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“I need to see this dress move.”
“Move?”
“Yes, I’ve made some adjustments to the hemline, and I want to see the way it flows. Put it on for me, darling.”
My eyes widen and I point to the mannequin. “You want me to wear that dress? What if I damage it?” This is so much worse than packing gowns into a garment bag.
Juliette waves her hand. “You won’t damage it.” She lifts the gown from the mannequin and hands it to me. “There’s a changing screen over in the corner.”
How can I refuse to wear a gown from such a talented designer? Gently, I drape the dress over my arm, careful to not drag the fabric on the ground, and duck behind the privacy screen. I undress and gently shimmy into it. Stepping from behind the screen, I can’t help but hold onto the sides of the skirt and swish it around my legs like I’m Cinderella after her fairy godmother magically whisked her up a gown for the ball.
“Let me fluff it out.” Juliette fiddles with the skirt then gives my shoulder a tap. “Slowly walk toward the door, then turn around and walk back.”
I do as I’m told. “This dress is gorgeous. I feel like a supermodel on a catwalk.” I’m surprised it actually fits. Another reason I love Juliette’s gowns so much is they are made for real women.
Juliette has a hand on her hip and a finger on her chin, examining the dress. “You look like one too. The gown fits like a glove. Like it was made for you.”
Warmth spreads across my face at the compliment. “You’re so talented. It’s a privilege to wear one of your designs. Even for a few moments. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, darling. The hem is perfect. It moves beautifully. You may take if off now.”
“Not yet. I want a closer look,” a deep voice says behind me. The sound of Finn’s voice sends goosebumps exploding over my skin.
I turn my head to see Finn leaning a shoulder against the doorjamb, an appreciative gaze raking over my body. I know he’s only looking at the dress. He usually looks at me with hate or mistrust.
“What do you think? Doesn’t Harper look fabulous?” Juliette says.
Finn steps into the room and stares straight into my eyes. “Stunning.”
My heartbeat quickens. Is he talking about the dress ormein the dress? I’m so caught up in Finn’s gaze, and with the sound of my heart pounding in my ears, I hardly hear Juliette saying something about a dress emergency as she dashes from the room.
Slowly, Finn circles around me, stopping behind my back. His hot breath fans over the curve of my neck. I swallow hard. He’s so close, if I lean back a fraction, we’ll be touching. Does he want me to? Should I do it? What will he do? I take a deep breath to stop my panicky thoughts. Before I decide, Finn trails a finger down my spine. The exposed back of the dress gives him access to my skin, which I’m sure has scorched his fingertip.
“Finn,” I say on a heavy breath. My body wanting… Wanting more of his touch. Wanting him to pull me in his arms and tell me all is forgiven. Wanting him to help me forget about how I screwed up our lives. I turn my head to the side. His gaze drops to my lips. I want to lean in…in fact, my body is already moving. My lips hover over his mouth.
Loud laughter and chatter from outside the office shatters the moment, and Finn jerks back. His expression changes from desire to confusion and then anger. Spinning on his heel, he blows from the room like he can’t get away from me fast enough. A lance of pain spears my chest. All those things I wanted…I can forget about. There is no forgiveness in his eyes.
Chapter Thirteen
FINN
Whatthefuckishappening? I pound the steps leading to my office. I take the stairs to my floor instead of the elevator, because I need to work off some frustration. God, it’s more than frustration. I’m disappointed at myself. I fucking loathe how I feel whenever I’m near Harper. I can’t be in a room with her without wanting—no,needingto touch her! My body is drawn to her. Like she’s the air I need to breathe.
Damn it. What is wrong with me? The sight of her should make me sick. Instead, I want to pretend that the last nine years of my life never happened. My stomach twists in a knot. I can’t let that happen.
Before I can hide away in my office, Bianca intercepts me. “Finn, I need to speak with you.”
I give a heavy sigh. “Not now.”
“But we need to discuss—”
“I fucking said not now!” My hands are shaking with rage as I open the door to my office and slam it shut behind me.
A few seconds later, a sharp knock hits my door. I spin around to tell whoever it is to get the fuck out when Hayden and Lucas saunter in.
“Get out,” I order. “I’m not in the mood for whatever shit you’re here for.”
My brothers raise their eyebrows as they look at each other then back at me. “Why are you biting Bianca’s head off? The ice queen looks like she’s about to cry,” Lucas says, dropping into a chair, not giving a shit that I want to be alone.
