Suddenly, it feels like we’re the only two people in the room. It’s just him and me and rows and rows of dresses and whatever this new electric charge is between us that I haven’t figured out yet.
He strolls toward me slowly, and I find myself holding my breath, eager to hear what he has to say. He comes to a stop behind me. I arch a brow at him, tilting my chin up as I wait for his reply.
“I was right,” he says behind me, his voice soft but confident. It does something to my chest. “You do look stunning in it.”
I toss my blonde waves over my shoulder and run my fingers down the fabric, putting that bravado back in place. “I look stunning in everything.”
“That you do,” he agrees. I look at him in the mirror again just to find a smirk forming on his lips. He tilts his head to the side, studying me with amusement on his face. “Just admit I made a good choice.”
“Over my dead body.”
He huffs a laugh and looks down at the shiny black dress shoes on his feet. I watch him, holding my breath as I wait to see what he’ll say next. Just as he lifts his head, his lips parting to speak, Kate appears in the reflection beside me and bursts our little bubble.
For the first time in my life, I almost want to tell her to go away and come back later.
“You were so right about the color, Reid. This will look way better next to me than peach.”
“Agreed,” Jessica says, sliding next to Kate behind us, their reflections in the mirror studying me and the dress.
“I know,” Reid says, an air of arrogance in his voice. He slides his hands into his pockets and steps up behind me onto the pedestal, fully closing the distance between us. His chest brushes my back and I vaguely notice Jessica stiffening in the mirror, but I’m too focused on Reid’s contact and his eyes on mine to do anything with that movement from her.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs.
I really think I’m about to combust. Is that possible with just a whispered compliment and a feather-light touch?
He leans in, so close I can feel his breath warm on my neck. “Let me know when you’re ready to offer that high five and heartfelt thank you,” he whispers, before stepping down and leaving me burning in his wake.
Chapter 12
Iwake up the next morning with multiple frustrating texts from my sister.
Kate: Lydia and I have been talking and we think that you need a wardrobe refresh
Jane: I have neither the time nor the budget to accommodate a wardrobe refresh
Jane: plus I like my clothes
Kate: well you’re the only one
Jane: oh
Kate: Don’t worry I’ve added this on to my very busy schedule. :)
Jane: again, I have no budget. I don’t know if you heard, but I have to go to a wedding in the Amalfi Coast in a couple months. The bride is super bougie.
Kate: ??????
Jane: ??
Kate: [link attached] wear this dress to the couple’s shower
Kate: In pink
Kate: I did your color testing in an app. You’re a summer
Kate: This will be perfect for you. It’s at the Pink Poppy Boutique
Kate: I already bought it for you, so you can’t say no. Lydia is dropping it off. You can Venmo me :)
