Page 201

“Because I want to see the back.” His voice is ragged.

“Oh.”

Very articulate, Laney.

I turn, gathering my dress in one hand, while trying to hold up my beaded bodice. “Actually, since you're here, can you zip me? The woman who did my hair left about twenty minutes ago, and I couldn't quite reach it all the way.”

“I would be honored.” He says so quietly I almost miss it. His fingers settle against my bare back. Suddenly, I'm very aware there isn't a bra beneath this dress. There can't be.

The bodice is structured enough to hold everything in place but knowing that doesn't make me any less conscious of his fingertips brushing the skin between my shoulder blades.

The zipper slides slowly upward. He stops just below the top.

“Good?”

“Yes.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

He finishes fastening it, then smooths the edge of the fabric with his thumb. His hand stays there a second longer than necessary. I turn my head. He's close enough that I catch the familiar scent of his soap, the warm, woodsy trace underneath it.

“You okay back there?”

“No.”

I laugh. “What's wrong?”

“Trying to remember why I thought bringing you tonight was a good idea.”

I turn around. “Because I'm witty and charming?”

“I was thinking more like breathtaking.”

His gaze drops to my mouth. For one ridiculous second, I think he's going to kiss me. Instead, he takes the shoes from my hand. “Sit.”

I blink.

“What?”

He gestures toward the chair at the kitchen island. “Sit down, Becks.”

“Bossy.”

“Sorry, I’m focusing all my energy on reminding myself that I can’t murder anyone tonight. It’s a charity event after all.”

I settle into the chair, arranging the skirt around my legs, and Bishop kneels in front of me. I think my brain actually short-circuits as he slips one heel onto my foot, his fingers warm against my ankle as he fastens the delicate strap.

I wasn't prepared for the sight of Hayes Bishop in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, kneeling at my feet tonight.

Or ever.

“You know I can do that myself, right?”

“Didn't say you couldn't.” He reaches for my other foot.

“I just didn't want to attempt the stairs in these things. Figured showing up at the emergency room would put a damper on your fancy evening.”