“I would kill for your hair,” Monica says as she takes my red curls from a riot of craziness to a sexy, sleek, and sophisticated ‘do.
“And I’d kill to have you live with me so it looks like this every day. Because, trust me, it doesn’t. It’s usually a frizzy mess.”
“Nonsense,” Monica says. “It’s not frizzy at all because your best friend made you start using decent hair products to keep it tamed. You’re welcome, by the way.”
“Your makeup has never looked better,” Natasha says, stepping back to take a look at her handiwork. Both of my friends came over to help me get ready for this charity event, where apparently, I’ve been roped into going as Callum’s date.
I’m still not entirely sure how that happened, except that I’m doing Ellie a solid.
That’s right, it’s for Ellie.
“When do I get to see?” I ask.
“Perfection takes a minute,” Monica says as she continues fussing with my hair. Natasha comes at me with yet another brush.
“I don’t need perfection,” I reply. “I just need: I don’t look like Quasimodo.”
“Oh, honey, we can do much better than that,” Natasha says. With a final stroke of the brush, she stands back and grins from ear to ear. “I’m damn good.”
“I mean, was I horrible to begin with?”
I hope not. I don’t usually wear a lot of makeup.
“Of course, not. You’re gorgeous. I just accentuated what was already there,” Natasha says. “This is all you.”
“And your brushes,” I add.
“I’m done, too,” Monica says and reaches for the mirror. “You, my love, are an absolute knockout.”
“Yeah, yeah, let me see.”
She turns the mirror to me, and I just stare at myself for a moment. I didn’t look this good on my wedding day. Sure, I was seventeen, hugely pregnant, and flat broke, but still.
“See? She’s speechless,” Natasha says with satisfaction.
“Wow.”
“No, wow is going to be when you get this dress on,” Monica says and turns toward my closet where the dress in question hangs on the front of the door. “If Callum’s jaw doesn’t hit the floor, he’s not a red-blooded man.”
“That’s what I told her,” Natasha says. “Also, it’s a good thing there will be a lot of doctors at the gala tonight because the back on this dress will give most of the men in attendance heart failure.”
“You two are way too good for my ego,” I laugh as I carefully strip out of my loose tank top and shorts and reach for the dress, not caring in the least that I’m mostly naked in front of these girls.
They’ve seen me at my most naked—when I was broken and crying or scared and unsure. Physically nude is nothing in comparison.
I slip into the amethyst-colored gown and turn in a circle for my friends to see.
“Holy Mary, mother of God,” Monica breathes. “I would give up both ovaries to be able to wear a dress like that. And I’m trying to get pregnant.”
“Same,” Natasha says with a sigh. “Except for the pregnant part. Because, no.”
I turn and look at my back in the mirror. “You guys, it’s literally millimeters away from my ass crack. That can’t be okay. What if I sit down, and it pulls a certain way, and you can see my crack?”
“You’re a grown woman,” Monica says with a scowl. “Sit carefully. If a light breeze hits your crack, readjust.”
I roll my eyes. “Great. Also, I didn’t know you and your husband were trying to get pregnant.”
“It’s a new thing,” Monica says with a shrug. “I was afraid if I talked about it, it might jinx it. But you’re my best friends, and a girl has to talk about this stuff.”
“It’s gonna happen,” Natasha says with a sage nod. “You just have to bone him like…all the time.”
“Well, that’s never been an issue,” Monica says with a laugh. “But enough about me. Aspen, you’re stunning, and I almost hate you for it.”
“Speaking of boning,” Natasha says, “you’re so gonna get some tonight, Aspen. He won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”
“I’m not sleeping with him,” I insist, shaking my head. “This is a favor for Ellie. I’ll be cordial, I’ll enjoy Ellie and Nina, and then I’ll come home. No sex. No flirting.”
“Well, that’s damn boring,” Monica says. “He’s a prince for fuck’s sake, and he’s clearly into you. At least flirt a little. You owe it to all of the other women in the world to take one for the team here.”
