Page 86 of InfraRed

“Why would you ever settle?” My head snaps up, shocked she’s not upset with me, but by the fact I was just going to take whatever. “You should never settle for less than you deserve.”

“Say it louder for the ones in the back,” Lily says as she peeks her head from behind the deep navy velvet drapery that separates the individual dressing rooms.

“I mean, it’s black and white required. Nothing is going to beme.” I shrug. “Besides, I don’t want to be a bother.”

“Sweetheart, it’s my job to find what you want. But anyone who thinks you are a bother is not worth your time. Get rid of them.” She winks, her red lips spreading wide. “Now that is settled, it so happens, Mr. Davis asked for us to ask you to try this on if you couldn’t find anything else you liked.”

I lift a brow and squint an eye with doubt. I’m not sure Graham could pick a dressIliked for an event like this, but I watch and wait as she leaves. Moments later, she returns and my jaw drops. She holds a beautiful crimson organza dress. It’s got a strapless, fitted bodice that flares away at the waist. More of the organza is loosely draped a little around the hips and at the bust. It’s decorated with gorgeous yellow tulle flowers

It’s so pretty. It’s some.

“But it’s a black-and-white party,” I whisper as my fingers drift over the pretty fabric.

“He said you might say that.” She hands me a slip of paper.

Lily and Ashleigh, both changed into their clothes, sit next to me as I unfold the paper.

Sunflower,

Fuck the rules. Fuck what anyone thinks. You have never been a boring black-and-white girl, even when you try so hard to be. Your thoughts and feelings don’t belong in a box.Wewill never fit social expectations, and if I have to give you up to do so, then let me be different.

I hope you wear the dress and show them all what it means to shine. I had it custom-made for you because it is you. Free and bright. And I want the world to see you as I do. Beautiful and vibrant as the flowers you love so much.

Don’t be afraid of what they think. I’ll be right beside you the entire time. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. And let’s be honest, you have.

I love you forever.

Graham

“Try it on,” Lily whispers as she bumps my shoulders.

And I do, but I don’t really need to. It’s perfect. It’s more thanI could have imagined for myself. And I think my heart might explode because, not for the first time, I realize this man doesn’t just know what I need and want; he knows before I do.

When I exit the dressing room, Ashleigh and Lily gasp. “Casey, you look like a princess.”

“Better,” Lily says, and I’m pretty sure her voice cracks a little.

When I face the mirror, my hands come up to my cheeks. They’re right. It’s like something from a fairy tale—my fairy tale.

Lily wraps her arms around me and lays her head on my shoulder. “Told you so,” she whispers.

All I can do is nod. I feel stupid about getting misty over a dress, but I know it’s about so much more. No one will ever know me like he does. He knows my heart and mind. He’s my safe space, and he always has been. I missed him so much the years after he vanished, but he’s more than made up for it since he’s come back.

“Now,” Ash says, wiping under her eyes and blinking rapidly. “Let’s get to the resort, get our spa on, and become the fierce bitches we are.”

Graham

Copper liquid swirls in the Waterford tumbler, ice tinkling against the crystal walls as the bartender sets the single malt in front of me. Lifting it off the cocktail napkin, I bring it to my lips as I turn and lean against the solid oak bar.

The doors to the ballroom opened fifteen minutes ago. People are slowly trickling in, taking seats at tables with white cloths and black linens or standing around the bar ordering drinks. Most, however, are still walking the red carpet after traveling from New York to the New Jersey resort.

Normally, I’m out there. It’s good PR to be seen. But for tonight, I opted out. I won’t do anything to push Casey beyond her limits. The lights, cameras, and questions would’ve overwhelmed her, and she had enough of that with Krista. And doing it without her wasn’t an option for me.

She will get there. This event is a tremendous step for her—us on its own.

“Looking sharp,” I turn to Henry as he waves the bartender down.

“I know.” Modesty isn’t my strong suit. I know I look good. Why deny it? But once Casey is on my arm, I doubt a single person will look at me. I lift my Scotch to my lips, savoring the robust dark chocolate notes as it rolls over my palette.Fuck, I love good Scotch.“You clean up well.” He wears a classic cut tuxedo—black pants, white shirt, white jacket with black satin trim, a black bowtie, and a black pocket square. “Very James Bond.” I grin over my glass.

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