“You’re welcome. I’d kiss you, but then I couldn’t promise to get you to the party.”
Giving into temptation, I stroke his smooth jaw. “Better save it for later then.”
Mick’s mouth curves up in a sexy grin. He drapes my wrap around my shoulders and hands me my clutch. “Ready?”
“Ready,” I answer. For anything and everything this man has to offer.
MINUTES AFTER WE ENTER THE Lemon Lounge, a posh restaurant/club that has a VIP room reserved for parties, I get a glimpse of another side of Dee. From across the floor, where I’m checking her wrap, I watch her interactions with Lexie and Jordyn. It’s all female shrieks, exuberant hugs, and animated chatter. I like seeing her this way. Hell, I just like seeing her.
Tonight, Dee reminds me of a 1950’s film star. Glamorous. Big, sultry eyes and a red halter dress that shows off all those mouth-watering curves.
Yesterday evening, she told me about her lumps and stretch marks. Unreal. This sexy, smart, accomplished woman was sure I was going to find her flawed. I knew about Dee’s insecurities in high school. But I didn’t realize that they still skewed the way she saw herself. I suppose I should have. I’ve heard Maria and Isabelle talk about the pressure for women to be thin. I’ve dated women whose livelihood depended on it.
But when I look at Dee, I don’t see just her body. I see her. Someone beautiful on the inside and out. Whether she wears an 8 or 18, it’s not her dress size that matters to me. It’s the woman.
“Holy shit!” I hear Jordyn exclaim, zeroing in on the necklace.
Dee’s fingers touch the pendant. “It’s from Mick.”
“Gorgeous,” Lexie remarks.
“I gotta give the sexy ex props.”
And then I’m at Dee’s side. “I’m not the ex anymore.” I wrap a proprietary arm around her waist.
Three pairs of eyes turn to me.
“It’s good to see you both again under better circumstances.” I reach into my breast pocket and hand Lexie an envelope with a gift certificate inside from the Villa Spa. “Happy Birthday. For the three of you to enjoy.”
“Thank you,” Lexie says, taking my hand between both of her palms for a two-handed shake.
“Yeah, thanks.” Jordyn punches my shoulder with a friendly jab. “No hard feelings, right?”
“None,” I say. “You were looking out for Dee. I respect that.”
Dee sends me her crooked smile, right before a tall, slim woman sweeps up to us and kills the moment. She’s wearing an icy-blue sequined dress. Diamonds drip from her ears and throat, and she has an air of superiority that immediately puts me off.
“Alexandra, darling, please be mindful of leaving Richard unattended. He’s a very eligible bachelor.”
Jordyn rolls her eyes and Dee remains tensely quiet.
“I’m sure Richard won’t run off with the first woman he meets if I’m away from him for ten minutes.”
“A beautiful, ambitious woman can nab a rich, successful man with merely the bat of her eyelashes. Never forget that. And for heaven’s sakes, don’t frown. You’ll get wrinkles.” Her attention turns to me next. It’s an appraising assessment. “You must be the former basketball player. I’m not familiar with sports, but I recognize that handsome face, naturally.”
“Mother, this is Micah Peters, Dee’s escort. Mick, this is my mother, Miranda Townsen.”
I see the resemblance now, but where Lexie is warm and down-to-earth, this woman is cold and superficial. Miranda Townsen’s chilly blue eyes shift to Dee for an uncomplimentary once-over.
“Hello, Mrs. Townsen,” Dee says politely and tugs at her neckline.
“Deeana.” Her lips purse. “I wasn’t aware that you were acquainted with someone so famous.”
“I knew Mick long before his fame.”
“Is that so? Well, it’s a pleasure to have you here, Micah.” She extends her hand. It’s cool and limp. “Your arrival has created quite a stir. I’d be honored to show you off.”
“It’s Lexie’s night.”