“You’re sick,” I reply with a laugh. These two always make me laugh, calm my nerves, and make me feel like there’s nothing I can’t do.
They’re the reason I got up the nerve to buy Drips & Sips in the first place, rather than being content just working there. Monica and Natasha are the best friends a girl could ask for.
The doorbell rings, and I freeze.
“Awesome, we get to watch him swallow his tongue,” Natasha says with an excited little shimmy as she takes one final look at me and then gestures for me to follow Monica to the door.
Callum has just stepped inside, holding flowers, and is smiling at something Monica said when his eyes shift, and he catches sight of me.
“Totally just swallowed his tongue,” Natasha whispers in my ear and then steps away. Callum’s eyes are round, and he has to take a moment to swallow hard. It gives me time to take him in. He’s wearing a black suit with a white shirt and a blue tie. He’s just so…hot. Square jawline, dark hair and eyes, and when he clenches his jaw in the way he’s doing now, I want to leap on him and kiss him.
But this is a favor for Ellie. Nothing more.
“Are you still punishing me, then?” he asks.
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll have me on my knees, begging for mercy before the evening is over.”
I laugh, but his eyes tell me he’s not kidding.
“Thank you. You look dashing yourself.”
He grins and steps toward me. “I remembered how much you like flowers.”
Pink roses this time, and I can’t resist burying my nose in them to fuss over the blooms for just a moment.
“They’re lovely.”
“I’m happy to put those in water for you before we go,” Monica says, taking the flowers from me. “You two should be on your way.”
“Thanks for everything,” I reply. “Just let yourselves out whenever and lock up as you go.”
I turn to retrieve the little clutch purse Natasha lent me for the evening and hear Callum’s sharp inhale and a whispered, “Jesus, help me.”
I spin back to him. “What happened? Are you hurt?”
He shakes his head. “Yes. I’m going to have to beat every man at this thing tonight off with a bloody stick. My God, Aspen, you’re a vision.”
Okay, he says some nice things. And the way he’s looking at me makes me long for stuff I’ve already experienced with him.
But we’re not going there.
“I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”
He doesn’t reply as we say goodbye to my friends and walk to his car, where David and a driver wait.
Once we’re in the backseat, Callum takes my hand and kisses my knuckles, making my stomach jolt in surprise and pleasure.
“No, Aspen. I don’t say that to all the girls. You’re absolutely gorgeous, and I’m a lucky man to have you as my date tonight.”
I want to sigh. I want to climb on his lap.
Instead, I simply smile and silently thank Natasha for talking me into this dress.
“I had no idea there would be so many people here,” Nina says as she surveys the room. “Cunningham Falls is such a small town.”
“But a strong community,” I remind her. “And a proud one.”
I’m not surprised in the least that this ballroom is full. We’re seated near the stage where the mayor will step up a little later and announce the winners of the silent auction, currently going on at the opposite side of the ro
om. Sebastian, Callum, and Liam are over there browsing the items up for bid as Nina, Ellie, and I enjoy a glass of champagne and a chance to chat.
“Your dress should be illegal,” Nina says with a wink. “Or maybe just looking that hot in it should be.”
“It’s divine,” Ellie agrees. “Who is the designer?”
I blink at her. “I have no idea. I bought it at Dress It Up.”
“Willa keeps such wonderful things in that boutique,” Nina says with a sigh.
I eye both of their gowns. Nina’s sparkles with white stones on the bodice. It’s strapless, so she’s paired it with a gorgeous sapphire necklace.
And Ellie is as beautiful as ever in a one-shouldered pink dress that shows off her figure perfectly.
“Do I want to know the designers of your gowns?” I ask.
“Valentino,” Ellie says.
“Givenchy,” Nina adds with a wink. “And yours just slayed both of ours. It’s not always about the label, but the body wearing it. And with a form like yours, you’d look amazing in a burlap sack.”
