Page 125 of Brazen Obsession

Her brown hair is swept up into an updo with curls framing her face. Her white lace mask obscures most of her face except for her full, red lips and brilliant blue eyes. As much as Nan had fun teasing Kayla with a princess dress, Hope really does embody one currently.

Her cream dress is a beaded top with a full skirt. A little flash of skin shows between the two. She has on a diamond necklace that Madison texted a picture of to all of us for approval.

“The necklace is perfect.” I release my breath and let Olivia and the gossipers fade into the background.

Hope reaches up and touches it. “It all seems like too much.”

“It’s perfect.” Coop comes up behind Madison and draws her against him. “It suits you, Hope.”

Her cheeks flush pink and she looks down at the lace overlay skirt. “Thank you.”

Coop kisses Madison’s cheek before going to talk to her guys and mine.

Juliette, Kayla, and Nan move over to talk with Dante.

“How does it feel to be out?” I ask Hope. She’s had issues with too many people in a small space, but we’re separated a little from the crowd over here.

She gives me a worried smile. “With my friends? Great.”

I glance around. “I’m pretty sure that won’t be my only panic attack. The last event we went to, I ended up getting kidnapped after.”

Madison rubs my arm. “That won’t happen this time.”

“I know. No walking Peabody in the middle of the night.” I smile at her. “I’ve been seeing a therapist.”

Hope nods. “I’m glad she was able to take you.”

“She’s been amazing.” I look over the ballroom. My mom and Roger are headed our way. Everyone I love is here to support me. Even Tom and Natasha are making the rounds but will sit with us at our table. Apparently taking a bullet for me meant the guys were willing to work on their friendship with Tom.

And with me out of the office and Tom out of the basement, it should be easier for them to patch things up over time. But tonight, I just want to enjoy my family and friends. I’ll worry later about the fallout of our announcement to Olivia.

The whole reason to come tonight was to float it out there. Olivia just gave us the opportunity. Besides, I’ve been dying to tell her Finn is mine and only mine.

Hope

Dinner is lovely. Juliette and I get to chat while the others talk to their dates. The ballroom is decorated with candles and lace. The whole place looks amazing. It’s like something out of a dream. I’ve never been to anything like this before.

Boxing matches, yes. Since I was old enough to sit on my mother’s lap. My father would step into the ring and become a machine. Undefeatable.

To me, he seemed indestructible too. Until the brain damage became more obvious.

“I need to go to the lady’s room,” Juliette signs to me.

I nod and touch Madison’s hand. She smiles as she meets my eyes.

“We’re going to the restroom.”

“Okay, the dancing starts in a few minutes.” Madison looks excited.

I give her a smile though I’m not as enthusiastic about it as she is. I’m sure one of Sara’s or Madison’s men will dance with me, but I’m used to being a wallflower. Content to sit on the sidelines and watch the prettier, more outgoing girls win the guys. Looking around this ballroom filled with beautiful women and handsome men, I feel like an impostor. Someone who slipped in under the radar because my friends wanted me to be here.

Juliette leads me to the bathroom. Even this room is over-the-top with marble counters and gold faucets. The stalls have full doors. I check my makeup and see that most of my lipstick is gone after eating and drinking.

This dress has pockets. It wasn’t the only reason I wanted it, but it definitely helped sell me on it. I get out my lipstick and reapply in the mirror.

Juliette comes out and meets my eyes. She signs, “That’s a good color on you. You should wear it more often. Draws attention to your lips.”

As she washes and dries her hands, I turn and sign to her, “Anyone would look pretty in this dress. And Madison has the best makeup.”