Page 121 of Chasing Lynda

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I INHALE DEEPLY TO summon the courage to open the door when Dodge knocks on it, ready to go downstairs where the party has already started.

My eyes land on the ridiculously huge but breathtaking diamond ring on my finger as I lower the door handle.

I know I look good, the floor-length, scalloped sweetheart neckline dress I chose for tonight makes me look demure and sexy at the same time; the flowing long gown is opened at the front, showing off my legs. The dark curls that cascade down my back, pinned to one side of my shoulders stand out against the baby blue silk of the one off, designer dress.

My makeup is subtle but tasteful, enhancing my long eyelashes, and high cheekbones and making a bold statement with the dark ruby color on my lips.

“Wow! You look beautiful.” Dodge’s gray eyes shine with pride when he sees me and my heart picks up its pace at the memory of how he felt earlier on in the bath.

He must be thinking the same thing, because there’s definite heat in the silver depth of his eyes.

“You look handsome too, Dodge,” I whisper as he lowers his head to kiss one of my temples.

A strong hand wraps around my waist and I’m pulled against Bennett’s chest. He looks like a modern day James Bond in a navy blue tuxedo.

“Just know that even though you’re going to be on Dodge’s arm, I’m going to have a permanent hard-on. You’re fucking gorgeous, GT.”

He’s about to plant a kiss on my lips, but Carter steps in, taking me into his arms. “Don’t you dare ruin her lipstick, you dipshit. That’ll have to wait until the end of the night. For now, we can only admire her from afar. You’re breathtaking, Lynda.”

His lips brush the spot behind my ear, making me shiver for all the right reasons.

I turn to look at Zane; his green eyes are blazing with a heat that’s immediately reverberated in my own body.

Thank God for my strapless bra, or my nipples would offer everyone one hell of a show.

He takes my hand in his and kisses the back of it, letting his soft lips linger on my knuckles. “Save me a dance please, baby.”

I nod, taking the arm Dodge is offering me and inhaling deeply to brace myself for the spotlight I’m going to be under all night.

“We got this, Lynda,” Dodge whispers as we take a step toward the grand staircase that leads down to the foyer. “Don’t forget that we kept the guest list relatively small. It’s mostly family friends and business contacts.”

I return his smile. I’ve never felt as safe as I do by his side and with the guys behind us.

It’s funny how when I lived with my parents and parties were a huge no-no, unless they were church events, I seemed to always crave them. I was always ready to climb into Bode’s car or on the back of Kelley’s bike and sneak out of my room to go to any party we could find. I just wanted to dance all night and imagine a different life, where I was free.

Now that I’m truly free, I’d rather be watching Netflix with the guys and chill; falling asleep on the couch and feel one of them carry me upstairs to my bed, crawling in beside me and keep me tucked into their arms.

Maybe my dad was right that I was defiant, that I wanted to do the opposite of what I was told. My father never bothered sugar coating his commandments with philosophy like Ausra’s dad did. He simply demanded my obedience and didn’t hesitate to put his hands on me or Mom if he felt that we were stepping out of line.

“Lynda, Dodge! Here’s the happy couple, finally!” Patricia kisses the air around us, careful not to ruin mine or her own hair and makeup. She’s gorgeous in a sequined black siren dress and her blonde hair arranged in a simple but elegant updo.

Grant Butten offers us a dazzling smile and I once again notice how Dodge is his exact carbon copy, just younger.

The main difference between the two men is in their eyes; Dodge’s gaze is missing the cold, calculating glint that’s ever present in his father.

“You’ve met Basil Fletcher, Lynda,” Patricia says smiling at Bennett’s father. This is his wife Elaine, Bennett’s mother.”

Elaine Fletcher gives me a similar air kiss to Patricia’s. She’s beautiful in an old Hollywood sort of style; her light blonde hair is curled around the perfect oval of her face. Her ice blue eyes are identical to Bennett’s but they stare at us in a dazed, unfocused gaze. “Nice to meet you, Lynda. You and Dodge make a lovely couple. Hopefully my son will follow his best friend’s example and stop embarrassing me and his father with his wild bachelor antics.”

She drains her champagne glass, depositing the empty on the tray of a passing waiter.

“Mom, I think we ought to slow down.” Bennett grabs her wrist when she’s about to grab a full glass. “Come with me, let’s get you something to eat.”

Bennett and his father drag Elaine away and as I’m introduced to a few more people, Dodge keeps his eyes on them.

“Is she ok?” I ask him during a lull in the constant stream of guests offering their congratulations.

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