Would he be gentle?
Commanding?
Consequences be damned, in this moment, I just wanthim.
I want to be consumed by him.
Ravaged.
There has got to be a storeroom around here somewhere…
If only.
“What are you thinking about?”
“What?” I nearly squeak with surprise and watch the corner of his lips twitch up into a smile.
He has such a great smile.
It’s so rare but when he does, it’s the kind of thing that will make your heart skip a beat.
“You were daydreaming,” he murmurs, scanning the room again before looking down at me.
Was I ever.
“Just thinking about today,” I lie, taking in the way the long-sleeve shirt he’s wearing is fighting a losing battle against the flexing of his muscles.
I’ve seen my fair share of professional athletes but Tom’s body is a masterpiece—a temple—and I’d definitely get on my knees to worship if he’d let me.
“Do you remember the plan?”
With a sigh, I nod, mentally putting myself back intoauthor modeas I like to think of it. I met Grimm, Jace, and Ozzy right after I arrived here. Tom had accompanied me to the salon, but the other three had come straight to the store.
They’re dressed in jeans and casual shirts. Ozzy has an Illinois Blues baseball hat on that I promised to have Colt sign. Grimm has a pair of sunglasses resting on his head, and Jace’s wide smile has already made more than one store employee blush.
They don’t exactly fit in, but they don’t scream security either.
“Oh my gosh, you look gorgeous!” Hazel says, her arms spread wide as I turn to face her. “That dress is perfect and your hair and makeup! Girl, you look like you stepped off the red carpet.” She beams at me but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes.Weird.But maybe it’s just nerves. I’m just about to thankher and return the compliment when I see Amelia a few paces behind her. Her aunt’s lips are turned into a slight frown as she gives me a once-over, her distaste vanishing when our eyes meet.
“You don’t think it’s too much?” I ask Hazel softly but she shakes her head.
“You look perfect.”
“So do you. This dress was made for you,” I tell her, the fitted purple bodice flaring at her waist into a flowy skirt. It matches perfectly with her color scheme.
“I know, right?”
“Katherine, you look lovely, dear,” Amelia says, her smile a little more forced than usual, but I brush it off as just the vibe for the day. It’s the biggest event we’ve attended as headliners.
So instead of worrying about any potential weirdness, I’ll simply focus on what an incredible opportunity this is.
“Good morning, ladies,” the store manager, Margot, says as she hustles toward us. “I am so sorry; the other author had to cancel so we’re just going to rearrange everything quickly before we open the doors.”
“Do you need any help?” I ask and she beams at me but shakes her head.
“It’ll just take a minute and then we’ll get you both settled. Bethany will be helping you today, Kat. She’s just taking care of a few things first.”
“Great,” I reply as Hazel motions behind her.
