Maybe it was because as I soaked in the tub earlier, I thought a lot about bravery, my long history of people-pleasing, and all the times I secretly admired my sister’s exuberant choices inclothes and life. For once, I wanted to be the one to wear a dress that would make everyone’s heads turn.
Just the thought of it made my legs feel shaky with anxiety. But after quitting my job, I realized I could do things that scared me and I’d still be okay.
Sebastian inspires me in that way. He lives his life out loud, not holding back. That’s exhilarating for a girl who’s been known to make a list comparing all the best pinkish-brown lipsticks on the market before investing in one. Sometimes—a lot of times—it gets him in trouble. But at least he does what he wants without worrying about everyone else’s opinions. It sounds odd, but in many ways, he’s the reason I had the guts to even consider Dream Space. I could have moved into another job as a personal assistant. Or found a safe corporate position. But the fact that I didn’t is partially because of his example.
I also did my makeup more boldly tonight. It was fun to ditch the ever-appropriate taupe eyeshadow and the one-shade-darker-than-natural lipstick that are my go-to makeup repertoire. I let my waves flow down my back instead of straightening them into submission as I usually do. It felt like playing dress-up, a game I didn’t get to indulge in as a kid.
I stand straighter, feeling heads turn. Some admiring. Others probably judgmental of the brilliant red, of the way the dress clings to me, of all the skin I’m showing. There’s no way I’m fading into the background tonight, and that freaks me out. But I can tell Maricella is sincere in her admiration.
I look over at Sebastian again. And as if he can sense my regard, he looks up, straight at me. His eyes widen and he almost drops his drink, but catches it with his other hand just in time.
“That poor boy. He’s only got eyes for you,” Maricella laughs.
He has a stunning A-list actress on his right and a striking singer on his left. They’re trying to get his attention. But he’signoring them. The way his gaze lingers with piercing intensity makes my heart beat in overdrive.
It’s as if I’m the only person in the room.
I look down in confusion and fiddle with the rock on my finger. I tell myself his expression is a part he’s playing, that of a man in love.
Except, it doesn’tfeelfake. The world’s tilted off-kilter, and we’ve crashed onto new ground. My risk-averse senses are pinging with danger signals as I stand amid the glittery guests, clad in tight crimson. I watch my former boss break away from his group and stride toward me, every step strong with purpose. I suspect he holds the coordinates to wherever we’re headed.
CHAPTER 31
Emma
“You wore it,”Sebastian murmurs.
We follow the group heading into the dining room for dinner. I’m disappointed that we’re eating inside, especially when I only just arrived on the patio. I’d hoped to spend more time in the postcard-perfect setting. I’ve never been to a winery as an actual guest before. At least Maricella assured me that tomorrow night we would dinealfresco.
I touch the necklace. “I can’t believe you did this. It must have cost a fortune. I’ve never seen a sapphire this color blue before. It’s so light, it’s almost translucent.”
“Worth it. The sapphire matches the color of your eyes. It’s a very rare shade. I saw it at the jewelry store andneededto see it on you.”
My breath hitches at his words, and I stumble. He steadies me, which doesn’t help me regain my breath.
Sebastian’s expression shifts. “As my fiancée, it’s only natural you’d have good jewelry,” he explains lightly.
Right. Fake engaged. Of course. His gaze lingers on my face and eyes, and then it shifts down to my chest, where the large pendant sits, making me uncomfortably aware of my on-display cleavage.
I put my hand on Sebastian’s arm, my expression turning serious. “It’s not just the necklace. I want to thank you for all the clothes. For everything. It was way above and beyond,” I say. “It meant a lot to me. No one’s ever done anything like that for me before. Not even close. It wasn’t about the wardrobe, though. It’s that you saw how upset I was. And cared,” I say, feeling vulnerable.
“You deserve it all, Em,” he says quietly. Then the right side of his mouth tilts up. “You’re fucking incredible in that dress. But I’m surprised you decided to wear it.”
I shrug. “I don’t like to be too predictable.”
He barks out a laugh. “You’d never be that. Especially not lately.”
“Ditto.”
I exclaim softly when we enter the dining room because it’s dazzling. The decor is extravagant, with Versace place settings. It’s lit by dozens of gold candelabras placed strategically down the table. Despite its large size, the room feels intimate, painted deep maroon, with an enormous chandelier hanging theatrically above a long mahogany table that’s big enough to seat thirty. Little beacons of light splash across the room.
If someone told me I’d wandered onto the set of a vampire movie, I wouldn’t be surprised. A vampire movie with A-list celebrities.
Suddenly, my crimson dress with the cut-out back and plunging neckline feels just right. I think of the suitably professional wardrobe I’d originally packed and understand a little better why Sebastian thought this wouldn’t be too out of place.
I’d pictured people in tasteful summery resort wear, but that’s definitely not the vibe of this party.
“You’re Emma Reynolds, right? Sebastian’s fiancée?” The woman sitting opposite me at the opulent table leans in so she can be heard amid the din of conversations surrounding us.
