Dating Games(110)

I bring my hand up to the door, but before I have a chance to knock, it swings open. I still, momentarily taken by surprise before a familiar smile greets me warmly.

“Guinevere,” Camille sighs, holding out her arms and taking me in them, hugging me. “It is so good to see you.” She pulls back, not a hint of disapproval in her gaze as I’d expected to see. I’m more than aware of how close she is to Julian. I have no doubt he told her what happened. “Although I suspect you’re not here to see me.”

I laugh. “While I have missed you and your cooking, no. I’ve come to talk to Julian.”

“He’ll be so happy to learn you’re here. He’s been an absolute bore these past few weeks.” She smiles, then her expression falls flat. “But he’s not home.”

“He isn’t?”

“No. He left about an hour ago. He’s at a charity auction for the foundation Sonia’s sister started in her name.”

“Of course.” I chew on my lower lip, contemplating my next move. Now that I’ve had my big epiphany, I hate having to wait another second.

“It’s just over at the Four Seasons.”

I glance down at my clothes before lifting my eyes back to hers. “I don’t think I’m dressed for that kind of event.”

“So? That didn’t stop Cinderella from going to the ball.”

“She had a Fairy Godmother. And a bunch of talking mice as friends. I don’t exactly have any of that.”

Camille’s eyes dance, her expression turning conniving. “I don’t think I can help you with talking mice, but I have something better than a Fairy Godmother.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“Come see for yourself.” With a wink, she turns from me and walks back into Julian’s home. I hesitate at first, then step inside.

The instant I do, his warmth and energy fill me. For the past few months, this place was like a home. I felt more comfortable here than I ever did in the apartment I shared with Trevor. Julian never reminded me he was the main bread earner in our arrangement, as Trevor so often did. The difference is just another reminder of the person Julian is. He never flaunted his money, except to spoil me. Our relationship was never a competition. It was a true partnership.

Camille stops outside one of the guest rooms, then pauses before pushing open the door. Curious as to what’s going on, I walk inside, my gaze instantly falling on a stunning sapphire blue ballgown hanging outside the closet. The fitted bodice has a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves. Jewels overlay the satin material down to the waist, then the dress juts out into a flowing skirt Julian seems to like, considering most of the formal gowns I’d worn all summer were of a similar style.

“Like I said,” she sings as she approaches me from behind. “I may not have a magic wand or mice that can sew, but I do have a dress.”

My mouth agape, I spin around, my mind reeling with various thoughts, the most pressing being why there’s a dress waiting for me when I haven’t spoken to Julian in several weeks.

“He had Dana set something aside,” she explains, answering the question written on my face. “He’d hoped you’d have a change of heart by tonight.”

I can’t fight against the smile pulling on my lips. I want to be angry at him for being so arrogant and assuming, but I can’t. It’s further proof that I never left his mind, that he wasn’t lying when he insisted I was the only woman he thought of since he met me.

“He’s a bit cocky, isn’t he?” I mutter in a playful tone.

“He certainly is. I’ve known Julian Gage over twenty years now. The one thing I’ve learned is when he sets his eyes on something, he doesn’t stop until he has it.”

“And he wants me.” I look back at the dress.

“Yes, sweetheart. He does. He has since the night you met.” She places her hands on my shoulders, forcing me to face her. “He may have lied to you, things may not have gone as planned, but I don’t think your story could have been written any other way. Do you?” She cocks a brow.

There’s only one answer that seems fitting. “No, I don’t.”

“Good.” She beams. “Now, let’s get you ready for the ball, Cinderella. This time, there’s no turning into a pumpkin at midnight.”





Chapter Forty-Two





I look down at my dress, a hint of the same inadequacy I experienced my first weekend in the Hamptons with Julian washing over me. Curious eyes float in my direction the instant I enter the elaborate ballroom at the Four Seasons. I summon every ounce of courage I possess, aware most of the people present have learned of our breakup and are probably wondering why I’m here. Men don crisp tuxedos. Women wear stunning gowns, glittering jewels covering their necks and ears. Impressive crystal chandeliers hang overhead, the ambient lighting not too bright as couples dance to a jazz band playing an old Ella Fitzgerald tune.

As I continue farther inside, my eyes zero in on the bar. My nerves are at an all-time high and I need something to help settle the butterflies in my stomach. With each step I take, I feel the whispers of the other guests against my skin. All summer, I never felt as out of place as I do now. I had Julian at my side back then. This is just another reminder of everything he did for me, how he made me feel empowered amongst those who view it their duty to judge others.