Page 55 of Forever Golden

Her question has my gaze shifting to the closet where, inside, a thick white envelope I haven’t had the heart to open rests on the top shelf. Inside it, is the enrollment information for Scar. It came yesterday after I reached out to administrators in my grandmother’s town. It only adds insult to injury that I have it sitting right on top of the envelope Pandora delivered, holding within it this city’s worst nightmare—proof that Vin intends to announce a mayoral campaign in the coming weeks.

“B.J., talk to me,” Jules says, bringing me out of my thoughts.

For so many reasons, I can’t do that, so I do something I hate. I lie.

“Everything’s fine. I guess I’m just nervous.”

She smiles and it’s warm, comforting. “You’re so used to being a grown up, you forgot how to let go. But I need you to promise me you’re gonna try.”

Hearing the truth in those words, I nod. “I’ll try.”

She pulls me into a hug that would’ve probably gone on forever if it weren’t for the knock at the door.

“Crap, he’s here,” she gasps, pausing to check my makeup before giving me the okay to leave.

With her seal of approval, I grab the leather jacket she’s loaning me. It completely undermines the formalness of this dress, but in an intentional, badass bitch kind of way.

I make it to the door, but when I open it, I swear my heart stops.

I’ve seen him in jeans and sweats. I’ve seen him in a football uniform, and even semi dressed up for Homecoming. But West golden in a suit is… a work of art. Especially one that’s tailored and incredibly well-fitting.

The dark fabric shows off those deliciously broad shoulders, cinches in at his waist, while also hugging his biceps and muscular thighs just a little.

“Well, shit.”

My reaction draws a smile from him. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I’m two seconds from telling him he can take it as a damn marriage proposal.

It takes a hard nudge from Jules to bring me to my senses, making me aware of having left West standing outside in the cold.

“Sorry. I’m ready. Just let me say goodbye to Scar.”

Jules has me by the shoulders again, stopping me.

“Text her. She’ll be fine. I’m here until whenever you get back, even if that’s not until tomorrow,” she adds with a wink. “Now, go.”

She gently nudges me out onto the porch, then closes and locks the door behind me.

West’s hand settles on my back and we walk toward the car. Stealing another glance at him, I swear he got even hotter since I turned away a second ago.

“You look… fucking amazing,” he says, eye-banging me so hard I’m honestly wondering if we’ll make it to this dance at all.

When he opens the passenger door and I step in front of him, I smile.

“Thanks. The dress is a bit tight, but with any luck it’ll loosen up some by the end of the night.”

His gaze slips lower until he’s staring shamelessly at my ass.

“I sure fucking hope not.”

Maybe that shouldn’t make me blush, but the heat blooming in my cheeks means I am. He offers his hand and I climb in, then watch as he rounds the hood of the car to join me. As far as ‘first dates’ go, I have a feeling this’ll be one for the books.

* * *

@QweenPandora:The big night has finally arrived, lovelies! Yep, you guessed it. It’s time for the annual Snow Ball! Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, I’m pretty sure everyone’s bells will be getting jingled at the end of the night.

Forget to buy a ticket? You can get yours at the door, but they’re charging double.

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