“You can’t go wearing that.I’ll have a dress delivered.”
She nods, smiling like I gave her the world.
That smile hits me hard.I swear I’ll get over her.
“Then I’ll head back to my desk and finish the report on the resort.”
After she leaves, I reach out to company’s fashion and jewelry line to have them bring an assortment to my office.Normally, I’d have someone choose these items, but tonight…just once…I want to dress the woman I can’t have.
This one time.I swear.
But when the selection of dresses is delivered, they aren’t good enough for her.I make a call to a designer and have a dress flown in.
An hour later I’m looking at it when my office door flings open and Oliver strides in.He has a large gauze bandage on his forehead.
“You want to tell me why the company helicopter was on the roof?”
“You want to tell me why you’re out of the hospital?The doctor said you should stay for a couple of days.”
He dismisses my concern.“I’m fine.”Then he spots the dress.“What’s that for?”
I run my fingers across one of the diamonds on the bodice.The dress is a beautiful creation.Like the woman who’ll wear it.“Heloise invited me to a party this evening.”
“News flash.The dress is too small for you.You need to size up.”
I laugh.
He doesn’t.His eyes narrow.“Who’s your date?”
“It’s not a date.I’m going with Salem.”
He huffs out a breath and crosses his arms.“Did you forget she’s married?”
“Forget?That’s not possible.I remember it every damn time I see her.Every time I look into her eyes.Every time she smiles.Every time I want to kiss her but don’t.”
“Aw, shit, Locke.Wake up.This can’t happen.”
“You think I don’t know that?I won’t touch her.But I need one night by her side.Tonight is all I’m allowing myself to have.”
“Then what?Poof, your head magically pops out of your ass at the stroke of midnight?”
“I’ve never felt this way before.”
“Go get laid.”
“I don’t want anyone else.”
Oliver shakes his head.“You’re seriously going with her?”
“Yes.”
He sighs.“Okay.”
“What about you?Did you get an invitation?”
He shudders.“I haven’t checked…” He pauses to fake cough.“But even if I did, I’m too ill to attend.”
“Afraid to go out of fear that you’re going to become Poppy’s trophy husband?Become a yes man to her obnoxious father?”
