“Oh, baby girl, I’m dirtying you up more before I clean you.”
Chapter Twenty
Bella
There are people running around the property like crazy. Lights are being strung, food is being cooked, flowers are being arranged, the band is setting up — it’s absolute chaos.
I’m grateful when I make it to my room without being cornered into helping with anything. My spirits drop however, when my gaze lands on the outfit my mother has laid out on the bed for today’s party, because of course, a twenty-one-year-old couldn’t possibly dress herself.
There’s nothing overly wrong with the outfit, it’s just not me. It’s also not what I want Reed to see me in.
I want something tempting, something that will drive him mad. My inner brat wants to play today, and who am I to say no to her?
I head to my walk-in-closet, knowing what I want to wear already, having thought about it for most of the week.
I pull a jumpsuit off the rack; it’s a sexy black number that I’ve never worn before. The spaghetti straps hold up two triangles at the breasts which join at the high waist. The fit is tight over the ass and flares out at the leg.
Like the outfit I wore to the club that started this whole relationship, there is no back to it.
There’s nothing inappropriate about it, but there’s also something inherently sexy about it, too.
I know it’s going to drive Reed mad that he won’t be able to touch me when I’m wearing it.
I smile to myself as I jump in the shower.
***
I descend the stairs out to the garden as the first few guests are arriving and grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
My parents go all out for their annual party, no expense is spared and this year is no exception.
“Little sis.” My brother comes up beside me, giving me a one armed hug and pulling me in to his side.
“Big bro,” I say back, leaning my head on him.
Beau and I have always been close despite the age difference between us. I think he feels bad for how controlling our parents can be with me, not that he’s ever voiced it.
“How was San Fran?”
“It was good. I got sick when I was there but Reed made sure I had everything I needed.” Guess it’s time to start planting the seed of Reed and I together.
“Reed?”
“Yes, Reed.”
“You two seem to be getting along well,” he frowns down at me.
“No need to look so happy about it.”
“I’m just surprised. I thought there were going to be some serious teething problems between the two of you. Reed’s not the easiest to get along with.”
“Well, we get along just fine.”More than anyone would believe.
Thankfully, someone waves to him from across the garden who I vaguely recognize and my brother is distracted from any more talk about Reed and just how well we get on.
“I have someone I need to speak with. Save a dance for me.” With that he wanders off.
I see my mother approaching, a frown marring her features. Well, she’s not overly pleased with my choice of outfit, that much is obvious from here.
