Page 73 of Finish Line

I glance at my watch. “It’s almost six. The place will be open to the public soon.”

As we head toward the front of the building, Shelby hugs me. “Thank you for one of the best days of my life. I needed this.”

“It’s not over yet.” I puff out my chest. “I want to take you out to dinner at an upscale restaurant. Let’s go home, shower, and change, then we can eat.”

“Sounds lovely.” She loops her arm through mine as we walk to the car.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

MAV

We are heading to the cars, laughing about the laser tag game.

“Hey, Shelby. I want to be next for a date,” Dom demands.

Luckily, Shelby’s used to my brother’s mannerisms. “Sure.”

“Tomorrow afternoon,” he states.

When we head back to the house, Shelby and I go to change.

On the way to my room, Shelby says something to Cin and Paige about having nothing to wear, sounding worried. I smile because I have thought of everything. I bought her a fifties-inspired swing dress in a beautiful cream color with a simple floral pattern.

After showering, I walk down the stairs. My hair is slicked back, and I wear white linen pants and a maroon shirt. My feet are still barefoot. My beach loafers are by the front door for when we go to leave.

“Damn, bro.” Dom whistles. “You look good.”

I smirk at him. “Thanks.”

Shelby comes out of her room, and her mouth falls open when she sees me. Her eyes roam up and down my body, and I return the favor.

The sun dress fits better than I expected. It has two thick shoulder straps and a ruched, sweetheart neckline accentuating her breasts. The top is fitted down through her slim waist, where it flares out, and the hem ends just under her knees. The dress makes her curves just edible.

Shelby wears her hair curled in beach waves, each side pulled back and pinned toward the back of her head, with a few locks hanging loose to frame her face. She’s every man’s fantasy of a pin-up model.

“You’re gorgeous, my queen.” I want to facepalm myself for that inadequate compliment.

Shelby saves me from being a fool. “You look hot, Mav.”

I chuckle at that.

“Thank you for the sundress.” She runs her hands down her skirt, smoothing out wrinkles that don’t exist. “I didn’t pack anything to wear for this kind of place.”

I take her hand and kiss it. “Anything for my queen.”

Guiding her to the door, I slip on my shoes and show Shelby the shoes that are hers: a simple pair of open-toe espadrille, low-heeled wedges in a cream color to match her dress. She holds my shoulder while she slips into the shoes.

I take her to a restaurant on the beach. The sun is setting, making for a beautiful sight with the pinks and oranges bleeding together before darkening to the purple gray of night.

We order sumptuous seafood entrees, sharing with each other.

When we finished, I stand and hold my hand out to her. “Would you like to go for a walk on the beach?”

We head toward the sand, stopping to take our shoes off. As we stroll, I hold her hand with my right hand and our shoes in the other. The ocean breeze is warm as it brushes by us.

“I’ve never eaten so much seafood in my life. Damn, that was incredible.” Shelby runs her other hand across her stomach, sighing.

“I’m glad you liked it.”

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