The sleek black dress had a sheer, embroidered back. The cap sleeves made my arms miles long. The skirt was long—long enough my shoes would only show if I used the finger loop to hold the bottom of the skirt up.
I’d be sure to use the finger loop, though, because they begged to be shown off. They were barely there sandals with a heel high enough I wouldn’t be able to dance exuberantly in them. Crystals sparkled on the black leather. Every inch sparkled. Red soles gave a pop of color when I moved my feet.
I was ready to be the belle of the ball. I was ready to wow the board and see my stepmother’s face when she watched me walk in on the arms of three of the most eligible bachelors in the city. And, I was ready to work toward gaining a little bit of my Happily Ever After.
Chapter Thirteen
Todd stood back and watched me preen in the mirror. “You’ve changed since those three came into your life.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, watching him through the mirror.
“You’re more confident, and it’s nothing to do with wearing makeup.” He walked up behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. “I think you’ve begun to see yourself the way you are—the way I see you.”
My reflection was a woman I would’ve never expected to see. “When did I turn into an adult? I don’t feel like an adult.” Probably when my daddy died. I stared morosely at the mirror.
“They say it sneaks up on us.” He put his arms around me from behind. “You’re capable of anything you put your mind to. I want you to believe it.”
“I’m beginning to learn it. I’m more confident. I feel prettier, too.” I put my hands on his arms. “Thank you for always finding the best in me.”
“It’s my job as your fairy godmother. Make you pretty and love you to pieces.” He pulled away. “Now. I’m going to go get Rick and meet you at the party. I plan on getting him ridiculously drunk and then having my way with him in your stepmother’s office.”
“Okay, enjoy!” I laughed as he pranced out of my apartment. A few minutes later, my doorbell rang. I flicked on the monitor to find my dates. The bottom dropped out of my stomach, I took a deep breath and opened the door.
Three dazzling smiles greeted me. “Shall we, sweet lady?” asked Arch with a small bow. He gelled his Ivy League cut hair neatly, but something was off about the way they were dressed. I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Gray, long hair loose and shining, stepped forward and pulled a bouquet of roses from behind his back. “For you, on our non-date.”
Every petal of the multi-colored roses had an ombre effect. “I love them. Come in, and let me put them in water.”
I stared at my pitiful collection of vases under my kitchen sink. It consisted of one vase, too small to hold the roses. Like a proper Southerner, I put them in an old mason jar.
I exited the kitchen to find Gray adjusting Wes’s bowtie. His hair was brushed back with barely enough product to keep it in line. “I’m nervous,” Wes said to Gray.
“Don’t be. It’ll all work out,” Gray replied as he perfected the tie. As I watched them, I realized what was off about their clothing.
“Everyone ready?” I interrupted their exchange, curious about their conversation but too nervous to ask.
Arch stood behind Gray and Wes, cell phone to his ear. He clicked it off and held his hand out to me. “Your chariot awaits. The limo is a traditional stretch this time.” He arranged for the sort of vehicle the board would expect me to arrive in.
“I’m disappointed.” I put on a convincing sad face.
Their faces fell. “What’s wrong?” Gray exclaimed.
“You’re all three wearing capes. I figured you’d be flying me to the party!” I tried to keep up the mock disappointment, but I couldn’t. Laughter cracked my facade.
“We’ve been dying for you to notice!” Wes said through his own laughter.
Gray grabbed his cape and flapped it as he ran around the apartment. “You said capes were a turn on! Do we make you want to rush into the bedroom with us?”
I affected my most serious, sultry voice. “If we weren’t on a timeline this evening, I’d be stripping you all three down to nothingbutthe capes.”Good one, Ellie. That’s real platonic of you.
They took a moment to compose themselves, mostly from laughter, but I could see them mulling my words over with lust in their eyes.
“Wait! I almost forgot my earrings!” I ran into my bedroom to get the diamond drop earrings we bought to go with the dress. Knowing my stepmother would be at her best made me want to be at mine. She’d find no fault in my appearance.
When I walked into the living room, all set to leave, Arch waited for me. He reached out and brushed my hair behind my shoulder. One finger stroked the diamonds dangling from my ear. Physically, his touch was light; I could barely feel him. Sensually, it ran throughout my entire body.
I tilted my face up and gazed into his hazel eyes. His ever-present five o’clock shadow was as light as I’d ever noticed it. His eyebrows rose up in a question.He’s asking permission to kiss me.The chivalrous gesture turned me on. I slid my hands up his arms and linked them behind his neck.
