I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know Patterson. He’s angry, and he’s hurt, but he didn’t walk out without saying anything to you. That means something.”
She considers my words. “Yeah. You’re right.”
“And he said he’d text.” I run my thumb along her jaw. “Patterson’s not the type to even reach out when he’s angry. If he was done with you, he would’ve just left with middle fingers blazing. He has no patience.”
Her shoulders relax a little. “When did you become an optimist?”
“I’m not. I’m just paying attention.” I kiss her forehead. “He needs space, so we’ll give it to him. And when he’s ready to accept it, we’ll be there together.”
She nods, then exhales. “Okay.”
I take her hand. “Now, you promised me terrible movies and rotting on the couch.”
“I did.”
“Shall we?” I ask.
She takes my hand and pulls me toward the living room with a smile.
36
ADDISON
I’m standing in front of my closet in my underwear when my phone vibrates.
Kendall
You promise you’re coming tonight?
Addison
Yes! I’m getting dressed right now! Are you sure Patterson is okay with this?
Kendall
I mentioned it to him so that he wouldn’t be blindsided. He’ll get over it, bestie! I miss you. I want to see you and meet Louis.
Addison
Okay. Fair warning … if Patterson gets weird, we’re leaving.
Kendall
Oh, he won’t. Trust me on that.
Her response makes me smile. I’m sure she threatened him.
The red dress has been hanging in the back of my closet for six months, tags still on, waiting for an occasion that felt big enough. A first real night out with a prince qualifies. I pull it off the hanger and step into it, tugging the fabric up over my hips. Theslit hits mid-thigh, and the neckline dips low, but it’s still modest. I reach back for the zipper and get it halfway before I’m stuck.
He walks by the closet door and sees me struggling.
“Do you happen to need a knight in shining armor?” He appears in the doorway, already in the charcoal suit he had sent over this morning. There’s no tie, and his white shirt is open at the collar. His eyes travel down my body.
“I can’t reach this zipper.”
He crosses the room, and his fingers find the base of my spine. He pulls it up slowly, knuckles dragging against my skin, taking his time. When he reaches the top, his lips press against the side of my neck. I sigh against his touch.
“You’re going to start something we don’t have time to finish,” I whisper with my eyes closed.
