Self-consciously, I pat the back of the French roll I’ve put my hair in, searching for nonexistent stray hairs. The dress is much more form-fitting than I was looking for when I went shopping with Annalise, but she and the store clerk convinced me that it was made for me.
“You take my breath away.” Travis takes my waist into his hands, pulling me into his body. “Did I ever tell you this red is my favorite color?”
“Once or twice,” I say, grinning. “What are you staring at?” My gaze drops to his hands.
He holds up the framed photo of him in his Amato Racing gear, standing beside his car, legs crossed, arms folded, grinning confidently. I bought the picture of him on our trip to Silverstone.
When I saw it, I immediately wanted it to put in our baby’s nursery. Travis asked what I bought, but I refused to tell him.
“I know it clashes with the teal and wood décor we chose …” I wave my hand around the partially decorated nursery.
So far, we have a wooden crib, painted the far wall a beautiful teal, and gotten a throw rug at the center.
“But I figured this one should go somewhere above our baby’s crib so whenever they open their eyes, they see their daddy,” I say, cupping his face.
He turns away, blinking rapidly.
My heart stops briefly.Did I do something wrong?I thought he would love to have our baby see him in this picture. Be proud to have it on display.
“I—”
He cuts me off, cupping my face and kissing me. “I love you so much.”
“I …” I sigh because I still can’t say the words. I know what I feel for him and that it’s real, but it’s as if I say them, I know I won’t ever be able to undo it. Not that I would want to, but still.
“Thank you.” He kisses me again before placing the framed photo back on the small table by the crib. “Ready?”
“All I’m missing are my shoes.”
As soon as I say it, Travis’ phone rings. It’s our driver, and he’s waiting downstairs. Travis groans and takes my hand to lead me out of the room. By the door, he stoops low in front of me, then takes one of my strappy red heels into his hand, holding it out for me to step into.
Little tingles of pleasure race up my legs as his fingers lightly brush against my skin while he fastens my straps.
“Are you sure you’re going to be comfortable in these all night?” He frowns, looking down at my four-inch stilettos.
“Why? You don’t like the look of them?” I kick one foot up.
“They’ll both look better resting over my shoulders.” He brushes his lips against my cheek. “But I’m more concerned about your comfort.”
“I’ll be fine. Let’s go.”
He holds the door open for me as we head off to our first formal date together.
“I toldyou he wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off of you in that dress,” Annalise says, a sparkle in her eyes as she looks over my shoulder at Travis.
We’re in the famous Salle des Étoiles in the heart of Monte-Carlo. The venue is breathtaking with its floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views of the marina, and the retractable roof for us to socialize, dance, and dine underneath the stars.
I glance over my shoulder to find Travis looking directly at me. I’m instantly thrown to a similar type of event almost six months ago, where I spent most of the night doing my best to hide from him.
How times have changed. Now, I don’t want him to look away even though he’s probably in a serious conversation with his manager, Norm, and his team principal.
“He’s all in our conversation,” Annalise continues.
“You look beautiful tonight as well,” I compliment.
Annalise chose a sleeveless, gold-sequined gown that has a high split which shows off her great legs.
“What? This old thing?” she jokes. We bought our dresses on the same day. “Well, at least I have someone to tell me I look great in it,” she comments, glancing around. “Besides my friends and mom.”
