“Bye, Catherine!” Alice calls out as they head down the steps and toward the car.
Oliver looks back at me and gives me a wave goodbye before closing the door behind them.
“Bye,” I whisper, and shut the door behind them.
I turn around and release an exhale before heading up the stairs to take a shower. As I’m lathering my body with soap, I can’t help but replay last night’s events in my mind. Oliver’s presence is so intoxicating and I can still feel his gaze on me, as if he’s still with me in the shower. The proximity of his hands as they grazed against my body make me shiver at the thought of what could have happened. And the way his lips collapsed into mine. I’ve never experienced a kiss more exhilarating.
As steam gradually fills up the bathroom, I find my hands slowly roaming over my body, touching mindlessly, as if Oliver is the one taking control of me. I can feel myself getting more aroused as I think of the sensation his hands must feel like against my skin and move faster.
My fingers move down to between my legs as I moan into the steam, intensifying the feelings of pleasure that ripple through me. All I can think about is Oliver and what I’d give for his touch once more.
I bring myself higher and higher until I’m completely overcome by pleasure. As the waves subside, all I can do is stay still and savor this bliss.
Finally, I compose myself to wash off, the entire time still reeling from my pleasure.
I step out of the shower feeling dazed and with a new realization that my desire for Oliver is reaching a whole new level.
As I dry off, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of curiosity wash over me, as if another part of me has been unlocked, and Oliver is the person responsible for it.
When the afternoon finally arrives, I retreat to my bedroom to get ready for the gala. I choose a delicate black dress that reaches just above my knees. The shoulders are sleeveless and cut into a halter neckline that showcases my collarbones perfectly. I slide on a pair of black pumps for good measure, taking extra time to perfect my makeup and style my hair into bouncy curls.
The doorbell rings downstairs, so I walk down and cross into the foyer to open the door for Erica. She’s dressed to impress in a low-cut, dark green dress that shows off her gorgeous curves, and has her hair styled up into an intricate bun.
“Wow, you look great,” I tell her.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She shoots me a wink before stepping inside.
“Thanks again for letting me come with you,” I say as I close the door.
“No problem,” she replies. “You were naturally the first person I thought of inviting. So, have you heard from Jason, by the way? Is he still blowing up your phone?”
My stomach sinks at the thought of Jason. It’s been six weeks since we last spoke, and although he hasn’t been attempting to call me, I can’t shake the feeling that he may be waiting for the right time to make his next move. His biggest flaw has always been his pettiness, and our broken engagement would be no exception.
“I haven’t heard from him in a few weeks,” I respond, hoping this event will take my mind off these worries.
Erica nods. “That’s a relief. Where’s Oliver and Alice?” she asks, scanning the empty living room.
“Oliver’s taking Alice to her ballet lesson,” I inform her before grabbing my black clutch purse from off the coffee table.
I try to shake thoughts of Jason out of my head as Erica links her arm with mine.
“Let’s go,” she says brightly, eager to get the night started.
We step out of the house and into Erica’s sleek black car. The drive to the Bethany Hotel is quick, and Erica and I are soon walking down the red carpet that’s been placed in front of the hotel for us to enter.
A smile crosses my face as we approach the entrance, and I’m met with a jaw-dropping view of the grand ballroom of the hotel. It’s brightly lit with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, tall pillars decorated with shimmering ribbons, and matching flower arrangements.
The refreshment table is on the other side of the room, catching my eye instantly. I can feel my mouth watering as I gaze over at the various sweets on the table.
“Come on,” I say, ready to mingle. “Let’s get a drink and a cupcake.”
Erica and I make our way over to the drinks area. We chat and laugh as we fill up two glasses of white wine, then find a nearby top table to sit at. We continue to admire the view and sip on our drinks, and for the first time in forever, I feel like my old self again.
“Hey, I’m going to use the restroom before dinner starts,” she informs me as she rises from her seat.
“Do you want me to come with you?” I ask, eyeing the long line that leads to the bathroom.
She shakes her head. “No, stay. Otherwise, we’ll lose the table.”
