Page 24 of Meant to be Mine

Annika’s expression shifted into something I could only describe as quietly satisfied. Like a woman who knew something I didn’t.

“Of course,” she said.

“Nothing over the top,” I added. “She’ll push back if it’s too much. Something that suits her.”

“I know what suits her,” Annika said, clearly offended by the idea she wouldn’t. It was her particular superpower.

We walked over together. Kensey looked up when she heard us coming and straightened slightly.

“Everything okay?” she asked. “Please don’t tell me I screwed up something else.”

“Everything’s great,” I said. “Annika wants to fit you for something to wear to the party.”

She blinked. “What? No. That’s—there’s no need for that. I have things at home. I can find something.”

“You said yourself you didn’t pack for this.”

“I’ll go shopping.”

“Let her do it,” I said. “You’re coming to my event. You should have something from the collection. It makes sense. Free advertisement.”

She looked at Annika, then back at me. I could see her working through the argument she wanted to make. She’d say she didn’t need anything. It was too much. The scholarship kid still talking herself out of things that were being freely offered.

She gnawed her lower lip. “Are you sure?” she asked Annika.

“I am already thinking of something,” Annika said and turned toward the racks with purpose. “It’s going to be perfect for you and your coloring. Come with me.”

Kensey turned to look at me, and there it was. That smile. The one that reached all the way up. She pointed at me like she was trying to compose herself. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.”

“Drew.”

“Go,” I said. “Let her do her thing.”

She pressed her lips together and I could tell she was trying very hard not to be as happy as she was, for reasons I didn’t fully understand but recognized as very Kensey. She turned and followed Annika toward the racks. I stood there watching her go for just a moment too long.

Annika glanced back over her shoulder at me. “It is not polite to watch a woman being measured,” she said. “Go to your office.”

I walked into my office and dropped into my chair. Was I looking at Kensey like Sebastian looked at Bernadette? Or Callum looked at Victoria?

I thought about what Annika said. And Micah the other night. Maybe you already found the right girl.

I opened my emails and started working, determined not to think about Kensey and what might or might not be. I didn’t get much done in the twenty minutes that followed.

There was a soft knock on the door and then it was opening. Kensey came in with a bright smile.

“What’s wrong?” I asked. “Did something happen?”

I would slay dragons for her.

“Nothing happened.” She dropped her hands and gestured at herself. “She put me in a gorgeous gown. I don’t have words. I’ve never had anything like that. I’m an off-the-rack girl—obviously. Annika took all my measurements and said she was going to make sure it fit perfect. I’ve never worn tailored anything!”

I was smiling before I could stop it. “So it’s good?”

“I looked like I belonged, Drew.”

“Of course you did,” I said. “You do belong.”