Oh God, I haven’t even thought about it. What the heck?! How has this not crossed my mind? The only dresses I have are all tied to Cole, and wearing something tainted by him is not happening.
“Don’t panic.” She reads me and tries to calm my worry. “There’s a few boutiques on this street that Chloe and I have been to before. They would totally have something perfect for you. I have time now if you want to run to some.”
Checking the time, I relax ever so slightly, knowing that we have, like, eight hours before the event. “That’d be great actually. Would you mind?”
Chloe kicks her chair back and grabs her purse, beaming. “We would be honored!”
“I apologize in advance for her.” Morgan laughs. “Shopping is sort of her domain.”
“Please don’t.” I grin, feeling warm and fuzzy at the instant connection the three of us have together.
I don’t know that I’ve ever had this dynamic with anyone before. After Luca and Jensen left for college, I honestly kept to myself, aside from a few shallow friendships to pass the time. But with Chloe and Morgan, this feels like it can be something special and real.
We clean up our table and head outside, Chloe leading the way to the first boutique. Hopefully, we don’t have to go to more than one. Shopping isn’t exactly my favorite thing in the world.
A quick trip? Yeah, sure. But not hours upon hours of trying on clothes that I’ll end up hating when I know I’ll grab a sweatshirt or T-shirt out of my closet in the end.
On the short walk, Morgan tells me that it’s not an all-out suit-and-tie event, but just something a little bit dressy. I’m hoping to find a jumpsuit to fulfill my two requirements—comfort and style. She also assures me that there is guaranteed to be one of the guys in their sweats so I shouldn’t stress too much.
The first boutique is a bit too frilly for my liking, but good God, it is perfect for Chloe, who ends up walking out with two full bags of cute clothes. Thankfully, the second shop is much more my vibe. The girls assure me that I’ve found the one when I step out of the fitting room and their jaws fall to the floor.
“Jensen’s going to freak,” Morgan scoffs, scanning me with hearts in her eyes.
My cheeks warm as I step in front of the floor-length three-fold mirror. For a split second, I can see her vision, and then my mind starts shredding every tiny detail. My arms could look more toned. My waist tighter and stomach smaller. I know I shouldn’t be this way, but it’s been worse the last couple of years.
The slightly opaque scar that runs along my neck is in full view with my hair in a high ponytail, not shielded by the delicate lace straps nor the V-surplice navy-blue satin top.
“You look incredible,” Morgan murmurs, standing up and stepping beside me as she finds my stare. “Seriously.”
I swallow hard, trying to force the insecurities away. “Thank you.”
They continue to hype me up for the next few minutes, insisting I get the strappy black heels, which I’m easily sold on, given the only pair I own are years old and quite worn.
Somehow, I leave the store, feeling a little taller than before, a confidence brewing inside that I haven’t felt in a long time.
“Okay, but, like, if I crashed the party, would it be the end of the world?” Chloe asks Morgan, who chuckles.
“You have plans!” Morgan smiles.
“Ugh, I know. But it’s not my fault I’m engaged to my dad’s business partner and not a pro hockey player. Now my best friend has all these cool dinners without me.” She pouts playfully, and Morgan shoves her.
We continue joking with one another on the way back to the café, and in a moment of reflection, I realize that taking this job in New York is turning out to be the best thing I’ve ever done.
My heart is hammering in my chest as I descend the stairs to where Jensen is waiting in the living room, feeling exposed and vulnerable under his intense stare in the best of ways.
His eyes soften, his lips parting as he scans my body tenderly, taking in every inch with intention.
“Lainey…” Jensen breathes out my name like a dying word, his head shaking ever so slightly, like he’s in disbelief. “You are so beautiful.”
I smile softly, unable to form a single word as I step onto the wooden floor and walk over to him, taller than usual in these three-inch heels.
He looks too good in a relaxed button-up and slacks. My God. The top few buttons are undone, his white gold chain doing something to me as I briefly imagine it hanging between us with him on top of me.
Stop it.
“Thank you. And you look great,” I stammer through my words, clearing my throat. “Are you ready to go?”
He nods, biting down on his bottom lip. His eyes darken, dropping down to my Cupid’s bow. “We totally don’t have to go.”
