Page 67 of Sinful Escape

“So, Red, what are your plans for tonight?” His eyes gleamed.

I rolled my shoulders and huffed. “I think I’ll have an early?—”

“Oh, no you don’t.” He shook his head. “We need to capitalize on your new rebellious streak.”

“Oh, we do, do we?” I giggled.

“Si. Let’s go to the casino. We will have drinks, lose some money.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Come on. It’ll be fun.”

Despite my numerous visits to Monaco, I’d never been to the most famous casino. The dress code had always been my problem. My suitcase full of sensible clothing did not cut it. But time was ticking. “All right, but only if it’s the Monte Carlo.”

“Of course. Only the best.” His grin was spectacular. “Meet here at seven-thirty?”

I checked my watch. That was only an hour away. If I was going to perform a wardrobe miracle, I needed more time. “I’ve got a few things to do first. How about I meet you at the casino at, say . . . nine?”

He squinted. “Don’t go standing me up, Red.”

“I won’t.” At least, I hoped I wouldn’t. Me and dress shopping were not friends. “I’ll text you when I’m there.”

We headed up the elevator together and when the doors dinged open at my floor, he said, “Don’t forget your ID.”

I grabbed my suitcase handle, ready to exit. “You know I don’t forget anything.”

“Then there’ll be no excuses.” His expression was a curious mix of hope and doubt, giving me the impression he didn’t expect me to show up.

“See you there at nine.” The doors closed and as I hustled to my room, I declared that I wasn’t just going to show up; I was going to show Roman a side of me he would never expect. Me dressed up to the max. As long as I can find a dress to fit me, that is.

I needed to get moving. After tossing my case onto the bed, I plucked my toiletries bag out and dove into the shower. I did the whole treatment—washed my hair, shaved my legs and under my arms, and I even trimmed my hedge to a neat triangle. That was something I hadn’t done in years.

I stepped from the shower, and as I ran a wide-tooth comb through my wet curls, wonderful images of Luca pranced around my brain. His naked body was something I’d be able to picture for the rest of my life. He was a masterpiece. But even better had been watching his eyes travel over my flesh. His expression: parted lips, wide pupils, complete reverence—that was something I’d never forget.

Eyes didn’t lie. Luca’s gaze confirmed he liked what he saw.

Stepping back from the basin, I flicked my hair over my shoulders and examined my reflection in the mirror. All I saw were breasts that were a thousand times out of proportion with the rest of my body. How on earth I got tits like this was a mystery.

Other than my parents, I’d never met any other relatives. So, I couldn’t even investigate if my melons were a throwback from a great-auntie or grandmother. Or maybe the gene came from my father’s side of the family. That, I’d never know.

I threw on jeans and a blouse, socks and sneakers, grabbed my backpack, and headed out. Flagging down a taxi, I directed him toward Fontvieille, the affordable shopping center I’d taken my tourists to many times. Twelve minutes later, I stopped outside a dress shop and my jaw dropped. The mannequin in the window was wearing the exact same dress I’d tried on in Paris. Was this destiny?

I strode into the shop, found it on the rack, and my eyes lit up. The price tag was just ninety-nine euros. I fetched my size and strode to the counter.

“You want to try it on?”

“No, thank you.”

She blinked at me. “Oh, our return policy?—”

“I won’t be returning it.”

“Okay then.” The concern on her face dropped and was replaced with a smile that radiated.

I matched her smile. I’d thought my dress shopping plans were destined for disaster.

Things were looking up. Time to find shoes.

There were no less than twenty-three shoe stores in Fontvieille. It took me four shops before I found a pair I was even willing to try on. The Brett Madden Carrson sandal had a block heel that was more my style, sturdy and practical. They fitted well and, to my surprise, they were comfortable. All I had to do was choose between black suede and nude.

Deciding It would be a more versatile color, I chose the nude.

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