A small square card rests on top of the counter, my name scrawled on the front of it. Once it registers that all of this is for me, my nerves start to consume me. I’m excited and scared at the same time. After reaching for the card, I tear it open.
In bold, it reads:
Dinner on the rooftop, 8:00.
Wear the dress.
Placing the card against my chest, I think, what dress? Confused, I make my way into my room, where a large rectangular box with a red ribbon tied around it is lying on top of my bed. I debate on whether to open it, thinking this is all too much, then again, it makes him happy to do these kinds of things for me. So of course I’m going to open it. I pull off the lid.
A crimson-colored fabric lies inside, a halter-style dress with the back cut out, designed to accentuate my curves. Wow.
Carrying it into the bathroom, I try it on in front of the mirror, turning from front to back. It looks as if it was tailored to fit my body. To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. It’s the perfect mixture of classy and sexy. “Looks like Mr. Lawyer has been doing his homework.”
I turn on the shower, then carefully slip out of the dress and hang it up in my closet. Taking two steps back, I admire it for a minute, when another box on the closet floor captures my attention, this one smaller than the last. When I open it, there’s a strappy pair of heels peeking out at me, obviously bought to match the dress. I laugh out loud. Is this really happening? Sean must love to shop, which I hadn't known about him.
After lathering my body with soap, I stand under the spray thinking about all that’s happened in the last few months. I’d finally told Logan and Gia that Luke and I were over, though I didn’t offer any details.
It happened about a month ago. We were all sitting in the family room, and Sean had his hand on my thigh. I hadn’t even noticed it there until Logan went off on him, saying something like, “I suggest you find another place for your hand. Don’t forget who she belongs to.” Needless to say, I was mortified. After I snapped and told him it was over, he seemed to shut up about it.
When Gia asked about it later I told her it was too exhausting to explain, and honestly, it didn’t’ matter anymore. She responded with a sad look in her eyes and pulled me into a hug. She hasn’t brought it up since. She knows it’s bad, but she doesn’t know how bad it really is.
Rinsing all the soap off my body, I turn off the water and wrap myself in a towel. I only have thirty minutes to get ready, and the butterflies continue to build with every second. I put on my dress and turn on some music for a distraction. My mind is spinning with thoughts of what might happen later.
Finishing my make-up, I apply a light stroke of gloss along my full lips before stepping into my strappy heels. I blow out a breath and glance over my outfit one last time, pleased with what I see. When I check the clock, it’s time to go. Excitement fills me, and I flick off the light—stepping on layers of petals as I make my way out. I grab a bottle of my favorite cabernet out of the kitchen, then make my way out the door.
As I reach the top of the stairs, my mouth nearly drops to the cement. The view is stunning. I can’t believe the work he put into this. Candles line the perimeter of the entire patio, and there’s a table set for two in the middle, covered in dishes of lasagna, salad, and bread. A single, white calla lily rests on one of the plates. I pull out the chair that sits in front of it, setting the bottle of wine in the center.
“Sean,” I gasp, as I hear footsteps approaching. “This is incredible.” My breath catches when I lift my gaze. “Wh-what are you doing here?” I choke, barely able to speak. “I … I thought you were—” I hold my hand over my chest, my eyes widening. My heart is thumping to the point where it probably isn’t safe.
“Sean,” Luke answers for me, frustration in his eyes. He’s wearing a black tux—the jacket unbuttoned—with a bow tie. He’s far too handsome and shouldn’t be this close to me. I want to ask him where his wife is and why he’s here.
“You did all this?” I ask, gesturing around the patio.
“Yes.” He nods, his gaze piercing into mine before almost completely closing the distance between us. I swallow back my tears. Why would he do this? And why does he still have this power over me? He looks like he’s hurting, which makes me want to comfort him, and it’s so very, very wrong. He’s a liar and a cheater, and I’m moving on with Sean.
I lift my chin. “Are you just going to sit there and stare at me all night? What’s the point of this?”
He flinches. “I came here for you. And yeah, I’m going to stare at you. Besides the fact that you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, I don’t want to take my eyes off you because it’s been months since I’ve been able to look at you.”