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“You kids these days can completely bypass college and build immense wealth with the tap of your fingertips,” she continues. “You can make connections all around the world without ever leaving your living room.”
“They have no idea how good they have it.” My mother chimes in. “I’m hoping Scarlett eventually takes advantage of her good looks and charm.”
“I hope so, too.” The woman picks up a footstool and motions for me to step on top of it. “Let’s finish the rest of the fitting, shall we?”
I tune out their conversation as they poke and prod me with needles and make notes on measuring tape.
When they’re done, I rush upstairs and lock my bedroom door.
Easton is already inside, leaning against the window with his arms crossed, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
“Something funny, Birthday Boy?” I ask.
“I’m not used to seeing you in bright pink.”
“Oh.” I look down at the dress. “Don’t get used to it.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“Being a stand-in for Tully.” I shrug. “I was planning to call when I finished and got out of this thing.”
“Let me help you.” He walks over and motions for me to turn around.
Staring at him through the mirror, I watch as he unzips the side of my dress. He slides his finger along the sash tied at the front and slowly loosens it.
With his eyes on mine, he saves the pearl necklace I’m wearing for last, unclasping it and pressing a kiss against my neck.
Every nerve in my body comes to life and my heart skips a beat.
“You’re not supposed to kiss me there,” I say.
“You’re right.” He kisses my neck again. “Why is that?”
“Because it’s against my ‘I don’t want to go there with you’ rules.”
“You were supposed to rewrite some of those…” He lets the pearls drop to the floor. “When exactly are you getting around to that?”
“Soon.”
“You’ve said that before.”
“Then you shouldn’t be surprised.”
He sighs and gently grabs my waist, spinning me around to face him.
“I hate that I didn’t meet you first,” he says.
“Would that have changed anything?”
“Fuck yes.”
I want to believe that, but hypotheticals have never been my strong suit. It’s hard for me to see the shades in anything; it’s always black and white.
He pulls me into his arms and kisses my lips. “I got you a present.”
“Onyourbirthday?”
He nods and points to my desk. A huge bouquet of pink roses is sitting on my books, and a new silver charm—a rose petal—is waiting to be added to my necklace.
