I know it’s cheesy, but we have to coordinate. I have a reputation to uphold! My arm candy has to look good enough to eat. --Alexa
Her note made me smile. I would be her arm candy any day of the week.
At seven o’clock, I was decked out in my custom fit tuxedo, orange tie in a full Windsor knot, and freshly shined shoes. In my arms were twelve long-stemmed orange roses. I was dying to see Alexa dressed to the nines. No matter how many times I asked her about her dress, she refused to tell me anything except Addison was making it and I would love it.
The limo waited outside the building. I greeted the driver, climbed in, and we headed to Alexa’s house. I didn’t care that I was going to be early. I missed her, even though it had only been two days since I’d seen her.
The chauffeur dropped me off at Alexa’s door. He would circle the neighborhood so he didn’t block traffic, while I went to get her.
Addison opened the door, whistling her approval of my look. “Damn boy, you look gooood.” She drawled out the last word.
“Thank you, Addison. Always a pleasure to see you. Do we have a curfew tonight?” I stepped into the apartment and gave her a hug.
“Not tonight. You’ve earned my trust.” Addison gave me a wink, motioning me into the living room. “She’ll be right down. She’s touching up her lipstick.”
As if on cue, Alexa reached the top of the staircase. Her hair was in what I’d heard my sisters call an updo, exposing her long, beautiful neck. Flawless makeup highlighted every gorgeous facial feature, including the neutral lipstick that made her lips look edible. I prayed she packed the tube in her purse, because I planned to kiss it off every chance I got.
My gaze drifted lower to her dress. The beautiful shade of blue enhanced her already stunning eyes. The fabric flowed perfectly over every inch of her tight body. As she walked down the stairs, one long leg swept out of the high slit in the dress. Nude, peep-toe stilettos covered her feet.
I paid attention when my sisters talked fashion. Don’t judge.
By the time she reached the bottom step, my mouth hung open with no words escaping. Addison elbowed me in the side, startling me out of my haze.
“You look breathtaking. Your beauty has left me speechless. Wow.” The words tumbled out of my mouth.
“You clean up nice, too, tiger.”
I was thrilled she approved of my appearance, but honestly, no one was going to notice me with her by my side.
I placed the flowers on the side table before reaching out to pull her to me, but she turned to show me the rest. If I was speechless before, my brain completely short-circuited when I saw the back of her dress… if I could even call it that. Other than a small piece of fabric across her shoulder blades, the entire back was cut out to the top of her ass. Her dimples were on display for me to stare at and touch all night long.
“Holy shit, Lex. That is the sexiest thing I have ever seen. I don’t think I’ll stop touching you all night.” Finally, I wrapped my arms around her slim body, rested my hand on the small of her naked back, and kissed her long and hard.
Fuck the gala. Fuck the agreement.
Addison fake coughed to get our attention. “Now behave, kids. You need to take this princess to the ball, Luke. Stop mauling her in the living room.”
Alexa and I looked sheepishly over to Addison, muttering our apologies.
“The dress is perfect, Addison. It will be by far the most beautiful dress there tonight.” I gave Addison one last hug.
“We need to get going. Addison, thank you so much for all your hard work this week. Love you.” Alexa said goodbye to her roommate, and we headed to meet our limo to start our amazing night.
Chapter Twenty-two
Alexa
I was so nervous when I heard the doorbell ring. What if he didn’t like my dress? What if I tripped and fell at the hotel? What if my breath was so awful after dinner, Luke wouldn’t want to kiss me? Such silly thoughts swirled in my head as I walked to the stairs.
But my nerves and breath escaped when I got my first look at Luke in his tux. It was clearly custom made for him, fitting like a glove over every muscle. The orange tie popped off his crisp white shirt, and I was pleased he opted for a vest versus the cummerbund he threatened all week. More importantly, the smile on his face and the glimmer in his eye made me realize I was nervous for nothing. It was Luke, and he’d love my dress even if it were made of burlap. He would catch me if I fell, and he would kiss me no matter what my breath smelled like.
After we said goodbye to Addison, we headed down the stairs to meet the car. As I suspected, Luke could not keep his hands off me. Once we settled in the back seat, he was forced to move his arm, but he did so begrudgingly.
“Did you wear this dress to drive me crazy all night?” Luke whispered in my ear, nuzzling the sensitive skin behind my ear.
“You don’t like it?” I replied shyly.
“I absolutely love it. With your hair up, and this dress, I pray no one notices the hard-on I’ll be sporting all night.”
“You like my hair up? I didn’t know that. I always wear it down when I see you.” I looked over at him, a quizzical look on my face.
“You’ve never noticed how I always sweep your hair to the side so I can kiss you here?” He trailed his finger lightly down my neck, leaving a line of goose bumps in its path. “You have the sexiest neck I’ve ever seen. So long and slender. I want to lick and suck on it all night. Among other things.”
I hadn’t noticed, but then again, I was always too turned on to even remember my own name when he was near me.
“Good to know.” I steadied my voice, trying not to show him how his words affected me. “Explain the fascination with my back. You’ve seen that more than any other part of my body. Nothing special there.”
“You have no idea. Your skin is so soft and silky. It has the most perfect curve to it, and two dimples right above your ass. Every time I see them, I want to lick and caress them. Your tattoo’s sexy as hell. I love the translation. It means something to you, and I can’t wait to find out why you chose those words.”
Wow! I had never had a guy say anything remotely that special to me.
“Thank you. You know how to make a girl blush. You’re as good with your words as you are with your hands.” I kissed him for speaking such sweet sentiments.
When we arrived in front of the Westin Copley Hotel, the driver got out and opened our door. Luke climbed out and helped me from the car. The hotel had been used as a command center for the bombing investigation. I thought it was great they brought the gala full circle.
Since the event was a huge fundraiser for the One Fund, the organizers went all out. There was a red carpet and press everywhere. Many high-powered politicians, some Boston-raised celebrities, and successful business owners attended. I had heard rumors all week about who was coming. The list blew my mind. I was a simple girl, yes, and I worked for many wealthy people, but zero celebrities were on our client list. I prayed I didn’t fan girl and embarrass Luke or myself.
We posed for society page photographers in front of the big Boston Strong, One Fund backdrop before heading in. The crowd swarmed around the lobby as greeters tried to corral us toward the banquet room for the night’s festivities. Various business owners from Newbury Street stopped us. Luke introduced me to everyone as his girlfriend, and even talked about Dress Me Up. A few of the wives were interested in my services, even asked if I had business cards on me. Unfortunately, I carried only a few in my small clutch. I never expected to run out so soon. For me, the night was more about raising money and having a great night with Luke than drumming up business.