“Maeve,” Noah says as he steps into the area. His eyes scan over me quickly. “Pretty.”
I give him a small smile.
“I need you to help me find Luca, I lost him.” Noah sighs, pinching his nose.
“I feel like you just told me you lost our child.” Maeve giggles. “Alright, let’s go.”
Maeve winks at me before slipping out and Noah follows.
I turn toward the mirror, tugging lightly at the sides of the dress. My eyes meet Jace’s reflection. He pushes off the wall and prowls toward me.
Heat prickles across my skin as his gaze drags over my body.
He stops just behind me. Goosebumps erupt along my arms despite the warmth radiating from him. His fingers brush the side of my neck, gently moving my hair away from my face and sliding it lightly over my shoulder.
My eyes flutter closed. His breath ghosts against my ear as he leansdown.
"You look…” he swallows, “breathtaking,” he murmurs, his voice low and private. "That dress was made for you."
I turn to face him, heat creeping into my cheeks. "It’s just a dress, Ravencourt."
"I disagree." A small smile tugs at his mouth as his fingers drift along my collarbone.
"Jace…“My voice comes out breathier than I intend.
"That's the perfect sort of dress for dinner with me. But first, you'd have to let me take you on a starter date. Training wheels to help acclimate you to the experience dating me provides.”
I blink.
"What?" For a second, I’m sure I misheard him.
"You’ve been hiding all this,” he gestures, “for far too long. I’ve got missed opportunities to make up for.” His smile softens, unexpectedly sincere. “Let me start by taking you out on a proper date." He lifts a brow. "I'm a gentleman, after all."
I scoff. "You're a caveman. Mr.You're mine."
He chuckles, the sound warm and low.
"For you, I'll be a gentleman."
His gaze drifts down the length of the dress again before returning to my face.
“Though in this dress,” he adds quietly, “I’d agree to just about anything."
I open my mouth to respond, but at that moment, Dakota barrels out of the dressing room at the end of the hall like the Tasmanian devil.
"Oh. Em. Gee.” She claps her hands together. “You look amazing. I knew you would." She gives me a smug little smile.
"What do you think of mine, Jace?" Dakota spins, the tight sequined dress flashing under the lights like a human disco ball.
”I think you’re confusing me for someone who cares.” Jace doesn't even spare her a glance.
Dakota gasps. “Excuse me? You can’t talk to me like that.”
“I can talk however I want. You’re ruining my view.”
“Of what?” She snarls.
“Her.”
