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“No. I was just letting myself imagine that.”
He pulls back enough to meet my gaze. “What a beautiful thing it could be.”
I nod, brushing my fingers over his stubbled cheek. “We were always good together.”
“Yes, but this time, I hope to be worthy of you.”
“Dude, you gotta get over that. You were worthy then too. Ilikedyou. I didn’t spend so much time with you out of pity or something. We had fun together. On some level, I was aware of my burgeoning attraction to men because of you. Don’t sell yourself short. You had just as much value then as you do now.”
“I believe you really think that. I feel more equal to you now though, and that’s important to me. It’s also important to me that I know you genuinely like me. Youseeme. You don’t choose to be around me because of what I can give you now. You’d be there no matter what, and that’s worth more than all the money and influence in the world.”
“I’m glad you know that.”
Michel brushes his lips over mine again. “How about dinner, and then you can tell me all the things you booked today?”
“Perfect.”
I crawl off his lap, overtly adjusting myself in front of him, while he makes no move to hide his attraction to me. “Someday…” He chuckles, shaking his head. “We’re going to make magic together.”
“I can’t wait.”
* * *
It’s been a month since I came back to Neubrook, and in that month, so much has happened. I’ve spent the time acclimating to small-town living again, but it’s been good.
Tonight is the masquerade ball, and I’m a nervous mess, rushing around, ensuring everything is up to par. The old-Hollywood themed decorations look wonderful. I was afraid it would look like prom, but it’s classy and elegant like a fancy hotel from back in the day. With beautiful cream linens and amazing details everywhere you look, it’s like we’ve stepped back in time.
Food and drink stations have been set up in one area while the band is in another. After talking about the options with Michel, we settled for a swing jazz band to play the type of music popular in the forties. The table where people check in is lined with masks and ready for guests. Two women from the Chamber of Commerce are ready to greet people.
Now all I have to do is run upstairs and finish getting dressed. Michel has been in his office today preparing for the press conference that’s happening in three days to announce his partnership with Sean Richmond of Oscala Technology. It’s also the first time we’re going to be face to face with Garrett since he learned Michel is part of that deal. Sean successfully purchased the building, and Garrett has been noticeably quiet and absent in public. I’m personally worried about how he might react and what he might do, but Michel seems perfectly confident about it all. Garrett always was a hothead and a loose cannon though, so I’m not sure we should let our guard down just yet.
Upstairs in the shower, as hot water washes over me, I think about the last month of being here. To say it’s a little bit different from the life I left behind is a massive understatement.
Michel and I have grown incredibly close, spending every evening having dinner together, talking about our days, going over ideas for the ball, and just generally getting to know each other again. I hate to admit it, but I’m glad he slowed us down. I think we needed the time to reconnect instead of just letting hormones take over, but tonight I plan to tell him I don’t intend to sleep alone. I’m ready for more, and I hope he is too.
First up though, I really hope he’s happy with everything I planned for the ball. He left it all in my hands, and along with Crystal’s help, I did the best I could.
After my shower, I dress slowly, paying attention to every detail to make sure I fit the theme. I chose a vintage black suit I happened to have because of a themed wedding I attended a couple of years ago. It fits me perfectly still, even though I’ve been slacking on my workouts. I even learned on YouTube how to style my hair in a way that was popular in that era.
My phone rings a few minutes later, just as I’m finishing up, and I smile when I see Michel’s name on the screen.
“Hey,” I answer.
“Hi. Where are you?”
“In my bedroom getting ready. Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. I just wanted to make sure I could come down with you.”
“Ah. Where are you?”
“On my way upstairs.”
“Cool. I’ll be here.”
“Wonderful.”
A few minutes later, I finish up with shiny black dress shoes and a tie, then head down to the living room. As I’m waiting for Michel, I pour myself a glass of wine to calm my nerves just a little bit.
