Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
I tug self-consciously at the hem. “I don’t know about this. I’ve never—”
“If you’re not going to buy it, then consider it a gift from me.”
Her enthusiasm pulls me along, and we move through more shops, each one a new sensory overload. In a boutique with crystal chandeliers, she finds a classy emerald gown, its floor-length silk flowing like liquid, perfect for glamorous dinner parties I’ll never attend.
“This is so you,” she declares, holding it up.
The green silk catches the light like a forest at dusk. Dutifully, I pull out my credit card. She’s right. It’s too beautiful to pass up, even if I never have an occasion to wear it.
Another store, all white walls and minimalist racks, yields a red dress, its cut daring, wrapping my body like a lover’s touch, and to my shock, I suddenly think of Max’s eyes on me. A thought that sends heat pooling low, and horrible, horrible guilt trailing close behind. How can I think of such a thing when I am out shopping with his wife?
I must be such a terrible person. The sooner I leave, the better.
Sara does not notice the conflict in me. She is relentless, her laughter bright as she piles my arms with choices.
Finally, we enter a lingerie shop—a small, intimate space with black velvet walls and displays of sensual underwear.
Sara holds up a set, black lace with delicate straps and sheer panels, outrageously sexy, and grins. “Hopefully you need this very soon,” she says, her voice playful.
My cheeks burn as I swallow hard and pretend to nod nonchalantly. My purchases soon include the kind of underwear I’d never have dared buy—outrageously racy for a sexually confident woman who isn’t me, or maybe who I could’ve been if Dad’s lie hadn’t stolen my fire.
The drive back is quieter, the city’s buzz fading as we wind through tree-lined streets, the SUV’s leather seats cool against my skin. Sara hums along to the radio, a soft pop tune, with the bags clustered behind. The house looms ahead, its sleek lines glowing under the late afternoon sun, and as soon as we arrive, the workers come out to help us carry the bags inside. Sara and I head up to my room.
“Thank you, Sara,” I say, turning to her, my voice thick with gratitude, my throat tight with the weight of her kindness. “This is… more, by far more, than anything I expected from this day out. I will remember this outing forever. My life back home is going to be very dull after this.”
“Well, you’re not going back for a long time yet. We’ve just found you and we’re not letting you go quite so easily.”
“Actually, I must go back soon. I still have a lot of things to do to settle my father’s estate.”
She smiles, her eyes soft, and steps closer, her hand resting lightly on my arm, warm through the sleeve of my dress. “I can assure you, knowing the kind of successful man your father was, he would have made sure all his affairs were in order well before his passing, Amelia. Please stay a little while with us. We're all so glad you came to stay with us,” she says, her voice warm, sincere, like a blanket wrapping around me.
I bite my lower lip.
“And Jason likes you so much,” she continues persuasively. “He talks about you and your dragons nonstop. And to be honest, I was a little worried about leaving him behind when I go to Nebraska next Monday. My mom is sick, and I was really conflicted about planning trips back to care for her. But knowing you’re here, I don’t have to worry as much. You’re good for him, for us. You will help us out at this difficult time, won’t you?”
Her words land like a wave, a surge of warmth and responsibility that catches me off guard. I nod, my throat tightening further. “Of course, I’ll help. I’m happy to be here for him.” My voice is convincingly steady despite the shiver running through me, a mix of longing and fear. The thought of staying in her house while she’s gone. Being alone at night with Max stirs a quiet panic in me.
She squeezes my arm and, with a smile full of gratitude, slips out. The door closes softly behind her, and the hush of the room gathers around me. I close my eyes and breathe in slowly and deeply.
Sara doesn’t know that she’s going out of the room and leaving a hungry cat alone with the plate of cream.
Oh God! Give me strength. Lead me not into temptation.
Don’t let me lick the cream.
Chapter
Fifteen
AMELIA
Isit across from Jason in my new black dress, a sultry number Sara insisted I wear. It clings to my curves, and its low neckline is a daring choice that makes me feel oddly naked and exposed. My hair, styled in loose waves that cascade over my shoulders and brush my bare arms.