Page 86 of Miss Trust

“It is.” Chance had arranged for a woman to bring in an entire wardrobe of beautiful dresses from which to choose. My eye had focused immediately on the red. It was an exquisite dress with an A-line cut. The bodice came down low enough to accent my breasts, and the slit up the side showed off my legs. But it was the back I loved the most. It scooped low, accentuating my ass. I couldn’t wait to see my date’s expression when he saw it.

After my hair and makeup, I went into the large walk-in closet to slide into the dress. I felt like the movie star Penny had described. For a last touch, I put on silver strappy sandals with a three-inch heel.

When I walked back out into the bedroom, Penny had left, and Chance was walking in.

He stopped in his tracks, his eyes raking me from head to shoe. “Fuck. I changed my mind. We’re not leaving this room. Instead, I’m locking this door and peeling this fucking dress off of you.”

My grin was stupid silly, and my face heated from his compliment. “And miss the opportunity to drive you insane all night with this?” I did a slow three-sixty, but my smile died on my lips when he strode towards me.

“You’re definitely not leaving this room now.”

He turned me around to run the palm of his hand down my spine and to the crack of my ass. He sucked in his breath. “Tell me you’re wearing underwear.”

“No can do. Didn’t want any lines.” The way his gaze burned into my skin made me shiver. It also made me realize I’d never felt this desired before.

His hand came down to cup my ass. “Do you realize how much I want you right now? How torn I am about sharing you with the world? On the one hand, I can’t wait to show you off. On the other, I want to keep you to myself.”

“You say the word, and we can stay in.” Frankly I would have been happy to get out of the gala.

He chuckled. “Aw, so this was just a ploy. Nice try. We are attending the gala despite the fact your dress will be torture all night. I have something for you.”

He retrieved a box from inside his suit pocket. Opening it up, he revealed an exquisite silver lasso necklace with a diamond teardrop. I was speechless.

“The designer told me I should choose silver to match your shoes. Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful.” Another gift. Another exercise in trust. “Thank you.”

Though the whole idea had been his, he looked shocked. “Where is Tory, and what have you done with her?” But it didn’t take him long to get used to the new me since he immediately stepped behind me to put the necklace around my neck.

I walked towards the mirror to look at the necklace. It was exquisite and perfect with the dress. I might never have another place to wear it, but it would be something special I could hand down to Penelope.

He kissed my neck, whispering in my ear. “I was joking. I’m very happy you’ll accept it.”

Maybe he wasn’t far off in asking where the hell was Tory. I also didn’t recognize this woman who suddenly trusted her heart might be okay with the man in front of me.

He took off his jacket and undid his tie, causing me to cock a brow. “Did you change your mind about the gala?”

“You wish. I have to change into a tuxedo.”

“I’ll meet you outside. Penny was anxious to see me in my princess dress.”

He walked over, taking my lips for a quick kiss. “Sounds good.”

The moment I closed the bedroom door, I had to gulp for air. What was I doing? I felt like I was pretending. Pretending to be someone I wasn’t. Pretending I had control of my feelings. And worst of all, pretending this wouldn’t end with me in heartbreak. Anytime in my life I’d ever gotten my hopes up, it had come back to bite me.

Where were my defenses? Where were my walls? Somehow, he’d gotten through them when I hadn’t been paying attention, and now I was scrambling to figure out how to put them back up again.

When I walked out to the living room, Penelope came running over. “Mommy, you’re so pretty.” Her eyes were wide with wonder, her smile bigger than I’d ever seen it.

“Thank you, baby. What do you have around your neck?” I saw a silver chain with a dolphin on it.

“Mr. Chance got it for me. He told me it’s a ‘Welcome to Vegas’ necklace.”

Forget Chance sneaking around my walls. It turned out he’d obliterated them completely. I knelt to touch the chain. It was both beautiful and thoughtful. “I love it. It looks very pretty on you.”

“Then why are you crying?”

Shit. This wouldn’t do. Especially with my perfectly done makeup.