Adrenaline (Speed Series Book 2)(43)

The knock on my bedroom door caused me to jump before making my way over to it. When I opened it, I glanced down to see bright blue eyes staring up at me with a gaped open mouth.

“You’re so pretty,” Sophie whispered in awe.

I bent down and placed my hands on her shoulders. “Not as pretty as you, though.” My finger curled around her black curl. Every time I looked at Sophie I imagined what Malcolm’s little girl would look like. Would it be too much of a dream to imagine children together?

Tears threatened as I pushed the thought away.

“Thank you, Paislie. I’m in charge of bringing you your party dress for the ball!”

The thrill of tonight’s adventures was heard in her sweet little voice. “Would you like to help me put it on?”

“Oh yes!” Sophie said skipping into my room and jumping up on the bed.

I hung up the red Versace gown and took a step back. The dress was gorgeous. I’d never worn anything so beautiful . . . or expensive. The dress hugged my figure with the tight bodice, but the flowing dress added a soft touch. The open back was just the right touch of sexy, but not too much. I thought it was too much, but Autumn reminded me the ball was more for the grownups so I went with it.

Opening my robe, I pushed it off my shoulders and heard Sophie gasp. Peeking over my shoulder, I winked. I totally forgot she was there.

Shit.

“Paislie! Where are your panties and what is that?”

Sophie pointed to the new garter belt I had bought the other day. Oh dear. It looked like I was about to give Sophie her first lesson in lingerie.

“Well, that is called a garter belt. It’s used to hold up my stockings.”

Her eyes roamed over my body and I felt slightly awkward. “Does your mommy not get dressed in front of you?”

The mesmerized face stared at me as she whispered a faint, “No, ma’am.”

“How come your panties are not all there?”

Shit. How did I explain that one?

“They are. They are more of a big girl’s panties.”

“I’m a big girl. When I can wear them?”

Hmm . . . what would Autumn say?

Chewing on my cheek, I said, “When you turn twenty-one.”

Sophie jumped. “Yay!!!”

Clearly she couldn’t understand how far off that was.

“What’s that called?”

She pointed to the black bra I was wearing. “It’s called a bra. It’s not a normal bra, it’s made special for dresses and shirts with no backs on them.”

Tilting her head in confusion, she let that one go. Thank God.

I reached for the dress and slipped it over my head carefully. The way it felt against my skin was heavenly. I’d always loved dressing up, I just never had a reason to. Sophie helped me zip up the small zipper on the side. I slipped on the heels I bought on the same shopping trip that I bought the garter and twirled around for my curious little friend.

Sophie stood there with a huge smile on her face. “Do you like it, Sophie?”

She nodded her head. “Oh yes! You really do look like a princess.” I reached down and took her hand, spinning her and causing her dress to spin outward. “So, do you in your beautiful pink dress.”

Sophie blushed and then started jumping around. “We’re ready!”

She took my hand and started pulling me toward the door. “Oh wait!” I called out. Walking over to the dresser, I picked up my favorite bottle of perfume and gave a quick spray.

“Me next!”

Bending down, I gave Sophie a quick spray. “Now we’re ready!” I said with excitement. As Sophie pulled me down the hallway, she glanced over her shoulder and declared, “Uncle Malcolm is going to fall in love with you tonight!”

My smile dropped as my chest tightened. I struggled to get air in as she continued to pull me outside. The moment the fresh air hit me in the face, I took in a deep breath. Too bad it was hot and humid and offered no relief.

Ugh. Texas in June.

I sucked back a breath of air as I took in all the people. “Who are all these people?”

Sophie took off running over to a friend. So much for my party buddy.

“That is the million dollar question. I’d bet half of them don’t even have a kid here.”

I turned to my right and saw a handsome blond standing there with a smile on his face.

With a polite smile, I reached my hand out. “Paislie Pruitt.”

“Jeremy Rice.”

“Um . . . how do you know Autumn?”

He laughed and shook his head. “I know Malcolm. Anytime there’s a party thrown by Malcolm, I’m there. We’re old high school friends.”

I nodded my head. “Oh, I see. So no little ones running around?”

His face fell in horror as he said, “Bite your tongue. I like sex too much to have kids right now.”

Oh wow. Damn he’s blunt.

A waitress walked by carrying a tray of wine. I quickly reached for a red and took a sip. I could feel Jeremy’s eyes on me, instantly making me become uncomfortable. Five months ago I would have been flirting with this guy and probably would have ended up leaving with him.

“So what about you? Kids?”

With a chortle, I shook my head. “No. I’m married to my career.”