I rolled my eyes, a smile creeping onto my face despite myself as I shut the door. I had been in a great mood all day. We sowed the seeds of doubt between True and Jesse, which was good. My giddiness had nothing to do with kissing my handsome fake fiancé for the first time.
Even if it was earth-shattering. I closed my eyes and touched my lips, remembering the all-consuming way he kissed me back.
I felt a flutter behind my ribcage and opened my eyes—no time to think about last night. I needed to get ready for the party. The garment bag was a surprise, though.
I gingerly laid it over the dining table. It was black, sleek, and elegant, with the name of a clothing company written in silver script across the front—a promise of glamour. Tied around the hanger was a big red bow, a surprising touch that made my heart skip a beat. Attached to it was an envelope.
With eager fingers shaking slightly from excitement, I opened the envelope and pulled out the note inside.Saw this and thought it would match your beautiful eyes.
It was signed “A secret admirer.”
My heart raced with anticipation as I unzipped the sleek garment bag, the sound revealing the secrets within: royal blue silk shimmered in the fading light of day. I gasped as I slowly pulled a dress from its confines. It was a simple yet enchanting sleeveless party dress. Its fitted, crisscross corset bodice beautifully accentuated the waist before cascading into a swishy skirt that danced with potential. I was already smitten before I had the chance to try it on.
With a giddy squeal of excitement, I dashed into my bedroom, tossing the robe and damp hair towel aside. I carefully slid the dress over my head, avoiding my damp tresses. The silky fabric glided against my skin like a gentle caress. It felt so smooth that I hesitated to even reach for undergarments; the fabric enveloped me in comfort and confidence.
But then I twirled in front of the mirror.
The skirt billowed out - showing off my hoohah.
Okay. Maybe I would wear underwear; otherwise, my family would undoubtedly get a rather embarrassing glimpse of what I had for lunch.
I snickered.
As my hands slid down the silky fabric, I made a delightful discovery—the dress had pockets!
Beautiful and functional. I couldn’t help but grin. Realizing that this stunning dress thrived in aesthetics and practicality only fueled my growing affection for it.
Rowan.
It had to be from him. He was the kind of guy who would kiss the daylights out of a woman and send her a beautiful party dress the day after.
We didn’t discuss that kiss because I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what came over me at the end of the game, but it probably had to do with winning BIMBO and raising enough doubts in Jesse’s relationship to break off the wedding.
I should feel like I was walking on Cloud Nine, so why were my guts in knots?
I could barely focus this afternoon on the pirate lunch cruise. Rowan wasn’t on board, and it took me three tries to dock the boat when we returned to Pleasure Point. I shook my head. I needed to get it together before the engagement party.
“Goldilocks?” Rowan called from the main area as if I summoned him with my thoughts. “You in here?”
“Yes. But I’m not ready yet.” I poked my head out my bedroom door, and the words dried up on my tongue. Rowan stood in the middle of my houseboat wearing a dark suit, black boots, and a royal blue button-down shirt that matched my dress. He wore no tie, and I caught the faintest glimpse of chest muscles in the open collar.
I forgot my name.
“Kendra? You okay? You look flushed,” Rowan chuckled.
Kendra. Yes. That was my name.
I pressed a cold hand to my cheeks. “It’s hot in here. Just got out of the shower. I’ll be about 15 minutes.” I shut the door andpressed my back to it, trying to get my breathing under control. I also fanned my face because it was hot in here. The shower didn’t vent well.
That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
Sixteen minutes later, I emerged from my bedroom and spun in a circle for him to see the dress. “What do you think?”
“Goldilocks.” Rowan’s voice turned gravelly. “I didn’t think you could top the black dress, but this is—” He shook his head. “I have no words.”
I crossed the room and gently placed my hands on his forearms. “I wanted to say thank you for the delivery.”
His eyes lit up. “You like it?”
