“You have to understand that I was coming from the mindset of true romance being making out under the bleachers on my high school football field.”
After a beat of silence, I laugh. “I see.”
She shrugs. “Kyle was my first serious boyfriend. I didn’t have much dating experience. Now, I know better.” Her face twists into a grimace. “I can’t believe I dated that guy for six months. What was I thinking?”
I have to rub my jaw to hide my amusement.
Wide eyes fly to my face. “Is it weird to talk about my ex on our first date? I’msosorry.” Her cheeks turn crimson.
“It’s okay. I like it when you... talk.” A smile tugs at my lips. Since I’m not overly expressive, she’s the perfect balance for me. I like when she strays off into amusing rants. “Awkward Grace” is utterly adorable.
She’s unabashedly herself, never trying too hard to be sexy or sophisticated like many other women I’ve encountered. Everything about her is natural and refreshing, and she’s quickly reeling me in.
Chapter 5
Grace
Ismooth my hands downmy waist and over my hips, turning at an angle to admire my dress in the full-length mirror. It’s a lovely red creation with long sleeves. However, the material of the sleeves and bodice is mostly sheer, with red lace covering my vital bits. There’s cleavage action, but not too much. The silhouette accentuates the flare of my hips, and the slit up one side reveals a generous amount of thigh when I move. The gown is gorgeous.
The price tag is out of this world, and I was reluctant to let Rowan pay for it. But he made a good argument: He asked me to accompany him to the gala, so it’s his duty to fund any expenses. I had nothing to wear to a high-society function, anyway, so I gave in and allowed him to buy what I needed.
I smile at the result of this morning’s shopping expedition. The sales clerk, Wanda, whose eyes flickered with dollar signs when Rowan pulled out his American Express and told her “Spare no expense,” was right. The dress isperfect. We’d shooed him out of the boutique to surprise him with my choice.
Wanda promised his eyes will bulge out of their sockets when he sees me in it. Then she helped me out by recommending the best hairstylist in the area. Now, my usually boring straight hair is up in an elegant creation of waterfall braids—I didn’t even know what that was before today—with a cascade of curls down my back. My hair has never looked this good.
“I’m so nervous,” I whisper, still studying my reflection. I’ve never gotten dressed up like this for anything. When I found myself smitten with the firefighter who rescued me from a burning building, I wasn’t expecting to be thrown into the role of standing on a billionaire’s arm for fancy galas.
I’m not prepared for this. What if I trip over my silver stilettos and embarrass myself... and Rowan? Because, apparently, I turn into a big klutz when I get flustered. My imagination runs wild with the possibility of disaster in a room full of rich folks.
“Oh, God.” I groan. Taking a deep breath, I murmur, “Pull yourself together, Grace.”
Footsteps coming toward the bedroom help to pull me from my panic.
Rowan appears in the bedroom doorway. The first glance at him makes me blush because I’m reminded that we just got done indulging in passion-fueled sex in this very room. My ass is still deliciously tender from his spanking.
Bringing myself back from the erotic memories, I admire him in his tux.Good grief. He’s like a female wet dream come to life. The jacket sculpts his broad shoulders and impressive biceps. He didn’t bother to shave his stubble, so his classy appearance is given a rugged edge. His hair, which is usually windblown, is combed back. I’m salivating at the sight of him.