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I couldn’t hold back my smile. I knew I looked fucking killer.

Approaching the box on the bed, I opened it, and inside was a beautiful ruby necklace, the same shade as the dress. It was delicate, dainty, and pure perfection.

“Can you help me get this on?”

Tawnie nodded and came over, grabbing the chain from me and looping it around my neck. She clipped it effortlessly, and I stepped away, tousling my hair to add more volume.

“I don’t think Mr. Stone is going to be able to keep his hands to himself,” Tawnie muttered and wagged an eyebrow at me.

“Tawnie!” I squealed, laughing and shaking my head.

“Oh, Miss Stewartt, it’s very obvious.”

My cheeks turned hot and my palms a little clammy. “I’m not good at hiding it, am I?” I asked.

Tawnie shook her head and laughed, “Oh, it’s not you. Mr. Stone is the one not good at hiding how he feels about you.” She pointed at me and turned to walk to the door. “I better get going, I’m just distracting you.”

I looked at the clock on the nightstand—it was almost six thirty p.m.

“Mr. Stone will be waiting for you downstairs in ten minutes.”

“Thank you, Tawnie,” I replied with a faint smile.

The door shut as Tawnie left my room with one last knowing glance.

I gathered my belongings, slipped on a pair of my favorite heels, and applied a bold red lipstick that matched the dress. It was almost as if Colton had chosen the dress with this exact shade in mind. Feeling like a million bucks, I was ready to own the night.

MY HEELS CLICKED against the lobby floor as I made my way out. Colton was waiting in front, ready to escort me to the gala. With my clutch in hand, I walked through the doors, and the sight that greeted me nearly stole my breath away.

Colton Stone leaned casually against a sleek, blacked-out town car, adjusting the cuff of his tuxedo. If I had been wearing panties, they’d be soaked. Instead, a rush of heat coursed through me, leaving a trail of desire in its wake.

He looked like something out of a high-end magazine. The all-black tux clung perfectly to his broad frame, his hair was styled with just enough gel to hold it back, except for one rebellious strand that curled against his forehead. And the bow tie? The final touch that left me utterly undone.

“Mr. Stone,” I purred, approaching him as his eyes met mine. “You’re really tempting fate tonight.”

Colton’s gaze swept over me, slow and deliberate. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, and the dark gleam in his eyes told me he was already struggling to keep his hands off me.

“I see you like the dress,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly. I stepped closer, and he straightened, towering over me as I tilted my head up, a coy smile playing on my lips.

“How do I look?” I asked, my voice soft but laced with anticipation.

“Devastating,” he replied, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to my cheek. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of his lips against my skin.

“Lower,” I whispered, my neck tingling, craving his attention.

Colton obliged, his lips trailing to the curve of my jaw. “Here?” he teased, his breath hot against my skin.

“Lower,” I urged, tilting my head to give him more access, my fingers threading into the back of his hair. He kissed the sensitive spot on my neck, the sensation sending shivers down my spine.

Reality hit me as I opened my eyes, realizing we were still outside, in plain view. “We’ll be late if we don’t get going,” I whispered, reluctantly pulling back.

“Forget the gala,” Colton growled, his eyes dark with desire. “Let me take you back to my room and spend the night with just you.”

The heat between us was undeniable, but I wasn’t giving in that easily. The world deserved to see me in a dress like this.

“Later, Cowboy.” I tapped his chest and sauntered toward the car door, my heart racing from the charged moment.

Colton shook his head, the teasing gleam still sparkling in his eye. He followed, his long strides catching up to me effortlessly. Before I could reach for the door, he beat me to it, pulling it open with a flourish. I tilted my head up to him, my smile playful. “Why, thank you, Mr. Stone. Such a gentleman.”