“Isa will throw a hissy fit when you rock up on Cristian’s arm looking like a fucking supermodel,” Gia says with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“You’re so wicked sometimes, Gigi.” Elisa fights a grin.
“That stuck-up cow has it coming,” Gia replies. “And don’t you dare say you’ll feel guilty if you upstage her,” she adds, noticing my mouth opening to say that very thing. “She’s not a nice person, Sloane. Just remember the way she treated you, and it’s not your fault you’re beautiful and she’s a jealous bitch.”
A laugh bursts from my mouth. “I so wish you guys were coming tomorrow.”
“Trust me, you’ll do fine,” Gia says, pinning me with an assuring smile.
19
CRISTIAN
“Daddy! You’re home early again!” Elio shucks out of Sloane’s reach, racing toward me with one arm in his coat and the rest of it dangling free.
I chuckle as I dip down and gather him in my arms. “I wanted to come with you to your lesson.”
Truth is, I couldn’t concentrate at work after Sloane sent me a gushing text, thanking me for the dress and the treatments. I got Kate to send me pics of the outfit before she organized delivery to the penthouse, and I haven’t been able to stop visualizing Sloane wearing the stunning gold and silver lace gown. More worrying are the fantasies I’ve been imagining where I rip it off her gorgeous body and worship her smooth skin with my mouth, my tongue, and my cock. I’ve been half hard most of today, and I was practically useless at the office. Not that I need an excuse to come home early and take Elio to basketball, but I definitely had added incentive today.
“This is the best day!” Elio jumps up and down and dances.
“Thank you so much, Cristian.” Sloane stands alongside me as my son throws all kinds of funny moves. “I can’t believe you went to all that trouble for me.” Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are bright, and I’m relieved to see it. Her pale, vacant stare from earlier concerned me. I think Sloane is struggling with grief much more than she’s letting on. I’m glad I could help to lift her mood, even if it’s only temporary.
“It’s no trouble, and you already thanked me.”
“The dress fits perfectly, and it’s spectacular. I love it.”
“Kate took your measurements last time, and she’s very skilled at her job. I’m glad you like it.”
“I do, but are you sure it’s not too much?” She worries her lower lip between her teeth, and I long to pry it free and suck it into my mouth.
Not helping, Cristian.I silently chastise myself. “All the women will be wearing nice dresses,” I reassure her.
“Oh, good. I don’t want to stand out or draw attention.”
Has she truly got no idea how impossible that is? Sloane could show up wearing a sack and she’d still garner all the attention. She is exquisite even when dressed casually with no makeup on and her hair in a messy ponytail, like now.
“Daddy.” Elio tugs on my leg. “Can we go now?”
“Let me get changed, and I’ve got something to show you first.” I retrieve the tickets from my jacket pocket and hold them up. “Who wants to see the Knicks play tonight?”
“Me! Me! Me! This is the best day ever!” Elio squeals, bouncing up and down.
Sloane’s smile is affectionate as she watches my son.
“So, I thought we might grab some food after Elio’s basketball lesson before we head to the game, if you’re up for it?”
“You want me to come too?” she asks.
“Of course, unless you have plans.” My mood dips at the thought she might have plans with that asshole she’s seeing.
“I don’t have plans, and I’d love to come.”
“Great.” I press my mouth to her ear so Elio doesn’t hear. “I thought it might help to wear him out a little today. Hopefully, he’ll sleep in late and be slightly less energetic at the wedding tomorrow.”
Sloane huffs out a laugh. “It’s a nice thought, but I doubt it’ll work. He has boundless energy, and he’s already excited for tomorrow. He’s been telling me all about his cousins.”
“It’s worth a try,” I say, shrugging even though I know Sloane is probably right.
