paint sprayer, but I had to admit the end result was amazing. Once the foundation was done, she accentuated my brown eyes beautifully, first creating a gentle eyebrow arch, and then applying the right amount of makeup.
Then I went to the salon and had my hair swept up in a French twist. It wasn’t tight or messy, but fun, and with the few stray curls she left framing my face, it was sexy.
I quickly shot a text to Mason and attached the picture. Just as I expected, he responded that I was gorgeous. All I could do was smile at his reply.
Naturally, I thanked him, but I honestly didn’t expect him to say anything different. But my vision blurred with unshed tears when he sent another text, telling me he loved me and that he was happy I was going out.
I was neither a hermit nor a party girl, so I understood why he said what he did. Once I thought about it, I realized I was happy too.
The sound of my doorbell made my heart beat even faster, and those beads of sweat that had trickled before were now rolling freely down my spine. This was awful. My back was bare and damp—not the least bit sexy.
Before I answered the door, I hurried to my bathroom and awkwardly bent and shimmied my back against the towel hanging on the rack to absorb some of the moisture. I didn’t know if it helped, but prayed that it did. Then I quickly spritzed on a little of my Gucci Guilty perfume, one of my few indulgences, and took in a deep calming breath.
When I opened the door, my heart shuddered to a stop at the sight of Drake in a black tux. It looked expensive, and definitely wasn’t a rental. I wasn’t breathing, and wasn’t even sure I was blinking.
“Wow, Lucy, you look stunning.” He leaned in and gave me a peck on the cheek.
“Thank you.” I picked up the red clutch handbag that matched my shoes. “Should we go?”
Drake stared at me. The contrast between his blue eyes and black suit made my thighs clench. I was sure my new panties would be ruined before night’s end.
“Turn around,” he said, his voice a little hoarse. “Let me get a good look at you.”
I flushed with embarrassment, but he did buy the gown after all. So I complied and gingerly pivoted in a complete circle, making sure I didn’t stumble. An audible gasp came from him as he saw the back of my dress, or the lack thereof. When I finally completed my rotation and looked at him, he smiled, revealing my favorite dimple.
“You need to do me a favor tonight.” He took a step forward and placed his hands on my arms.
“What would that be?” I swallowed hard, not knowing what he was going to say. My nerves were already at an all-time high.
“Don’t leave my side. I’ve never seen a woman more beautiful. The men at the event are going to want to dance with you, talk to you, and be close to you. You’re mine, not as a possession, but as my girl, and I’ll be damned if anyone but me holds you tonight. So, like I said, don’t leave my side.”
Crystal-clear blue eyes implored me, and who was I to deny him?
“I promise I won’t leave your side.” I smiled. “But I may need to use the ladies’ room tonight. Then what are we going to do?”
“I’m not worried about the women, but the men . . . they’re a different story. Some are stodgy old men who might need a blue pill, but they aren’t dead.”
“You shouldn’t worry at all. I said I wanted to be with you, and that’s all that matters.”
His hands cupped my face. “Thank you.” He gently kissed me. “Let’s go.”
• • •
The event was being held at the fanciest hotel in DC. I’d never been here before, but it was gorgeous. My gaze was instantly drawn to the ceiling, which was illuminated with chandeliers that appeared to have hundreds of teardrop-shaped crystals hanging from them. The room was a sea of round tables covered in white linen, each sporting red-and-white floral centerpieces and navy-blue cloth napkins. It looked like the Fourth of July, but without the fireworks.
Hand in hand, Drake and I made our way farther into the room, and a distinguished-looking older man walked up to us.
“Drake, my boy, it’s good to see you.” They shook hands, and the man turned his sights on me. “Who is this lovely woman?” The fine lines of his face curved upward.
“Hello, Colonel Higgins. This is my girlfriend, Lucy Washburn.”
Girlfriend?
“Lucy, I’d like you to meet Colonel Higgins.”
I smiled and took the hand the man extended to me. He brought mine to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I was unaware Drake had a girlfriend, and if I may say, he picked a fine one. Yes, a fine one indeed.” He winked. “Maybe you can save a dance for an old man later.”
My mouth opened, but no sound came out. I glanced at Drake, unsure how to respond, and he answered for me.
“I think I could let my girl dance with you. But the rest of her dance card is full.”
Thank goodness Drake spoke up and took the pressure off of me. I relaxed and brought my attention back to the colonel. “Thank you for asking. I’ll look forward to it.”
We walked toward our table, which was right in front of the dais, and sat down. A waiter came by with bottles of white and red wine, and asked us which we preferred. After he poured us each a glass of the red, I was tempted to ask him to leave the bottle.
After taking a sip of my wine, I said, “Thank you for answering the colonel for me.”
Drake levele
d a knowing look on me. “I told you men would want to be with you tonight. I don’t think you understand how gorgeous you are.”
“Well, you had me so freaked out, I didn’t know what to do.” I took another sip.
“Colonel Higgins is old enough to be my grandfather,” he said with a chuckle, “and he’s one of my most trusted confidants. When I was in high school, different branches of the military came to try and recruit the seniors, similar to a college fair. I’d always wanted to be in the Army, so I was thrilled to have that opportunity. The colonel was the recruiter I spoke to. Then when I got injured playing ball, he was the one who informed me I couldn’t enlist.”
He took a sip of his wine before he continued. “I told him I felt fine and begged him to cut me a break. All I wanted to do was to serve my country, but it was out of his hands. My medical clearance didn’t hold up, and my military career ended before it started.”
“I’m so sorry, Drake.”
“Thank you, but when I told him I wanted to pursue politics, he encouraged me and introduced me to the right people. So I owe him a lot.”
“So do I.”
Drake’s brows lowered. “What do you mean?”
“If he didn’t encourage you and give you the support you needed, you may never have run for the Senate. If you didn’t do that, you never would have been elected, therefore, you never would have come to my class.” I rested my hand on his forearm and gently squeezed. “You’re not the only one who owes him. I do too.”
Before I knew it, his lips were on mine. We lost ourselves in each other until we heard a man clear his throat.
I glanced over Drake’s shoulder to find Ben standing behind him. His body was rigid as he glowered at me, his dark eyes shooting daggers my way. Unsettled, I averted my gaze to the burgundy-and-cream patterned carpet.
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