Amber had accepted a glass of champagne, and now wandered over to where it sat on a glass table. She was trying on a flirty, strapless cocktail dress that was unlike anything she’d ever worn before.
The bodice was snug, wrapping her in silver beading and sequins. It had a high waist of deep jewel blue with a chiffon skirt that flowed to midthigh. Her back was mostly bare, crisscrossed in shiny, beaded straps, ending in a drop V waist. She’d also found a pair of high-heeled silver shoes that were surprisingly comfortable and seemed to go with a lot of outfits.
“This is a keeper,” said Destiny from behind her.
Amber turned to see Destiny do a runway turn in a glimmering, full-length gold sheath with a slit up the leg.
Luca’s voice drawled from the armchair where he’d stayed back to watch. “Have you got a month’s pay to blow?”
“I was going to let Cole buy it,” Destiny answered with an impish grin. “The man just inherited half a billion dollars. He’s not going to notice one little dress.”
“Sure,” came Cole’s unexpected voice. “Dresses are on me.”
Amber turned to find him looking her up and down. “Buy that one.”
She felt suddenly self-conscious, particularly knowing he’d had a good view of the back.
“I’m just messing around,” she told him. “I’ve already picked out more than enough.”
“Buy it,” he repeated. “It looks good on you.”
“I don’t have anywhere to wear it.”
“You will.”
“I don’t think you have a good feel for my social life.”
“The Coast Eagle Christmas party is on Friday. It’s formal.”
She glanced down at herself. “You call this formal?”
“What do you call it?”
“Nightclubbing.”
“Nobody’s going to complain.” He moved in a bit closer, his voice going low as Destiny and Cole engaged in their own conversation. “I’m sure not going to complain.”
The familiar shiver of arousal teased her limbs. “Stop.”
“You done?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Got shoes, purses, jewelry? Whatever else Destiny says you need?”
“I wouldn’t trust Destiny if I was you.”
“She’s right. I did just inherit a ridiculous amount of money. And this is important.” There was something in his tone, some combination of reluctance and tenacity.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine.”
“Are you still wrapping your head around it?”
It took him a moment to speak. “I don’t think I’ve started wrapping my head around it. I’m going one step at a time. You hungry?”