Chapter 69
Kai
Kendallisstunning.Avision. Like so many times before and countless times after, it hurts just to look at her. I rake my eyes over her once, twice. It’s on the third time I realize that no length of time would be enough. I could stare at her forever and still want more. If this fantasy is the last thing I see before I die, I think I’d be content.
Her curly hair has been straightened and pulled into a sleek bun that sits at the nape of her neck. She’s wearing the diamond earrings I picked out and they send little fractures of light scattering across the wall. Her lipstick is a classic deep red, her cheeks two rosy, shimmering apples. Her makeup is natural and flawless, beautiful in an understated way, her bright hazel eyes framed by long lashes. Her almond skin is glowing, her chest and arms dusted with faint sparkles.
She is regal. Ethereal. I’m not worthy.
And the dress.
God help me.
I knew it was perfect when I saw it in the store. But nothing could have prepared me to see her in it. The way the redfabric hugs her curves and kisses her breasts. It caresses her shape, fitting like a glove. She is a goddess in red, an angel of seduction. And that tempting goddamn slit leaves nothing to the imagination. I want nothing more than to slide my hand underneath it and inch my way up her thigh until—
Jax clears his throat anxiously. I’ve spent so much time staring at her, ogling her that I don’t realize how much time has passed.
“Um, should we like go in?” Jax asks awkwardly. Kendall and I break into laughter, both caught in the middle of eye fucking each other.
“Yes, come in. Please. We’re almost ready,” she replies, leading us inside.
I wrap my arms around her waist and bury my face in her neck, breathing her in. I don’t care that other people are around. I don’t care that we need to leave soon. I nuzzle her cheek, that spot just below her earlobe, pressing kisses to her throat. Then she kisses me soft and sweet, her tongue dancing with mine, and it’s all I can do to remain standing. I kiss her back. It’s deep and hungry, my hand cupping her head. Because she isn’t the type to worry about smudging her makeup or messing up her hair. Because she is so goddamn beautiful. Because she is everything I have ever wanted. Because she’s here and she’s mine and I am never letting her go again. Her swollen lips curl into a dazzling smile as she sighs.
“Hi,” I breathe, my forehead leaning against hers.
“Hi yourself, handsome,” she whispers.
“Uh hello. You two do know there are other people around, right?” Emma quips as she breezes into the room in a pale yellow dress.
“Sorry guys. We’re just excited,” Ken replies.
“I for one am not sorry and I don’t intend to stop on either of your accounts,” I say without looking away from Kendall.
Twenty minutes later and fifteen minutes after I want to leave, we’re finally in the car. The four of us are sitting in the back of a limo, drinking champagne, yelling over each other, and laughing our asses off. I know it’s going to be a great night. I can feel it in the air, electric and charged and full of possibilities. The kind of night that stays with you long after it’s over.
Chapter 70
Kendall
ThethingaboutKaiis he doesn’t do anything in half measures. He had remembered every detail of the dream date I talked about years ago, and he absolutely delivered. The Rayfield Memorial Charity Gala is held at the Boston Public Library. I’ve lived 15 minutes outside of Boston almost my whole life and never visited it. Standing in the foyer of the library and marveling at the gorgeous renaissance style architecture, marble walls, and soaring arched ceilings, I’m glad I hadn’t. It made the night that much more magical.
“Come on,” Kai urges, tugging my hand. I follow him with a smile wordlessly and sashay up the long steps behind him.
We enter the Bates room hand in hand and my jaw nearly hits the floor again. There’s at least a hundred neatly set tables all decorated with tall flower centerpieces. Vivid blues and bright purples and softer pinks are mixed in with vines and greenery to create stunning bouquets that paint the circular tables in a sunset of colors. There are uniformed waiters and servers hustling back and forth between guests and the bar. The two bars stand on either side of the room, a few people lining upto receive signature drinks and glasses of top shelf alcohol. And right in the middle of the opulent hall is a fifteen-piece live band, a decent sized dance floor positioned right in front of it. Every person I let my gaze linger on is wearing an item of clothing that costs more than my monthly rent. Myself included.
Kai stares at me while I stare in awe at my surroundings. His fingers still woven in mine, he finally says, “Let’s find our table.”
Our table it turns out is in the perfect location, sitting equidistant between the band and bar, with easy access to the restrooms. Jonah and his date, Mindy, Jax and Emma, and two guests we have yet to meet are also seated with us. Jonah greets Kai with a hug and a slap on the back before he introduces us to his date.
Shortly after we sit down, appetizers and bread appear on the table followed by a fresh caprese salad. Kai’s phone starts buzzing in his pocket aggressively. I watch as he pulls it out and ignores the call.
“It’s just Aiden,” he tells me unphased. “I’ll call him back tomorrow.”
“Did you ever figure out what was going on with him? When you said he was acting strange?” I wonder.
“Not really. Jenna had a little insight, but I think he has some deep gambling bets. Maybe some other stuff he’s dealing with.”
“Hmm,” I murmur as I cut into my steak.
