I hesitate for half a second too long, then step into the hallway. Bella gives me a look that saysdon’t make this weirdbefore disappearing back into her room.
Holden stands there in a tailored black suit, crisp white shirt, dark green tie that surprises me. He somehow knew I would be wearing green. His eyes flick over me—and he stills.
“Oh,” he says quietly.
My heart stutters. “Oh?”
He swallows, clearly recalibrating. “You look… Wow.”
“Apparently, wow is a descriptor now. Bella used it too.”
“There are no words to describe the way you look right now.”
Aaaand I’m blushing. The tip of my nose heats, followed by my cheeks and my ears. My entire body is coming alive under his gaze. I clear my throat before saying, “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“I was hoping you didn’t change your mind,” he adds.
“Huh?” I raise a brow.
“About the gala.”
Something twists in my chest with the knowledge I’ve caused him pain with my indecision and lack of communication. “I thought you had.”
He lets out a short breath, almost a laugh. “Never. I told you I was patient, that I would be here. I was honestly just wishing you’d be ready when I showed up.”
I open my arms, showing him my dress. “That I am.”
We stand there, neither of us moving.
“So,” I say finally, crossing my arms, more for courage than anything else. “Your tie matches my dress.”
Another pause. His gaze flicks to my dress again, softer this time. “Green.”
I smile despite myself. “You always liked green, I guess.”
His mouth curves just a little. “I never did until I met you. I saw how beautiful you look in green, like it was made for you, and suddenly, I had a new favorite color.”
The words hang in the air until the spell is broken by a quiet sob. I turn to find my friends all eavesdropping and a very pregnant Cara crying.
“So,” I say, tilting my head, ignoring them. “Are you taking me to this gala, or are we just standing on my porch, having an emotional standoff?”
A spark lights in his eyes, relief mixing with joy. He offers his arm, tentative, like he’s giving me space to say no. Like he’s giving me an out he’s hoping I won’t take.
“I was hoping,” he says quietly, “you’d come with me.”
I slip my hand through his arm.
“Good,” I say. “Because I didn’t buy this dress to sit at home.” Good, Natalie; keep it lighthearted. You can do this.
His smile widens as he leans in, just enough to murmur, “I’m really glad you didn’t change your mind.”
“Me too,” I admit, even if I’m still terrified of talking to him.
56
TO MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE
If You Love Her by Forest Blakk
