Elias: Almost there. Can't wait to see you.
A second text follows immediately.
Elias: P.S. If you're freaking out, don't. You're going to be the most beautiful woman there. And you'll be with me, so no one will mess with you.
A third text.
Elias: P.S.S. James says I'm being "insufferable" and need to "chill." He's just jealous.
A laugh bubbles out of me, and the knot in my chest loosens.
"See?" Jane says, reading over my shoulder. "You're glowing. This is real for both of you."
"I don't know what it is."
Jane hands me my small clutch purse. "Well, whatever it is, it looks good on you." She pulls me into a quick hug. "Go show those assholes what they missed."
A few minutes later, a knock at the door sends a nervous jolt through me.
"That'll be him," Jane says with a grin. "I'll let him in."
Jane disappears to answer the door, and I take one last look in the mirror. The woman staring back at me still seems like a stranger, but for once, I don't hate what I see. I know it sounds crazy, but I'm warming up to the sight of myself.
I hear the murmur of voices from the living room, then footsteps approach. I turn just as Elias appears in the doorway.
Oh. Oh, dear God.
My pulse kicks hard at the sight of him in a suit. He's wearing a charcoal suit that fits him like it was painted on, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean waist. His green eyes are brightagainst his skin, and his hair is slightly tousled in that way that makes my fingers itch to run through it … again.
I thought I couldn't possibly fall harder, but this suit changes everything.
"Elise."
I swallow, suddenly nervous under his gaze. "Hi."
He steps into the room, eyes never leaving mine. "You look..." He shakes his head and smiles softly. "Beautiful doesn't even start to cover it."
Heat creeps up my neck. "You don't look so bad yourself."
Elias grins, and my heart does a stupid little flip. This man—this gorgeous, gorgeous man—is looking at me like I'm the only woman in the world.
"Come on, ready to make everyone jealous?" he asks, offering his arm.
I take it, feeling the solid warmth of him through his suit jacket. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Jane appears in the doorway, phone in hand. "Picture first. Come on, indulge me."
Elias pulls me closer, his arm slips around my waist. "Smile for the camera, fake girlfriend."
I laugh, leaning into him as Jane snaps several photos. The flash goes off three times before she's satisfied.
"Okay, you crazy kids have fun," Jane says, shooing us toward the door.
Outside, his car waits at the curb. He opens the passenger door for me, and I step in, careful not to wrinkle my dress.
Once he's behind the wheel, he turns to me. "Seriously, are you okay? We don't have to do this if you don't want to."
"I promise I'm fine. A bit nervous, but that's it."
