“Thanks, buddy!” I rushed over and placed the cap in the dish on my nightstand. Ever since the day in the gazebo, he’s been hanging around me more. Giving me more gifts like bottle caps, shiny rocks, and wires. Pretty sure he stole a key chain from someone though I couldn’t prove it.
“I wish he was here.” My voice shook as I turned around. My fancily dressed friends waited for me with matching sad expressions. They’ve been my greatest support these past few weeks, sealing our bond as a family even more.
“I’m sorry, darling.” Imogene grabbed my hand, and we walked out of the room together.
“He’ll be here in spirit.” Remy closed the door behind us, and we followed a crowd of delighted seniors down the newly furnished escalators to the ball.
I was right when I thought the décor would leave me breathless.
The dining hall was a sparkling winter wonderland full of fake snow and twinkling icicles hanging on the blue walls. The floor itself looked like ice but wasn’t slippery at all.
“We’re in a fucking fairytale, darlings.” Imogene shrugged off her coat and it vanished with a flick of her wand. Yay for storage magic.
A few whistles came from further in the room as a two gentleman took in Imogene’s hot pink gown.
“Let the men bask in our glow.” She raised her hand like a starlet, then her eyes widened. I swirled around hoping to see someone I knew but wouldn’t be here tonight. Sadly, that moment of hopefulness cost me.
“That sparkling white chocolate fountain is calling my name.” Imogene didn’t bother waving before she practically ice skated over to the dessert table.
The party was in full swing at eight p.m. because let’s face it, most of our bedtimes were around nine. A fact I tried to tell Piper that happened when you aged, but she still claimed she’ll be older and up till midnight all the time. Ha! Amateur.
I tried to have a good time. I smiled, danced by myself, and with my ladies. It was truly a magical night straight out of fairytale. Except, I was missing my billionaire prince who owned the castle.
Remy knew I was down in the dumps and tried her hardest to cheer me up. She even slow danced with me, which I found sweet.
Needing a moment, I left for courtyard and took some breaths. The cool wind danced over my skin, raising goosebumps behind. Guess I didn’t think this decision over much. My dress had sleeves, but they were sheer and mostly for show.
Five minutes later, I was back in the dining hall. My magic fizzing beneath my skin like I’d been plugged into an outlet.
Which was odd since that feeling only happened when I was near Rylan.
I froze.
“There’s my star.”
Chapter Forty-Four
He was such a fool. Better yet, a charming fool
“You said you couldn’t make it,” I said softly and turned around to see my billionaire fairytale version of a prince standing in a tux with a blue tie that matched the stars on my dress.
Of course he’d match me.
“I settled the deal with money and hauled ass. I wasn’t missing a dance with you.” He lifted a hand, and I noticed the tiny wince from the action. The bullet went through the meat between his shoulder and neck. Trapezius and levator scapula were a few of the muscles effected if I remembered the doctor’s words correctly.
He would be sore for a while when lifting, but then again, so I was I from the glass incident. We were injured together, but we’d still found fun ways to play without lifting in the bedroom.
“Dance with me, Star.” He didn’t ask and I wouldn’t tell him no. My heart beat rapidly as I placed my hand in his, and he moved us to the dancefloor in beat to an instrumental version ofSky Full Of Starsby Coldplay.
I’d bet all the money in my account that he planned this. Either that or he knew the moment they’d play this song and appeared right on time.
“What a cheeseball.” I laughed as he dipped me.
Rylan’s smile dazzled me as he wiggled his hips and spun around like a professional.
“Can’t wait to see me move like this naked? Eh?” He winked and pulled me close, our lips almost touching, my eyes closed, ready for the kiss, then he spun me out.
Dammit I wanted that kiss. So, when he spun me back into him, I reached up and placed my hand against his cheek. I glanced at his mouth. “I missed you.”
