“You okay?” I check.
“Mmm. More than okay.”
Part of me would like to lie there with her for the rest of the night, but I’ve fucked the poor girl to oblivion on the floor, and she deserves better than that.
I withdraw, grab a tissue from the box on the coffee table, and dispose of the condom, and then we try to get up, laughing as we have to disentangle ourselves from her gown.
I pull her to her feet and lower her to the sofa, then tuck myself back in my boxers and zip up my trousers as I go into the kitchen. The fridge contains small bottles of water, and I retrieve two. I bring them back to the sofa, open one, and pass it to her.
“Thank you.” She takes it and has a few mouthfuls, then wipes her mouth on the back of her hand. “I think half my lipstick is on your face and neck. None on your shirt, though, luckily.”
I chuckle and drink from my bottle. “That would be fun to explain away when we go back.”
She smiles. She’s pulled up her bodice, but the gown is still unlaced at the back, and she looks delightfully rumpled.
“Maybe we should order up a pizza or something,” I joke. “I’d much rather stay here with you than go back to the ball.”
“We’ve already been gone for ages. They’ll be looking for you.”
“Fuck ’em.” I blow out a breath. Famous last words. My sense of duty makes me pick up my phone. I’ve missed five calls from Aurelia, and one from Marcus. He’s also sent a text. Sighing, I pull it up.
Where are you? Apparently you arranged to meet someone this evening and they’re waiting for you.
Fuck, I completely forgot. Wren Carter asked to see me tonight.
“Problem?” Cupcake asks.
“No, not at all. An old friend of mine is here, that’s all. I said we could catch up tonight.”
“Aw, I’m sorry I’ve made you late.”
I lower the phone and cup her cheek. “Don’t apologize. This is the best thing that’s happened to me in months. Maybe years.”
She chuckles. “Don’t bullshit me.”
“I’m not.” I stroke her cheek beneath the mask. “I had a great time.”
“Me too.” She smiles, then moves back and has another swig of water. “Tell your friend you’ll be down soon. We’d better get moving.”
Reluctantly, I text Marcus back.Been detained. Will be ten minutes.
He replies immediately.Where the fuck are you? You’re the patron of this charity. You’re not supposed to disappear for half the evening.
Irritably, I return with,Just say I won’t be long. “All right,” I say to her, getting to my feet, “come on, let’s see what we can do about your dress.”
“And your shirt.” She lets me pull her up. I gather my clothes, and she follows me through to the bathroom. “I’m so sorry about that.”
“Absolutely not a problem. You can come on my face any day.”
“Oh God, stop it.”
We’re both laughing by the time I take out the hairdryer. I plug it in and drop to my knees in front of her so I can dry her dress. She rests a hand on my shoulder while I concentrate on getting rid of the damp patch.
Her fingers slide through my hair, and I glance up at her to see her watching me. “Thank you,” she says softly.
“Least I can do.” It’s drying well, and after another minute you’d never know it had been wet. I get to my feet and pass her the hairdryer, then lift my chin so she can dry my shirt.
When she’s done, she turns around so I can lace up her bodice. While she fixes her makeup from her clutch, I do up my shirt buttons, tie my bow tie, tug on my waistcoat, and pull on the jacket. Finally, we return to the living room, and she slips on her sandals.
