Page 44 of The Sweetest Surrender

Chapter Thirteen

Selena never made it to the Skype video calls. She sighed, exiting the shower. Jordan had made a quick run to the store, and Selena took that chance to console her swollen pussy. Now standing in his enormous bathroom, Selena grabbed the unopened toothbrush and ripped the package. In a daze, she brushed her teeth, combed her hair, and dried her body.

Inside her handbag were several feminine sprays and deodorants. It was a good thing she crammed her purse like she was going on a mini-vacation, or she would be at the mercy of Jordan’s masculine fragrances. There was nothing wrong with what he wore, but Selena liked to smell fruity and delicious. That’s what got you into the mess you’re in now.

“Oh hush,” she scolded herself.

After eyeing herself, Selena exited the lavatory, going to grab her dress. She didn’t expect to see the large rectangular box, wrapped in silver gift paper sitting just outside the door.

“Jordan?” Selena said, inching closer to the present. A tiny smile leered as her lips curved.

There was no note or sign of instructions, but Selena did notice the trail of red rose petals leading away from the box into the hallway. A shiver ran over her as Selena wondered what was inside. For the longest moment, she stood contemplating its surprise. With no one around to instruct her, Selena lifted the box and shook it like a kid on Christmas morning. She laughed at herself and slapped a hand to her forehead.

Sitting the box down, Selena crouched, letting her knees sink into the shag rug. She removed the bow first then ripped the paper to shreds. Flipping open the top, Selena unfolded the paper inside and her smile spread even wider. There was the note, laying on top of the thin garment. Quickly, Selena opened it.

“Forgive me for losing my cool in the bedroom. Next time, just beg.”

A tinkering laugh bubbled from her throat, and Selena’s head fell.

“What am I going to do with him,” she asked to no one but herself.

Selena proceeded to pull out the dress. It sparkled and shined like the apparel you’d see a singing group from the seventies wear. It was beautiful, long and royal purple with a to die for split going down one side. Selena stuffed her nose into the thin fabric. Her eyes shuffled to the fallen card, and she noticed something inscribed on the back. Picking it up swiftly, she read.

“Accompany me to an awards luncheon. I need you on my arm, love.”

A dreamy smile tapered across her lips. Awards luncheon? It would be the first time Selena and Jordan made their debut amid paparazzi as a couple, and it excited her and terrified her at the same time. Why? This is what you’ve been waiting for. It was true, and Selena was so pleased she didn’t know how to feel about her emotions. Slow down, girl, nothing lasts forever. Look at Mom and Dad. Selena’s smiled wavered a little, and the spark in her eye dimmed. She glanced back at the dress and stood, determined not to let her parents’ misfortune deter her.

The doorbell rang, snatching Selena’s attention. “I hope that’s Octavia,” Selena said, standing.

After missing her clients’ scheduled video sessions, Octavia called to fuss Selena’s head off, and Selena took the chastisement without rebuttal. However, once Octavia finished, Selena begged for her help. Selena needed clothes. She couldn’t very well leave Jordan’s loft without any.

Selena trotted to the door and noticed the trail of roses led to another box this one square and bulky sitting on the countertop. Selena’s eyes beamed, and when her direction changed course, the doorbell rang again. Ugh. Selena skipped to the door and glanced through the security monitor. Octavia paced back and forth, looking utterly confused on how to get in the place which made Selena laugh. Selena reached out and hit a button, and the elevator doors opened. She watched as Octavia stuck her head inside as if to say, “Who goes there?”

The gesture made Selena laugh harder, and as soon as Octavia was completely inside, the doors closed, and the elevator ascended, bringing her to the penthouse floor. Jordan’s security was top notch. Selena had a clear view of Octavia the entire ride up. His system made it impossible to sneak up on him, and in his line of work, Selena guessed that was a good thing.

When the doors opened behind Octavia, Selena stood watching her back then cut her some slack and sent out a curt whistle. Octavia pivoted to see Selena wrapped in a terry cloth towel with a huge grin on her face.

Octavia’s mouth dropped as she stepped inside.

“What in the Fort Knox?” Octavia began, taking a 360-degree view of the place.

“It’s crazy, right?”

“Crazy beautiful!” Octavia screeched.

Selena laughed and grabbed the bag out of Octavia’s hands.

“Thank you for bringing me this. You have no idea how much I appreciate you right now.”

Octavia’s mouth was still hanging open.

“Oh, I didn’t forget that four million dollar museum you call a house that Jonathon purchased for you,” Selena added, “so don’t even act like you’re surprised.”

Octavia waved her off. “Girl, I’m talking about this place.” Octavia strolled to the wall of windows and glanced down. “Holy smokes!” Octavia shivered and stepped back. “I almost got dizzy looking that far down!” she paused and took it all in. “This layout is nothing like I’ve ever seen!” She squealed.

“I know. It’s nothing like I ever thought I’d see in my lifetime,” Selena agreed.

“And you’ve been here all night?”

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