I snort and take another sip of my champagne, grateful that these wonderful women are welcoming and kind without an elitist bone in their bodies.
Nina is married to Callum’s eldest brother, Sebastian. And Ellie is Callum’s younger sister. Royals literally surround me at this event.
Who in the world do I imagine I am, thinking I belong at a table with the royal family?
“Uh-oh,” Ellie says. “You have a look. What’s wrong?”
“It’s a little disconcerting realizing you’re surrounded by royals.”
“Friends,” Nina says with a shake of her head. “We’re your friends, Aspen.”
“I know.” I sip my champagne. “And I love that you are. But every once in a while, I realize that I’m sitting with British royalty, and it knocks me back for a minute.”
“I understand,” Nina says with a grin. “It still surprises me sometimes, too. But at the root of it all, we’re women.”
I nod and want to ask some questions about the royal life, but the guys return before I have a chance to reply. Callum sits next to me and wraps his arm around my back.
“Do you need anything?” he asks. “A fresh drink? Something to eat?”
“No, thank you. Did you find anything good over there?” I indicate the auction table.
“A few things,” he says. “The offerings are impressive.”
“World-class,” Sebastian agrees. He should know, he’s a prince, after all.
Before long, dinner is served. People stop by the table to say hello or to gush about the royal family and say how they enjoy seeing the family around town. I notice odd looks coming my way, but I do my best to ignore them.
Yes, I’m aware that I’m at this table. I’m also aware that I don’t belong.
But I’ll be damned if I’ll let it ruin my evening. I’m having more fun than I expected. Even Callum has been engaging, funny, and attentive. He’s hardly annoyed me at all. And his fingers have found their way down my spine a couple of times, setting my nerves on fire.
Maybe this dress was a mistake, after all. Because I’m as turned on as I’ve ever been in my life.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Mayor Jeffries begins, and the room quiets so we can listen. Callum’s fingers don’t leave my spine. He masterfully tickles the flesh on my back, but his face is non-expressive and turned to the mayor as if he’s not doing anything at all. I want to squirm, but that would be too obvious and garner attention, so I sit still and will my libido to take a chill pill.
“Thank you for being with us tonight to celebrate the completion of the new diagnostics unit in the Cunningham Falls Medical Center. Because of your generosity, our community will have the best in diagnostic imaging and may even save some lives.”
The room erupts in applause.
“We’re here tonight as a community to celebrate and to continue donations toward our medical community so we can stay on the cutting edge of medical technology and ensure that our friends and family stay as healthy as possible. As you know, there has been a silent auction going on in the back of the room all evening. It’s now officially closed. I have the honor of announcing tonight’s winners.”
More applause as someone passes a spreadsheet to the mayor.
“Let’s get started, shall we? First up, we have a first-class, all-expenses-paid vacation to Fiji. This includes accommodations at a five-star resort and first-class travel.”
Mayor Jeffries waggles his eyebrows.
“Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Well, it looks like His Royal Highness, Callum Wakefield placed the highest bid for this item. Congratulations, sir.”
My gaze whips to Callum, who simply nods while the rest of the room applauds.
“You bought a vacation?”
“It’s for a very good cause,” he says. “And a certain someone I know told me she’s dreamt of a tropical holiday. Granted, it’s not the Maldives, but that wasn’t one of the options.”
I stare at him in disbelief.
“You bought me a vacation?”
He reaches to take my hand, but I immediately pull it away. The mayor is still announcing winners, the room applauds, but I can’t hear anything over the rush of blood in my ears.
“Excuse me,” I murmur and stand to leave. I need a minute to catch my breath. To decide if I want to kill him or kiss him.
I’ve just rounded the corner of the restrooms, pushed inside, and leaned on the counter to hang my head and gulp in air when the door flings open behind me, and Callum comes waltzing in as if he owns the place.
