“Are you kidding?” she asks. Her blue-green eyes are still a little glossy, and her cheeks are flushed. “That was so fucking hot. We’re definitely doing that again.” Her mouth forms into a sexy grin, and fuck I don’t know what I did to deserve her, but I know now that I have her, I can never lose her.
“You did so good,” I say, sitting next to her and running the pad of my thumb over her cheeks. She leans forward and kisses me.
“Did you like it?” she asks.
“Did I like that?” I laugh. “Babe, that was the hottest thing I’ve ever done. Sorry it didn’t last longer, but I just couldn’t help it.”
“That’s okay. I have some ideas for how we can spice it up next time.” She giggles.
“My wild girl. What am I going to do with you?” I ask, kissing her again.
CHAPTER 41: YOU CAME
WREN
It’s been one week since Tanner decided to officially buy The Local and told his father he was leaving Austere. From what he told me, I don’t think his dad was very accepting of his decision, but he agreed that Tanner needed to show his face at the party tonight honoring the company's new CEO.
Despite the nerves I know he’s feeling, he still managed to surprise me with a whole new outfit for tonight. When I got home from work, a beautiful emerald satin gown was hanging in my room. It’s the green version of the iconicHow To Lose A Guy In 10 Daysdress that Kate Hudson wore. It’s absolutely stunning, and it fits me like a glove.
I walk out of my room, and he’s standing in the living room wearing a black suit, with a white shirt and a tie that matches my dress. His hair is pulled into a bun on the top of his head.
“Wow,” he says, drinking me in. He spins his finger in the air, and I twirl. “You’re a knockout, Wren Dawson.”
He walks toward me and wraps me in his arm. “You feeling good about tonight?” I ask.
“I don’t know. Part of me is so readyto move on, but it’s also a little embarrassing. The entire company knows Stuart was picked over me, and while I know I need to be there, I don’t want to be.”
“I think what you're doing is very honorable. I’m so proud to be your girlfriend and to get to walk into that party on your arm.”
He releases me and tugs on his tie, loosening it a little.
“I wish I didn’t have to be in a fucking suit,” he says. “Maybe I should go change.”
“Absolutely not. You might hate wearing it, but I will be the one taking it off of you tonight,” I tease. “You look like a snack.”
He laughs, and his shoulders relax.
“Also, we can still dress up nice and have a little fun.” I pick up the hem of my dress and show off the sneakers that adorn my feet instead of heels. “Go change your shoes so you’re a little more comfortable.”
“Seriously?” he asks.
“Yes, we’re in this together,” I say, fixing his tie. “We make a good team, remember.”
Tanner leans forward and kisses me.
“You’re right.” He heads into his room, and when he returns, sneakers adorn both of his feet.
“Better?” I ask.
“Much better. Let’s get it over with.” Hand in hand, we walk down to his car. During the drive over, we discuss plans for the bar, the progress I’ve made for my art classes, and the upcoming therapy session he has scheduled. His hand remains on my thigh the entire drive.
He pulls into the hotel that’s hosting his company. The valet attendant opens his door, and Tanner makes his way around the car, opens my door, and helps me out.
“You ready?” I ask.
“As I’ll ever be,” he says.
We walk into the banquet room together. It’s obvious a lotof money was dropped on the event, and everywhere you look there are tables of food or bars. Four large crystal chandeliers adorn the ceiling. Waiters walk around with trays of hors d'oeuvres, and at the front of the space is an empty dance floor and a DJ playing music.
