The answer, in the end, was very, very hot.
I scarcely recognized myself as I caught a glimpse in the mirror on my way out. The dress I’d pulled from the back of my closet was way shorter than anything I’d normally wear, and the shimmery silver fabric hugged every curve, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.
It was hard not to feel even more exposed given that the color was outside the realm of my usual basic black, but I liked the way the silver made my hair look even darker and my skin even paler, giving me a very dramatic, attention-getting look that was unusual for me.
I liked the way the dress showed off my short but shapely legs, clinging to my thighs. I liked the way it was snug around my hips and waist, while the cowl neckline dipped down, showing off just a hint of cleavage.
I hoped this was what Ford had been asking for. I had really gone all out.
Even my go-to lace up shitkickers had been ditched in favor of knee-high boots with a dangerous heel, and I’d added a pair of diamond stud earrings and a small clutch that slipped over my wrist as the finishing touches.
Ford met me in the lobby of my building.
He was facing away when the elevator doors opened, so I had the opportunity to stare a little. He looked good, as usual, in a tailored black shirt and well-fitting jeans. I wondered if he had dressed in black in an effort to match me, and if he’d be disappointed that I wasn’t in my usual uniform.
But when he turned and saw me, the look in his eyes made it very, very clear that he wasn’t disappointed at all.
“Fuck,” he said, before letting out a low whistle. “You look sexy as hell, Em.”
I flushed at the reaction. “Thanks,” I said. “You look nice, too.”
“Oh, I know,” he said and gave me a wink. “Shall we?”
He held out his arm and I wrapped my hand around his rock-hard bicep, trying to remember why I had been so hesitant to come out tonight. If the rest of the evening was like this, maybe I’d have fun after all.
Tension vibrated between the two of us as we were driven to the club. At one point, Ford reached over and took my hand, his fingers sliding over my knuckles.
“Sorry I haven’t taken care of the ring yet,” he said. “I’m working on it.”
“It’s okay,” I said, even though I knew it would probably come up tonight.
After all, even my brothers had noticed I wasn’t wearing one, and they weren’t exactly the type to pay attention to something like that. Ford’s friends would definitely notice.
“I really want to get you my great-grandmother’s ring,” he said, sounding determined.
I looked at him. He’d mentioned that at the ball, to his mother, but I’d thought he was just ribbing her, knowing it would bother her. I didn’t actually think he was serious. I also didn’t think his mother would willingly give that ring to someone like me. In any case, I wasn’t holding my breath. Even if itwasextra beautiful and had its own cool little history.
“We don’t need to use that ring. We can just get whatever. From a jewelry store with a good return policy, maybe?” I tried to joke lightly.
“No,” Ford said, lifting my knuckles to his mouth in a surprisingly tender gesture. “I want you to have hers.”
It wasn’t until we arrived at the club that my nerves kicked back into high gear.
I spotted Ford’s friends sitting in the VIP area that Ford had reserved ahead of time. There were already buckets of champagne chilling on the table and a tray of shots lined up waiting for us. As we headed over, we were greeted by a round of raucous cheering that made it clear everyone had already started drinking. If Ford’s friends were surprised to see me, they hid it well. And no one commented on the fact that Ford and I were holding hands.
Instead, I was welcomed with warm greetings from the guys and air kisses from the girls.
“So what’d you pull us all together for?” one of the guys asked once we’d settled in.
“I have an announcement to make,” Ford said, making sure everyone had a filled champagne glass. “Emzee and I—we’re getting married!”
I expected silence or shock, but no one was more shocked than me when the immediate response was loud cheering, raised glasses, and nothing but smiling, excited faces all around.
“To Ford and Emzee!” they toasted.
We clinked glasses and drank, and I leaned back against the plush velvet of the VIP seat, trying to roll with the fact that my status had instantly changed the second I’d walked in on Ford’s arm, and that it would probably stay that way now that everyone knew I was his fiancée. Even without a ring on my finger, Ford’s friends just accepted us as a couple right on the spot.
Everyone was friendly and charming to me, complimenting me on my dress and my boots and my purse. I took it all in with a gracious smile.