“This is a women’s restroom.”
“I’m aware,” he says, watching me closely. “Tell me why you ran.”
“You bought me a vacation, Callum.”
He blows out a breath. “I did, yes.”
“I didn’t ask for one.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “You don’t have to ask for something for me to buy it for you.”
“You shouldn’t be buying me anything,” I say in frustration. “I told you I forgive you. What are you trying to do now? Buy me expensive things to help assuage your guilt?”
He steps toward me and cages me against the counter without touching me.
“I was doing something kind. It was spur of the moment. I’m not trying to buy you, as you so crudely put it. I’m trying to enjoy something with you. Because if you think I’ll let anyone but me enjoy your first holiday with you, you’re out of your bloody mind, darling.”
I sigh, completely confused. Now he wants to take trips with me?
I move to walk past him. “We should get back.”
“Aspen.”
My name on his lips stops me.
“I just want to enjoy something with you. It’s as simple as that.”
I nod once, resolved to figuring this all out later when I don’t have friends and a room full of people I know waiting. They all saw me leave, and likely saw Callum chase after me.
“We’ll talk about it later.”
I know that doesn’t satisfy him, but he backs away and allows me to walk out of the restroom ahead of him. He follows me back to the table, where we listen to the rest of the auction announcements and eat dessert as people get up to make speeches.
Finally, we’re on our way back to my house.
“You bought me a vacation,” I say again when we’re safely tucked in the car’s backseat.
“Clearly, that displeases you,” Callum says with a sigh. “It wasn’t meant as an insult, Aspen. I saw it on the table, remembered our conversation the other day, and thought it would be fun to take a holiday with you. We can go whenever you like, whenever it fits your schedule.”
“I just don’t know how we went from polite acquaintances to taking trips together in the span of one evening.” I sigh and look over at him, surprised when I see him looking down at me with dark eyes full of apprehension. Hurt? Confusion?
Is Callum as confused as I am?
�
�Thank you,” I say at last and reach over for his hand, which engulfs mine perfectly. “I don’t mean to sound rude or ungrateful. It took me by surprise. Given our history, I wouldn’t think we’d make good travel partners.”
“Things change,” he murmurs before bringing my hand to his lips to kiss my knuckles as the car pulls into my driveway.
I’m exhausted when the door to the car finally opens, and Callum takes my hand to escort me up to the front door.
“I’m not going to ask you in,” I inform him.
“Of course, not,” he murmurs. His forearm rests on the door, and his fingers play with some of my curls. “Your hair looks like fire.”
“It was super annoying when I was a teenager and already didn’t fit in.”
“It’s beautiful. Just like the rest of you. This dress is every fantasy I’ve ever had, draped around you like sin.”
I swallow hard. “You’re good with words.”
“I’m not, no,” he replies softly. “And I’m not one to use pretty platitudes. I’m simply telling you the truth.”
His hand slips down my arm and around to my back, where his fingertips glide up my spine. The touch is more thorough and seductive than earlier, moving from just above my ass to my neck.
Goosebumps break out over my flesh. I couldn’t hide them if I wanted to.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs just before his lips cover mine. The combination of his fingers on my back and his lips on mine is intoxicating. I feel like I’m floating as he deepens the kiss, sweeping that magical tongue across the seam of my lips and into my mouth. My breasts, aching for him, press against his chest as he plants the kiss of a lifetime on me.
He groans as he sinks deeper. And then he pulls back as if he just remembered where we are.
“I told you you’d bring me to my knees before the night was out.” He sighs and kisses my forehead. “Goodnight.”
And with that, he walks away, down to the waiting car. They wait for me to get inside before they drive away, and I lean on the closed door and take a deep breath.
“He didn’t even try to come inside,” I say to no one. “Not that I would have let him if he did. But he didn’t even argue. If I’m so hot in this dress, why didn’t he work harder to get me out of it?”
Taunting Callum Page 6
