She nods, her green eyes flashing at me. Her tongue darts out to lick her lips and it’s everything I can do not to close the distance and kiss her.
For real this time.
But kissing her at work? Bad fucking idea. So I force myself to back off.
“I’ll be picking you up at six tomorrow evening forthe gala.” I stand up straight and put my hands in my pockets. “Having you on my arm will definitely be a rose, not a thorn.” I can’t resist winking before I turn and walk away.
12
ISLA
A box is deliveredto my house the following afternoon, shortly after Juniper arrives to help me get ready for the gala. With it came a handwritten note that instantly had my heart racing.
Isla,
I thought it would be fitting for my marketing expert to represent the team in Thunder blue.
Luca
“Holy shit, Isla. This is a Da Silva original.”
My jaw was already on the floor when I pulled out the gorgeous blue dress. But at Juniper’s reverent whisper of the designer’s name, it falls even farther.
“I can’t wear this.”
“You absolutelycan and will.”
I let Juniper take it from me, and she holds it up so we can see the whole thing.
The soft satin is floor-length, with a structured sweetheart neckline, and a slit up one leg. It’s the kind of dress a woman dreams about wearing to a fancy event. And a dress that a single mom could never afford.
“It really is the perfect shade of blue,” I murmur. “But I can’t.”
I’ve already turned to grab my phone, set on texting Luca and insisting this is too much.
“Isla, stop.”
I lift my gaze at the command in her tone, blinking rapidly. “He sent me a dress, Juni.”
She nods and sets the dress down before coming in front of me and picking up my hands. “He sent you a beautiful dress.”
I exhale a shaky laugh. “Why would he do that?”
“Because he’s a very rich, very smart man who recognizes that a woman like you deserves a dress like this. You’re going to put it on, then I’m going to do your hair and makeup, and you’re going to turn every head tonight with how stunning you are.”
“I’m nervous, Juni.”
I let her pull me in for a hug. “I know. Try to relax and just have a good time.”
An hour later, Juniper has worked her magic. I’m just applying a little bit of hairspray when I see Charlie’s reflection behind me in the bathroom mirror.
“You look really pretty, Mom.”
“Thanks, kid,” I say with a smile.
“So this guy picking you up. Your boss. Is he cool? Like, you’re okay going with him?”
My heart melts as his voice cracks at the end. My tough guy, trying to protect his mama. That’s the boy I know and love. I turn around and walk over to him.
