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He laughed. “Yes. The one and the same.”
“But I don’t understand.”
“Maria is a part of the housekeeper network. If you need something, her group can definitely pull it off. They are amazing and highly resourceful.”
“I’m totally impressed. These tickets are highly sought after. Anyone who is anyone will be there.”
“And that’s why we’ll be there.”
“You mean to try and gain some interviews?”
He shook his head. “Not tonight. It will be all about enjoying yourself and just soaking up some of the atmosphere. No stressing. No worrying. And no working.”
“But—”
He held up a hand, stopping her protest. “There are no buts. Those are the rules or we don’t go.”
“I still have one but.”
He didn’t want more problems. “What is it?”
“But I don’t have a red dress to wear. I have black, blue, turquoise and deep purple but no red.” When he sent her a puzzled look, she said, “The dress code is red, except for the men. Black tux is mandatory. You do have at least one tux with you, don’t you?”
He nodded. “I made sure of it before we left LA.”
“So that just leaves me with nothing to wear.”
Trey told her about a couple of local dress shops. They agreed to meet up later at the château. As soon as she walked away, he reached for his phone to call ahead and tell them to charge him for anything Sage picked out. But then he paused. How would he explain that to Sage since he hadn’t found the right time to tell her about his true identity? He slipped his phone back in his pocket.
* * *
The evening was amazing.
Sage and Trey had walked the red carpet and posed for a photo. Trey explained that even though they weren’t famous, the photographers made money selling the photos back to the people. Sage had to admit that she would be buying the photo—most definitely. She never wanted to forget this amazing experience.
She never imagined she’d be in the same room with so many stars. It was dizzying trying to name all the celebrities. And the fact that she was speaking with them as though she were one of them—well, it was a night she’d never forget.
The hotel where the gala was being held was the same one where she was supposed to be staying. The architecture was stunning. Marble pillars supported an intricately designed ceiling. And one crystal chandelier wouldn’t do for this ballroom. Instead, there were at least a dozen. This place was fit for royalty.
She glanced down at her deep-red full-length gown, wondering if she was dressed appropriately.
Her visit to the boutique let her know that she couldn’t afford anything in the store, even if she had maxed out her credit card. But the salesgirl, having noticed the distress written on Sage’s face, told her about a little out-of-the-way shop where secondhand dresses were sold for a fraction of the original price.
It was where Sage had found this off-the-shoulder, figure-hugging gown with a daring slit up her left thigh. It didn’t fit exactly, but a few strategically placed pins in the bodice held it in place. And luckily, she had a pair of black stilettos that paired perfectly with the dress. She actually felt like Cinderella at the ball. Did that make him her prince?
Her heart fluttered in her chest. The most handsome man of all was the one holding her in his very capable arms. She lifted her head and stared up at Trey as he guided them around the dance floor.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Trey’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“I am. I don’t think my feet have touched the ground since we arrived.” She leaned in closer. “Did you see
the jewels people are wearing?”
Trey smiled and nodded as they practically floated past the white marble columns surrounding the dance floor.
“Look at that.” She pointed at the enormous chandelier made up of thousands of crystals. “I love how the light dances off it. Now that is flashy.”
A smile lifted his lips and smoothed the lines on his face.
