I exhale slowly, my body still humming from the echo of it.
Now I know… his desire mirrors mine. Maybe it always did.
I slide the jacket off, place it carefully on the sink, and peel away the torn dress and bra. My reflection stares back at me, bare and unguarded, the body that drew out Colin Montgomery’s restraint, then broke it.
A slow smile spreads across my lips. I hang the shredded dress at the back of my closet, hidden from view like a secret I intend to keep.
Still naked, I slip back into his jacket and walk to the bed. The shower can wait.
I want to fall asleep wrapped in him. His scent, his touch, his loss of control still clinging to my skin.
Chapter 06
He's not coming
Cecily
My heart stumbles in my chest as I check my phone again, 7:20 p.m. He’s not coming.
The truth sinks in slowly. I take a breath, swallow the bitterness gathering at the back of my throat, and turn toward Alicia. She’s been waiting patiently, perched on the edge of the couch, careful not to wrinkle her dress. So sure that any minute now her father will arrive, just like he promised, and they’ll take the photos together.
I sit beside her, wearing a smile that never quite reaches my eyes.
“Sweetheart, your dad just texted. He had an emergency and won’t make it in time.”
Her face falters. Just a flicker, a tremor of disappointment, but it’s enough to undo me.
“He’s really upset he won’t get to see you before you leave,” I add. “But he asked me to take lots of pictures so he can see you later.”
“Did he really ask for that many pictures?” she whispers, her voice uncertain.
“Yes, lots,” I rush out, my smile stretching too wide.
When I glance up, Ethan’s eyes are on me. His jaw is tight, the muscle there ticking.
He knows. He knows there was no text. That his father simply isn’t coming. And while Colin has been late before, even on important days, he has never not shown up. Especially not when it comes to his little princess.
He starts to speak, but I shake my head.Not now. Please.
His nostrils flare, anger and disappointment flashing across his face before he reins it in. He doesn’t say a word. Not in front of his sister.
“Come on,” I say softly. “Let’s take some photos for your dad.”
Alicia nods, blinking fast. We spend the next twenty minutes trying to turn the ache into smiles, her spinning in her dress, Ethan pretending to tease her, me catching every frame I can. There’s laughter, even if it’s fragile. For a moment, she forgets.
Then Ethan insists on a few pictures with me, and finally, we set the timer for one of all three of us. A still frame of a family pretending everything’s fine.
When it’s time to go, the limousine Karen—Sofia’s mother—arranged pulls up to the driveway.
Alicia’s eyes light up instantly, her earlier sadness fading into excitement.
Ethan helps her collect her things and walks her out, offering to ride with her before meeting his friends.
Before he leaves, he pauses at the door and meets my eyes. I hold my breath as that protective look settles in. The one he gets when he’s angry on her behalf… or on mine.
And then, they’re gone.
I sink onto the couch, the silence of the house folding around me. The lie sits heavy in my chest, pulsing with every heartbeat, replaying the look in Alicia’s eyes. That small, wounded disbelief.
