She frowns. “Isn’t that a big deal?”
You are a big deal, I want to say, but I keep the words to myself. “I wasn’t planning to go, but I thought you might want to. My mother used to be part of the company before she was hired away to New York. I’ve always been a sponsor.”
She makes a face. “Well, thanks for telling me now instead of when I could have actually packed a dress to wear to a ball.”
I’m smiling. “Don’t worry about what to wear—that’s what fairy godmothers are for.”
She laughs. “If you were the fairy godmother, Cinderella would never have made it to the ball.” I raise an eyebrow, and she continues, her lips lifting in a teasing smile. “She wouldn’t even want to, not with the multiple orgasms she’d be getting in the pumpkin carriage.”
I can’t help smirking. “I wouldn’t ruin a children’s fairy tale just for sex, but thanks for letting me know you think I’m more desirable than Prince Charming.”
She laughs softly. “I love how humble you are.”
That word in there makes me catch my breath, whether in desire or fear, I’m not sure. I hold her gaze. “Is that all you love?”
Her smile gives nothing away. “You have no idea.”
Back in the suite, I sequester myself in the library while a couple of people from the spa help Rachel get ready for the gala. I don’t want to be anywhere near the primping and pampering, but I can’t wait to see how beautiful she’ll look when she’s ready.
Not that she isn’t always beautiful.
Just thinking of her makes me smile.
And I have only one more day with her.
The thought is almost unbearable. We’re only playing pretend. She’s not really mine. For all I know, she’s still pining for her ex, and judging from his trip to see her, he hasn’t let her go either.
It shouldn’t sting so much that I’m probably just a footnote in their story, but it does. Selfishly, I want to be the main part of her story.
And what will you offer her, Landon? Sex and a pretty face? Is that all she deserves?
Pushing the thoughts from my mind, I make a few calls and study an expense report for a resort I own. Close to an hour later, I go to change, steering clear of Rachel’s room, where the spa treatment is still ongoing. It only takes me a few minutes to get ready, and by the time Rachel emerges from her room, I’m waiting.
She’s wearing a dress I chose, in bold purple silk, but it’s not the dress that takes my breath away. It’s her. It’s almost as if every time I see her, she looks infinitely more beautiful. She stands at the other side of the room from me, her eyes on mine, looking almost shy as she waits for me to say something.
I cross the room without taking my eyes from her. “You look ravishing.”
She gives me a small smile. “I had help.”
“No.” I shake my head. “This is all you.”
She places her hand in mine, and I lead her down to the waiting limo. In there, as we navigate the streets of the city, I reveal one more surprise for her. The marquise-cut stones of an exquisite choker and earring set gleam in the interior of the car. They’re stunning, but they’ll look even better on her.
Her eyes widen. “God, it’s perfect.” Her voice is an awed whisper.
You are perfect, I reply internally. “I’m glad you think so,” I say out loud. I take the choker out of the box. “May I?”
“I don’t…” She looks uncertain. “I don’t think I can take this.”
“Why not? It’s just jewelry.” If she lets me, there’s so much more I can give her, so much more I want to give her.
She still looks unconvinced. “Very expensive jewelry.”
Why would that be a problem? “You wouldn’t feel better about it if it were cheap.”
She gives me an impatient frown. “That’s not the point.”
Okay. So what is?