AllFreeNovel
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I pull the dress out of its box and step into the center of the chiffon, pulling the fabric up and over my shoulders.
The exposed back makes it impossible to wear a bra, but the designer thoughtfully included a padded front that provides enough support. I fix the dress in place, reach around for a zipper, and freeze.
I can’t zip up my dress. It’s held together by dozens of tiny buttons that I can barely reach, much less attach. I thought nothing of it at the store. I was still trying to shake off Savannah’s comment about Oliver’s rumored girlfriend, and she helped me with every gown I tried on in the dressing suite, inspecting fabric and studying details.
My body is frozen in place, my mind racing.
I have nothing else to wear. I didn’t buy a backup dress, and all I brought from LA was business attire, pajamas, and jeans.
I walk into the bathroom, my horrified expression clear as day in the mirror.
Without anything holding the back together the teal material is sagged forward, dipping so low over my cleavage it barely covers anything. There’s absolutely no way I can wear it like this, even with a jacket over it.
I suck in a fortifying breath of oxygen, knowing what—who—my only option is.
I walk back into the bedroom. The silky fabric of the dress swishes against my skin as I walk, brushing it like an erotic whisper. And reminding me I forgot to grab underwear when I grabbed my toiletries from Oliver’s room.
I step into the heels, grab my clutch with one hand, hold my dress with the other, and open the bedroom door.
Oliver is leaning against the opposite wall, waiting.
I suck in a sharp breath, my eyes trailing up from his black dress shoes to the tailored pants, stiff jacket, and ironed shirt of his tuxedo. He shaved, the line of his jaw sharp and defined. I can smell his aftershave from here, the scent woodsy and spicy.
It isunfairfor him to look this good.
Since I’m focused on his throat, I see it bob as he swallows. My eyes make the rest of the journey up to his, something clenching deep in my stomach when our gazes connect.
His smile is slow, spreading across his face and lightening the harsh angles. He looks every inch the intimidating billionaire.
And…I realize with a start, he kind of looks likemine.
Because he’s staring at me like I belong tohim.
“What’s wrong with your dress?”
“Uh.” I blink rapidly. “I’m, um, there are buttons.” I gesture toward the back of my dress vaguely, realizing too late why that’s a bad idea. The lace and silk slip off one shoulder, and my right breast makes an appearance.
I scramble for the strap, but Oliver is faster. In one smooth motion, he captures the fabric, pulling it back into place.
My cheeks burn as his fingers graze my bare skin, leaving a warm, tingling sensation behind.
“Sorry for flashing you.” I croak.
One corner of his mouth curves up. “Nothing I haven’t seen before.”
I swallow and nod.
“Turn around.”
I comply, inhaling quickly when his fingers trail down the column of my back, tracing over every bump of my spine. Despite his words earlier, Oliver doesn’t seem to be in any big rush to leave now.
Magically, the back of my dress begins to tighten. Oliver’s fingers are deft and efficient, popping the buttons into place one by one.
“I like the dress,” he says. “Even if the buttons are impractical.”
“The compliment every woman dreams of.”
“Sorry I couldn’t offer youmore.” The edge to his tone makes it clear mynothing to do herecomment struck a nerve.
