His brows rose, suspicion and intrigue flickering together in those green eyes. “Orla…”
“Shh.” I slid down the bed, smirking up at him as I tugged his bottoms down with me. “No refunds. No exchanges.”
Chapter 57
Orla
London
February
The cold Februarywind bit at my cheeks as I wove through the streets of Mayfair, my coat pulled tight around me. After two months of blazing Australian sun and Malibu heat, the sharp London chill felt like punishment and a comedown of epic proportions.
We left Cali just after Christmas and headed straight Down Under. Tyler had stormed his way through the Australian Open, carving a path to the final before losing by a single set to Jordan, who was still riding the wave of his post honeymoon glow. Tyler came home buzzing, hungry, and more determined than ever to take him down this year.
And now here I was, walking toward my bridal appointment, heart thudding against my ribs, equal parts giddy with excitement and sick with nerves. Gwen and Kate were meeting me there, and just the thought of sharing this with them warmed something in my heart. It wasn’t the same as having my mum at my side, but in truth, I couldn’t imagine two better people to share this with. My chosen family.
I stopped outside the boutique, its tall glass windows gleaming in the winter light, mannequins dressed in silk and lace staring down at me like they knew I didn’t belong. The polished gold lettering above the door made my stomach twist. Places like this were for women who floated through life with confidence and black Amex cards, not for me.
But this wasmyday, so I swallowed hard, pushed open the door, and stepped inside.
Relief hit me instantly. Two familiar idiots were perched on a blush-pink chesterfield in the waiting area, champagne flutes already in hand.
“I should’ve known you two would be drinking before I even got here,” I laughed, the tension loosening in my chest.
“Here she is, the beautiful bride,” Kate said, leaping up to hug me. Her voice crackled, and I caught the shimmer of tears already gathering in her eyes.
“Jesus, Kate, at least let her get through the door before you start blubbering,” Gwen muttered, rolling her eyes.
“Sorry, it’s a big day!” Kate sniffed sheepishly but a small smile spread on her lips.
Before I could reply, a petite blonde woman in a chic designer wrap dress appeared, her hair pinned into a perfect chignon. She carried a leather-bound folder against her chest and gave me a professional but genuine smile.
“You must be Mrs. Reed. We’ve been very excited to have you in. And don’t worry, we’re under strict instruction from Mr. Reed not to discuss any costs with you.”
Her grin widened, and Gwen’s eyebrow shot up. “Fuc?—”
Kate elbowed her before she could finish.
I bit back a laugh. Yeah, we definitely didn’t belong here.
The woman led us upstairs into a stunning lounge area draped in opulent cream fabrics. The carpet was the softest I’d ever stepped on, and vintage armchairs were scattered artfullyaround the room. This wasn’t one of those shops with racks of dresses to browse through. This was the kind of place that brought the dress to you.
We sat with the lady, Cornelia—even her name sounded expensive—for half an hour discussing ideas and styles. In my head, I’d always pictured walking down the aisle in something sleek and strapless, maybe satin. Cornelia nodded thoughtfully, then disappeared to fetch some options. Within twenty minutes she returned, three gowns gliding toward us on a gilded rail.
Cornelia swept the dresses into the center of the room as though she were unveiling the crown jewels. My stomach flipped. Seeing them up close gleaming in the light, heavy and exquisite made it all suddenly real. I was actually here. About to step into one of them.
“Right,” Cornelia said crisply. “Why don’t we begin with the satin strapless? I think you’ll be pleased.”
Kate let out a tiny squeal, clutching Gwen’s arm.
“Jesus Christ, it’s not even on her, yet,” Gwen muttered.
“Shut up,” Kate whispered back, already glassy-eyed.
I laughed, nerves bubbling up. “You two are going to make me cry before I’ve even tried anything on.”
“That’s the point,” Gwen deadpanned but her smile softened. “Go on, then. Let’s see our girl in her first dress.”
