Page 21 of Cat's Outta the Bag

I almost don't want to try it on in case I somehow manage the ruin it. But it needs to be done, just in case it doesn't fit. I shut my door, making sure Slinky is still out in the living room on her cat tree; I can't risk her making mischief just yet. I then strip down and step into the dress. Fits like a glove, as if there was any doubt.

Alexis: I love it, thank you. [heart emoji]

I feel so beautiful in this gown that I almost cry. The designer may have brought him the options, but Jason picked this dress for me. He found exactly what I would have chosen for myself without ever needing direction. If I needed a sign that the man seriously liked me, this is it. There are also shoes in the box that go with the dress, and they, of course, fit as well.

Jason: Glad you love it. I can’t wait to see you Saturday. Sleep tight. xoxoxoxo

Saturday can’t get here fast enough.

Chapter 16

Jason

Ican barely keep my leg from jiggling the whole ride to the hospital. Alexis texted me about half an hour ago, saying she was nearly ready, and that was the exact moment I remembered something that I wish I hadn't forgotten.

Now I’m nervous as hell.

And not because this will be Alexis' first red carpet event or that we will spend a lot of our time mingling with people she's never met before.

Oh no.

No, I'm insanely anxious because I remembered why I got seats at this auction. My parents. More specifically, my mother is on their board of directors and had us purchase a table. So not only is my brand-new girlfriend unexpectedly meeting my parents, but she's also going to meet my sister, my sister's current boyfriend, and two sets of aunts and uncles. And I, being the dumbass I am, haven't prepared her at all.

I messed up, big time.

When the town car I got us for the evening rolls up to the hospital front entrance, I’m so nervous I might vomit into one of the concrete planters lining the sidewalk.

Just as I'm getting out to collect her, Alexis steps out.

Holy fuck.

I’m dead.

I make a note to get Slinky a lifetime supply of her favorite treats. Without her, I wouldn’t be watching this goddess of a doctor walking toward me right now. She is radiant.

When I reached out to my friend, Mei-Ling, for a favor, I knew she'd hook me up, but I didn't understand just how amazing Alexis would look in the dress until now. The fitted velvet bodice and sleeves fit her like a second skin. The skirt flows like water around her legs, with one popping out occasionally through the slit. As she gets closer, I twirl my finger around, asking to see the back. She blushes and gives me a spin, giggling the whole time. Fuck me, the back. Equal parts sexy and elegant. Now I'm cursing at the fact that we need to get to the venue soon because the caveman inside of me really wants to find a quiet spot where I can eat her out in this dress. I take in her makeup and hair when she's finally in front of me. Nique nicely stayed after her shift to help Alexis get dressed and do her hair and makeup. It's the perfect mix of Hollywood glam and Alexis. I take her face between my hands, careful not to touch her updo, and kiss her like my life depends on it.

Her hands come to my chest, grabbing the lapels of my tux. At the contact, my dick gets heavy, and I know I have to pull away before we have a problem.

“You are fucking stunning.”

"You're pretty handsome yourself tonight. This tux? It's doing things to me." She huffs a laugh, then adds, "are you sure we need to go? I wouldn't mind skipping and doing something different tonight."

I turn and open the town car door for her and urge her in. "As much as I would love that, I do really need to go tonight."

I climb in behind her, then take her hand, absently rubbing my thumb along the back. This is quickly becoming my favorite thing. Just sitting with her quietly, holding one of her hands.

"I do have to tell you something, though." I give her a sheepish look, hoping she doesn't ask to be dropped off at home after I break the news. "I kind of forgot what this was for. I sign up for these sometimes so far in advance that they all blend together. But uh, this particular charity event is put on by a foundation that my mom is on the board of… so you'll be meeting my parents tonight." I wince, knowing this isn't the best situation in the world. She opens her mouth to say something, but I cut her off to get the rest out. "Annnd, it won't just be my parents. We're sitting at a table with my sister, her boyfriend, my two aunts, and their husbands. If you want to go home, I would completely understand. I did not mean to ambush you with basically my entire family."

I look away, not ready to see whatever is on her face. When she squeezes my hand, I force myself to look at her, and all I see is mild amusement.

“Jason, do I wish I’d had a little more notice? Sure. Am I going to rip you a new one over this? No. Because in a month, I get to return the favor when my parents come home for a bit and will live in my apartment with me. Get ready, buddy, because my mom will ask you five times a day when you’re going to marry me and start having kids.”

I let out the breath I’ve been holding and chuckle a bit. Her mom sounds a lot like mine.

“Let’s just try to enjoy ourselves tonight and not worry about your parents or mine. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.”

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