Page 60 of When the Fake Snow Falls

Slipping on the sleek maroon dress, I quickly realize I can’t wear a bra because of how low the back goes. I take off my bra and position the fabric. Staring at myself in the mirror, I can’t deny the dress is gorgeous. It’s simple with its thin straps and overlapping fabric, creating a dip at my chest. My chest fills out the dress nicely, but what really makes it eye-catching is the slit gliding up and stopping mid-thigh. I’m sure my leg would look incredible through that slit if I were wearing heels.

Once I step into view, Miles perks up. “God damn. That looks better than I thought it would.”

“Yeah?” I ask, looking down and smoothing my hands over the fabric.

He raises his eyebrows. “Uh. Yeah. You two might not even make it to the party with a dress like that, and that’s exactly what I was going for.” I roll my eyes, but he ignores me and circles his finger in my direction. “Spin.”

I do and look over my shoulder to see his response. “Damn,” he says again. “I’m good. I am really fucking good.” His eyes dart up to meet mine behind his neon glasses. “You know you can’t wear panties, right?”

“Yeah, I saw that. I might have a thinner pair at home I can try.”

He shakes his head slowly. “Eh, I wouldn’t risk it. Why mess up a dress like this with a panty line?”

He’s probably right, but I’ll still look when I go home. “So, you think this is good?”

He nods. “I think he’s definitely going to want to fuck you.”

I let out a laugh. “Why is that always the goal?”

“Consider me a matchmaker,” he says with a grin. “A true believer of Christmas miracles.”

My eyes narrow. “You just want to know if he’s good, don’t you?”

He nods, unashamed. “Very much so.”

I turn to study myself in the mirror, pushing up on my toes, so I can imagine what it will look like once I have heels on. “Well, if it’s anything like how he kisses, it’s bound to be good.”

Miles sits up straighter. “You kissed him?”

I catch his eyes in the reflection of the mirror and nod.

“And I’m just hearing about it now?”

I turn around to face him again. “It happened last night.” I shrug. “He thought it would help if we got it out of the way.”

Miles groans, rolling his eyes with his whole head like he does. “Oh, fuck this practice shit. What happened?”

I laugh at how invested he is in all of this. “He kissed me at my salon, and then he walked me home.”

Miles blinks, but the fact that he’s not saying anything tells me he’s waiting for more.

“. . . And that’s it.”

He gapes at me. “That’s it? You didn’t pull him into our apartment and have your way with him?”

“I did not.”

His forehead falls into his hand, and he rubs his head like a disappointed coach might. “Candace,” he says quietly.

“Yes, Miles?”

“Sleep with the man. You’re attracted to him, and he’s attracted to you. Who cares if it doesn’t last? Havefun.”

My teeth sink into my bottom lip. He’s right. In some roundabout way, he’salwaysright, but I still feel like if I sleep with Chase, I’d be selling myself short.

Dropping my arms by my side, I let out a sigh. “Okay, fine. Maybe.” Raising my eyebrows at him, I ask, “The dress?”

Miles lets out one of his deep laughs I adore so much. “Never mind. Don’t sleep with him. You look like I just suggested getting a root canal with no drugs.” He stands and gets to his feet. Looking over his shoulder, he adds, “And if you like the dress, I think you should get it. Your boobs have never looked so good.”

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