Page 287 of The Christmas Wife

"Well?" I quirk an eyebrow at the phone which I’ve propped up against the mirror.

"You look gorgeous and that dress might as well be painted on," Solene replies from the screen.

"That’s what I thought, too." I turn sideways, running a hand down my stomach.

"You look amazing, Z."

"It’s the dress," I demur.

"It’s the woman in the dress. Your confidence shines through."

"That’s the glitter of the Swarovski crystals." I laugh weakly.

"The man knows your weakness." She chuckles.

"Doesn’t he ever." If I had any remaining doubts about accepting the dress, they vanished as soon as I slid it on. Something about the gunmetal color, and the one-shouldered cut, lent a regal air to the outfit. As for the fit… It’s clear he memorized my curves. There’s no other way the dress could have fit without my having tried it on in advance. I thrust out a leg and the slit, which slashes almost up to my waist, parts to reveal the line of my thigh. As for the heels, the Manolo Blahnik’s have a bondage-type strap that clings lovingly to my ankle.

"Those shoes alone are going to make the man combust."

"I hope so." I look at myself with a critical eye. I’m dressed to bring a man to his knees. And he must have known this would be the outcome when he sent me this specific combination of clothes to wear.

"You sure about this, though?" Solene’s voice pulls me out of my reverie.

"You mean about wearing the clothes he sent me?"

"It’s your favorite designers, and creations you couldn’t possibly buy off the shelf, so I’m not surprised you didn’t turn it away. It’s just…won’t he misinterpret your wearing the clothes he sent you for your encouraging him?"

"He might." I run my palms down the Swarovski studded fabric. "And if I had turned it away, he’d have won, and I can’t allow that."

"This thing between the two of you isn’t a game," she cautions.

"Sure could have fooled me," I murmur

"Just don’t want you getting hurt, babe."

Might be a little too late for that. I turn to face her image on the phone screen. "I’ll be careful, I promise."

"Good. You’re a strong woman, Zara, but you have a heart that can be hurt easily."

Damn, when your friends see you so clearly, it’s humbling. "You’re a good friend, Solene."

"Because I’m looking out for you?" She laughs. "If our roles were reversed, you’d do the same. You know that."

"You bet I do."

The doorbell rings.

"That must be Liam and Isla." I blow a kiss at the phone. "I love you, babe; can’t wait to see you in person."

"Same, and don’t forget to tell me all about it."

"I promise" I disconnect the call, then drop the phone into my clutch with my lipstick and house keys. A last look at myself, and I grab my coat and head for the door. When I throw it open, he stands there with one hand against the doorframe.

I open and shut my mouth. "What are you doing here?"

"Liam and Isla are running late, so I offered to pick you up."

"I didn’t hear anything from Isla." I scowl.

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