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“Was the sex really that good?” I laughed boldly, catching a glimpse of the crimson on my cheeks via my reflection. “We’re moving so fast.”
“I know,” Lucas chuckled, moving to stand behind me. He circled an arm around me and gently touched my chin, encouraging me to lift it slightly while maintaining eye contact in the mirror. “I was telling the truth in the bar; being the baby of people with money just keeps up the pressure of making a baby to continue the line. I need my parents off my back for a while, just long enough for me to breathe. For that, I need a date. A real person that will impress them and make it look like I’m making good decisions.”
“Are you not making good decisions?” I asked breathlessly, entirely focused on that single point of contact with Lucas. The memory of his kiss, his touch, and his cock still rang in my mind.
“Not in their eyes,” he replied. “And you’re the most down-to-earth person I’ve met. I think we’d have a good time, and you’d impress them.”
“No,” I laughed. “I’m not good with parents, especially not rich ones.” If Toby was anything to go by, I wasn’t good with any kind of rich family.
“It’s only for the night,” Lucas said, releasing me and moving around to face me with a hopeful look in those warm eyes. How could I resist such a look? After all, it would be an easy way into the Gala to see Toby; that was all I needed.
“Okay,” I finally decided. “You get me into that Gala to see the person I need to see, and I’ll wow your parents so much that they’ll choose me when we break up.”
Lucas beamed immediately and my heart fluttered, unable to stop a smile from spreading over my lips. It was a surprise; Lucas was only a fling yet here I was, feeling giddy just from making him smile that brightly.
Careful, Scarlett. We can’t get attached.
“Now,” Lucas stepped away and clicked his fingers. Another assistant melted from the clothing racks with measuring tape in hand. “I’m presuming you didn’t pack anything Gala-worthy when you came to visit?”
“Not a thing,” I chucked. “But Lucas, there’s no way I can afford?—.”
“Nonsense.” As Lucas spoke, the woman offered me a strong but firm smile then indicated for me to lift my arms. “A dress is nothing. If anything, it’s an investment for the night. My parents will judge you on how you look, so the very least I can do is give you strong enough armor.”
“Armor?” I asked, slightly distracted by the assistant who was winding the tape around my chest, then underbust.
“Yeah. These dresses, these suits and shoes, and whatever else there is; it’s all armor against judgment that starts the second you get out of the car.” Lucas groaned slightly. “Besides, you also want to look good for your mysterious suitor.”
“Oh god no,” I laughed sharply, my heart beating harder at the thought of seeing Toby. “He’s not a suitor. I don’t need to impress him; just talk to him.”
Lucas paused his perusing of the dresses and glanced at me. “How mysterious.”
“Mhmm.” Choosing to keep it still a secret, I focused on shifting my stance when instructed by the assistant. “I don’t know how I can accept the dress though. It feels far too expensive.”
“Investment,” Lucas reminded me, hidden from view between some mannequins. “Besides, you’re in New York and it’s a Gala. Everyone deserves to dress up and experience the best nightlife just once.”
“If you say so.” Now wasn’t the time for doubt, despite how my stomach started to twist slightly. If this was my only chance, I couldn’t fuck it up. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Impress my parents, and I’ll be on my knees thanking you.” Lucas reappeared just as the assistant finished up and stepped away.
“All done.”
“Really?” I glanced around, looking for the dress but Lucas had nothing in his hands. “Don’t you need me to try on a dress?”
“Nope.”
“How… how will we know if it looks good?”
“Do you trust me?” Lucas’ soft smile instantly melted my heart again and just like the driver, a strange sense of ease washed over me.
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Then I will see you in two days.”
The assistant from earlier appeared, coat in hand, ready to escort me back out of the store.
“Thank you, Lucas.”
“Of course. Just make sure you wear the dress.”
