Flirting with Forever: A Hot Romantic Comedy(75)

Me: Go show Cox. In fact, do it now so you still have time to get to the event.

Sophie: Why? We have plenty of time to get there.

Me: Not once he sees you in that dress. You’re going to need time to fix your hair and makeup.

Sophie: Why would I… Oh! I get it.

Me: That’s our girl. I’ll see you all in a little while.

I went back to styling my hair, putting it up with a few wavy tendrils around my face. Then I touched up my makeup and added bold red lipstick to match my dress. After one last look in the mirror, I decided to add a silver bracelet to complete the look. Then I grabbed a small black clutch, tucked in my phone and a few essentials, and went next door in search of Dex.

Riley’s eyes widened when she answered the door. “Oh my gosh. You look amazing.”

“Thank you, love.” I gave her a hug and kissed next to her cheek.

“Can I see your hair in the back?”

I turned so she could look. “It’s simple, actually. Just some twists and tucks, then a few bobby pins. I can show you how to do it.”

“That would be so cool. This is so pretty.”

“Is your dad ready yet?”

“I don’t know. He’s been upstairs for a while.”

A moment later, Dex appeared.

It was official. Dex St. James in a tux was one of the most delicious things I’d ever seen.

He wore classic black with a crisp white shirt and bow tie. It was timeless, bringing out his gentleman side, while the hint of his tattoos at the wrists made the look distinctly him.

So sexy.

If he hated the tux, or felt the least bit uncomfortable, it didn’t show. He came down the stairs, moving as if he wore a suit every day—totally confident.

It was justified. He looked incredible.

His eyes were on me and the way he looked me up and down with barely disguised heat sent a tingle down my spine.

“Wow, Dad. I’ve never seen you look so nice,” Riley said.

“Thanks, kiddo.” He tugged on the lapels. “Well, what do you think?”

“I think you should wear a tux more often,” I said.

“No.” He eyed me up and down again. “Although if it means you’ll wear that again, I might be persuaded.”

I turned in a circle. “You like?”

“It’s really not fair to everyone else who’s going to this thing.” He slid his hands around my waist and gave me a light kiss on the forehead. “You look incredible.”

“I was just thinking the same about you.”

He turned to Riley. “Are you all packed?”

“Yep, I’m ready.”

Although Riley was old enough to be home alone, Gillian had arranged to pick her up so she could spend the night at their place. It was remarkable how much Riley’s grandparents were involved in her life. I rarely saw my parents, let alone my grandparents. I’d never been close to any of my relatives. It made me admire Dex’s family and I was grateful Riley had them.

“Grandma will be here soon.” Dex hugged her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Have fun,” she said.

He gestured toward the front door. “Shall we?”

We left and drove downtown to the Four Seasons. Dex led me to the ballroom with his hand on the small of my back, a light touch that was surprisingly possessive.

The ballroom had been transformed into a stylish casino, minus the noisy slot machines and sugar-laden cocktails. Guests milled around the tables sipping drinks, or tried their hands at the various games. Everyone was dressed to the nines, but there wasn’t a man in attendance who looked as good as Dex.

I spotted Everly on the other side of the room, dressed in an exquisite black satin gown I’d helped her select. Shepherd stood with her, about a half-step behind, while she chatted with several of the guests.

Corban and Hazel were busy playing roulette. She also wore black, but hers was cocktail length with a flattering V-neck. Corban looked very dapper in his tux and bow tie.

Sophie’s deep green dress was even more flattering in person. Her blond curls were pinned up and Cox leaned over to kiss her bare shoulder. The adorable parents-to-be watched a small group at one of the craps tables and I wondered if it reminded them of their wild night in Vegas.

We went to the bar for drinks—a dirty martini for me, naturally, and Scotch on the rocks for Dex. After a little mingling, and saying hello to my friends, we settled on blackjack.

It was fun, and I loved being out with him, all dressed up and sipping cocktails. But it was hard to stay focused on the game. My attention kept wandering to Dex in that tux. At the way his tattoos peeked out at the wrists, like he was hiding a dirty secret.

I wanted him to get me dirty.

After a while, he leaned in and spoke close to my ear. “I want to eat you alive in that dress.”

A pleasant tingle burst between my legs. “Do you?”

“Oh yeah.” His tongue flicked my ear. “You’re driving me crazy.”

That tongue flick held all sorts of naughty promises. I glanced around. We’d made our appearance and supported the cause. No one would notice if we slipped out.

“Should we go?”

“If you’re ready. It’s your thing, I don’t want to pull you away too soon.”

A sense of gratitude mingled with my desire for him to destroy my body. This wasn’t his type of event, but he’d come for me. And instead of acting uncomfortable and taking the first opportunity to leave, he was willing to stay.