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Chapter Eighteen
By the time Thursday rolled around, I was a bit nervous. This was Colby’s world and, although I was comfortable in most situations, I had no clue what to expect tonight at the premiere. He’d surprised me earlier today by having beautiful long-stem red roses delivered. I wondered if he’d put any thought into the color as representative of his feelings but then dismissed the idea because trying to figure out someone’s emotions by way of the color of a flower was dumb. Nevertheless, they made me extraordinarily happy.
Earlier in the week, a woman from Barneys had come by with a variety of dresses and shoes from which to choose. I’d known which dress I wanted the minute I laid eyes on it. It was fire engine red in a halter style, with a modest top and an A-line skirt that hung to the floor. It was the slit which showed off quite a bit of my left leg that made it hot. Once I put it on, I felt sexy and sophisticated. The matching strappy red heels gave me three more inches of height and complemented the dress beautifully.
Glancing at the clock in my apartment, I realized it was time to get ready as Colby would be here soon. I slipped the gown on, smiling in the mirror at my reflection. I was anxious for him to see me in this dress and even more excited about him taking it off me later. I’d decided to keep my hair simple by pulling it back into a chic high ponytail with my bangs in front and a couple tendrils left loose. I’d gone by the hospital earlier, and the volunteer coordinator had been nice enough to do my eyes up, sans the princess sparkles. Diamond studs that I’d received for my eighteenth birthday completed the look.
I heard the knock on the door, felt my heart jump up in my throat, and opened it with a smile.
Holy mother of all things religious, Colby Singer in a tuxedo was just—Wow.
His hungry gaze raked over me from head to toe, then fixed on my face. “Christ, I don’t think I’ll be able to last the night. You look stunning.”
“Right back at you.”
He pulled me close, kissing my neck. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” The smell of his cologne assaulted my senses, triggering my hands to move with a mind of their own under his jacket, caressing the hard muscles of his back.
“We have to go if we don’t want to be late.” He made no move to break away.
“Mm-hmm. Thank you for the roses, the dress, and the shoes.”
He leaned back, kissing me softly, and then sighed as he pulled away. “You’re welcome. Here, this is for you, too.”
I watched him reach inside his jacket and pull out a long velvet box.
Taking it from his hands, I opened it to reveal the most stunning three-strand diamond bracelet. “It’s beautiful, but—”
He took it out of the box, holding it up. “But nothing. I read in the handbook that boyfriends buy their girlfriends jewelry.”
What irony to receive such a thoughtful gift on a night that I couldn’t tell anyone about us. But I refused to let such a thought ruin the moment. “I do love that handbook, and I love the bracelet. Thank you.” I kissed him again before he broke away grudgingly.
“Let’s go before I forget all about this premiere and keep you here.”
* * *
After handingmy overnight bag to the driver, then helping me into the back of the limo, Colby pulled me onto his lap. “You have no idea how much I want you right now. The last few days have been torture.”
I could feel his erection under me. “How long before we arrive?”
“Maybe twenty minutes, but no funny business.”
I attempted to turn around, but his arms held me in place. “We could take the edge off.”
His lips found the sweet spot by my ear. “It wouldn’t be enough, besides I don’t want to mess up your dress or makeup.”
Wiggling against him, I felt him groan. “But what are we going to do about this?”
“Save it for later. Now behave and let me hold you. Did the man from the record label call to schedule your audition?”
I shifted so I could see his face and put my arms around his shoulders. “Yes, he left a message to call him back.”
He picked up quickly on the way I’d phrased that. “And did you?”
I sighed. “Not yet.”
He was quiet but then spoke softly. “If you’ve changed your mind, you know I’m supportive, no matter what.”
