Page 105 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

THE SHOW

We exit the four-hour flight with enough time to go eat lunch, before needing to get ready for the event. Keaton suggests eating at the hotel to save time, which turns out to be a wonderful idea. I’m beyond excited for my very first fashion show, so I do not want to waste any time. I practically race to the elevator. Keaton laughs at my excitement and continues to smile at me the entire ride up to the room. When we get there, Keaton goes to the bathroom while I throw my suitcase open.I hear Keaton’s footsteps enter back into the room and look up.

“Your bath is ready.”

I smile as he walks over and removes my shoes from my feet. He lifts me off the bed and carries me into the bathroom. Gently placing my feet on the floor, he sets me down.

“Relax and enjoy, but don’t take too long.”

A part of is tempted to invite him to join me, but that will defeat the idea of not taking too long. My lips remain sealed as he exits the room. I remove my clothes, and I step into the warm bath with a sigh. Once I’m finished, I realize I didn’t bring any clothes in with me. No use being bashful, considering the last time I deliberately dropped my towel in front of him. I cover myself with a towel and walk out.

Sitting on the bed is one of my dresses. As in one of my own designed and sewn dresses. I’m not sure how Keaton Sloan even came to have this in his possession. I search for my suitcase, but it’s disappeared. I debate if I want to be stubborn and refuse to wear the dress, since he didn’t give me any other option, but at the same time, the gesture is sweet. My phone dings with a message from Keaton.

Keaton: Meet in the downstairs lobby in one hour.

I hurry and finish getting ready. I arrive down in the lobby five minutes late, but I’m wearing the dress. And looking fabulous if we’re being honest.

Keaton is waiting for me in a grey suit. He looks sophisticated and beyond sexy. I accept his outstretched elbow, and he leads me outside to where a limo is waiting. The driver opens the door for us, and we climb in the back.

“What is it with you and renting limos for me?”

He gives me a crooked smile and places his arm on the seat behind me. “I remember you saying that one day you hope to have your own limo and driver.”

I laugh and slap his knee. “Keaton, I was probably fourteen. I’ve grown up a little since then.”

“You were sixteen, and you haven’t matured much since then.”

I roll my eyes. In a low whisper against my ear, he says, “But you have grown more beautiful. I didn’t think it was possible for you to get even more gorgeous, but in this dress. It seems every day you take my breath away a little more.”

He lets his knuckles slowly trail down my arm. Stunned, I turn my head to face him. We stare at each other.

“You’re full of it, aren’t you, Sloan?”

He tilts his head. “Not as much as you.”

“Excuse me?”

“You act confident and unaffected by everything. Cool. Reserved. You won’t let your guard down. I know you are affected by what’s going on. Especially in this limo.”

“How arrogant!”

“Why don’t you ever accept my compliments?”

“If I thought they were sincere, I would.”

“No, you wouldn’t. You don’t accept anybody’s. It’s like it must be a joke that anyone finds you gorgeous.” He invades my space. “It’s not a joke. It’s actually a shame that a girl so gorgeous and brilliant, thinks so little of herself. How? How does that happen?”

I’ve spent years in the shadows of others. Years of always feeling second to someone else. Years of being bullied. Years of hearing whispers behind my back. Years of always feeling betrayed when someone only wants to be with me for their personal gain.

I want to tell Keaton, but I feel like I would sound so petty. I was so upset when my parents missed the ceremony of me being crowned the class homecoming queen because Rachel was in labor. A baby was coming! She couldn’t help that. But nobody from my family was there. Nobody. I felt alone as I stood there wearing my crown. Once the ceremony was over, all the parents from the audience came and were taking photos. A moment is meaningless if you don’t have anyone to share it with, to give it meaning.

That’s only one example. There were so many moments over the years. I’ve always felt second to the business and to my siblings. They were all having some big moment that shined brighter than any of mine.

I begin to feel the painful burn behind my eyes and in my throat. I let out a chuckle and give him a playful shove. I need some distance before he breaks my last shred of strength.

“Well, it’s a wonder how anyone can have an ego as big as yours.” I decide to change the subject before this night is ruined. “How’d you get my dress?”

He is remains tight lipped. The limo stops, and I about faint when the door opens. Keaton gets out first and takes my hand. I’m about to get out when I notice puddles.

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