Meanwhile, Zuri sticks her head in and peers to the right, all the way to the end of the hanging bar hidden by the wall, then rummages around.
“Ah-ha! Knew this beauty would come in handy one day.” Zuri pulls out a sparkling gold, floor length dress. “Aren’t you glad now that I insisted you buy it?”
“Stars above, I forgot all about that.” I scramble over and run the fabric through my hands. “Geez that was what, three years ago?”
I shed my clothes and Zuri helps me wiggle into the shimmering fabric. The bodice is tight, hugging my curves with thin straps over my shoulders and a loose neckline showing the tops of my breasts. The straps cross over the back, attaching to the sides mid-rib and leaving the rest of my back open down to the base of my spine. The skirt is floor length and flowing, with a slit up one side allowing a flash of thigh as I walk.
“Oooooooh.” Reverie emerges from her houseplant den with a gasp. “Raya,” she whispers. “You look magical.”
I could cry, I’m so relieved to have something to wear. After pulling out a pair of classic black heels and deciding to go without a clutch since I have none to match, I grab a quick snack for dinner before cleaning up the dress.
I borrow Zuri’s garment steamer, going over it multiple times until all the wrinkles have dropped, and then hang it on the back of my door until tomorrow night.
Pushing the sweaty hair from my face, I check my phone for the first time all night.
Asher: Did you figure out what you’re going to wear?
Asher: Send me a picture when you decide
Asher: Raya?
I grin and bite my lip, a giddy excitement bubbling in my chest when I think about Asher seeing my in this dress.
Me: I did find something, but it’s going to be a surprise!
Asher: I suppose I can’t begrudge you that. At least tell me what color it is?
Me: Shimmery gold
Asher: Of course.
Asher: I’ll pick you up tomorrow after work. The event starts at 7, I’ll swing by at 6:30?
Me: That’d be great! Thanks
One more day of work, then I’ll hopefully have Asher picking his jaw up off the ground when hesees me.
Zuri,perfect vampire that she is, left work early to help me with my hair and makeup. Her smoky eye is killer, and she somehow manages to combine it with a shimmery gold eyeshadow for an ethereal look I could never hope to recreate.
My hair is in a loose, partial updo exposing my long neck and back, and I’ve added some delicate gold jewelry to accent the dress.
Zuri helps me into the shimmering fabric and then Reverie dusts gold mica powder on my hair and shoulders. I twist and turn in front of the mirror, ensuring my boobs won’t fall out and that everything is settled in the right place. I slip my heels on as a knock sounds on the front door.
“It’s him!” Reverie whisper-yells.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach as I force myself not to rush.
When I open the door, I barely manage to keep my jaw closed. Asher looks delicious. The suit is fitted perfectly to his muscular frame and the dark charcoal color accentuates his looks, making his dark hair more devastating, and his blue eyes more striking. Then I notice his tie. His satin gold tie that somehow perfectly compliments my glittery dress.
My focus breaks when he clears his throat. My eyes fly to his, and I catch him sweeping his gaze from my feet up to my face.
“Sunshine…” His voice is a bit hoarse. “You look...”
Ash clears his throat again and lifts a hand, gently tracing a finger from one shoulder strap down along the line of my dress to my cleavage. He barely grazes my breasts, raising goosebumps across my chest and collarbones, before his finger sweeps up the opposite strap. His eyes follow the trail, stirring liquid heat between my thighs.
“You’re stunning. You look like a goddess come down from the heavens,” he says, and I have to strain to hear himwhen he continues under his breath. “You are my most unbelievable fantasy come to life.”
I blink as those words sink into my skin, then say the first thing that pops into my head.
