The moment I open my door, I’m caught off guard. Lying on my desk is a white garment bag. Placing my work bag down, I hurry over to the bag and unzip it. A gasp escapes my lips when I spot the gorgeous red dress. The form-fitting mermaid-style design has a train at the back. The front drops into a seductive V. The straps are made of sparkling diamonds. This dress looksas if it could be worn by a celebrity walking down a red carpet. The label on the garment bag has my eyes ballooning. I’ve seen that name mentioned only on celebrity blogs and television. This dress must have cost a fortune.
A smile slips over my face when I realize my husband must have had this ordered for me. No matter how much he and I argue or even if we don’t speak, he always knows exactly what I need without me ever having to voice my opinion. I guess this is his way of apologizing for the fight.
Inside the front pocket of the white garment bag is a small card. I pull it out, ready to read the sweet message Nico sent. However, once again I find my mouth wide open in shock. This dress isn’t from my husband at all.
Grabbing my phone out of my purse, I make a phone call.
“I see you got the dress,” the smooth, deep voice on the other end of the phone says in greeting.
“Ezra,” I say in astonishment. “The dress is gorgeous, but I can’t accept this.”
There is a moment of silence at the other end of the phone. “Why?”
His question comes out innocently, as if he truly couldn’t see why I can’t keep the dress. I run my hands through my hair, pushing the straightened pieces off my face.
“Well, first, it’s too expensive.”
“Not for you.” His reply is quick.
The heat of my blush creeps up my face. I shake it off.
“Also, I’m married. And it’s inappropriate to accept a gift this big from another man.”
I’m honored and, honestly, a little flattered by the gift, but I’m not crazy. If Nico brought home an expensive gift from another woman, I’d end up on an episode of someone’s True Crime documentary.
Ezra chuckles. “I love how loyal you are. But don’t worry, I wish I could take credit for that dress. After bumping into you at the mall, I told my sister about the encounter and how you were looking for a dress for your ceremony. This is all her. I know nothing about dresses. All I did was give her my card number.”
Knowing that the dress is from Lauren takes a little of the inappropriateness away, but it still feels wrong.
“Look, I truly appreciate it, but—”
“Do you like the dress?” Ezra asks, cutting me off.
I couldn’t lie; the dress is stunning. It had a subtle sexiness to it and looked chic and expensive. Even Mira would approve of it.
Sighing, I reply. “Yes.”
“Then what’s the problem? Any man would be happy to know his wife is happy. Tell your husband it’s a gift from your very pleased clients. A simple thank you for how well you’re doing.”
I glance back at the dress again. As much as I love it, I don’t think this is a good idea.
He must sense my hesitation because he goes on to say. “Look, take the dress. If you decide not to wear it, that’s fine. But it’s yours as a thank you for the job you’re doing.”
Before I can argue, he says he has to go before hanging up.
Running my hand over the beautiful red dress, I again admire how lovely it is. Still, I don’t think it will go over well with my husband, but it’s a damn gorgeous dress. My office intercom rings.
“Tiffany, you have a guest here to see you,” Kim, the front desk receptionist, says.
Weird, I don’t have any meetings until later today.
“Okay, tell them I’m coming.”
I head out of my office and toward the front of the building. The moment I come into view of the foyer, I spot my mother. She sees me at the same time, rising to her feet. She’s clutching her purse to her chest with tears in her eyes.
“Evelyn, what’s wrong?”
She glances at the receptionist before looking back at me. “Can we go somewhere private to talk?”
