Page 19 of Unleash You

“Thank you. With all the engagement party preparations—”

“And devious planning…”

“Right. I haven’t had time to think about a cocktail dress.”

* * *

The engagement party came much too soon. Wesley continued giving me the silent treatment. I supposed he figured he was done with me. But thankfully, I had Valentina and Zack to keep me company and to encourage my plan to get Wesley. Valentina had been kind enough to take me shopping for a cocktail number that she assured me would get Wesley to notice me. In the end, I agreed because I had no other recourse if I wanted Wesley to look at me differently. My heart raced at the thought of Wesley’s eyes softening the way Derek’s did every time Valentina walked into the room. I wanted Wesley to want me the way I wanted him.

I grabbed my dress off the bed and darted toward the Cole House. The walk through the woods that backed the Cole’s backyard took about five minutes, but I couldn’t wait that long. When I reached the tree line, I bolted toward the terrace with my dress and shoes clutched to my chest.

The gardens were a maze of hedges that led to secluded spots with water features. Lilly had done a great job designing an English garden that fit in with the antebellum architectural style of the home. The lower level gardens had two main accesses to the house: through the basement or up the stone grand staircase. I went in through the basement and darted toward Valentina’s bedroom on the third floor of the home.

I knocked on the door and waited. The last time I entered this room unannounced, I caught Derek and Valentina in a pretty compromising position. My cheeks felt hot with the memory. Maybe one day soon, I’d get to experience that kind of love. I rapped again. When no answer came, I wedged the door opened and peeked inside. The main room was empty, so I strolled in to find Valentina sitting on her vanity dresser. Derek and Valentina were very lucky to have found each other.

“Hey, Derek.” I gave him an awkward wave as I tried to catch my breath from the run through the woods.

“Hey, Ana.”

When he left the room, I turned to face Valentina. In just a few weeks, we’d become fast friends. I could be stubborn as all hell and I rarely chose my battles, but when it came to Wesley, I was at a loss. I was glad she was here to guide me through this. Valentina smiled at me and gestured for me to sit at her vanity chair.

“Your hair looks pretty down like that. How about a half braid?” She pulled my hair away from my face.

“I love that.” I stared at my reflection as Valentina worked her magic on my hair then my makeup.

“Do you think Rebecca will show tonight? I know you won’t give up until you’ve unraveled that mystery.”

A few days ago, while we were shopping for dresses Valentina and I ran into a woman who looked like she needed help. She was crazy beautiful with a body that reminded me of Jessica Rabbit. Valentina swore she saw big bruises on Rebecca’s back when we were in the dressing room. Of course, Valentina had to invite her to the party tonight. I hoped Rebecca would take her up on her offer.

“I wish I could help her.” Valentina met my gaze in the mirror.

“I’m sure you’ll get a chance to do that tonight. I added her to the guest list, like you asked.”

“Thank you.”

“Okay, now the dresses.” I let out a breath and ambled to the bedroom to grab my outfit for the night. It was a black floor-length wrap dress with a deep v-neckline, flutter sleeves, and a high slit. I felt like a superhero in it, as if anything was possible.

“You’re not going to chicken out, are you?” Valentina walked into the room wearing a champagne dress with a tight bodice that showcased her breasts to perfection.

I glanced down at my own cleavage. I couldn’t believe this had been my idea. “No, of course not. I just need a minute. Why don’t you go ahead? We’re already like half an hour late.” I opened the door for her. “You look incredible, by the way.”

“Thanks. You too.” She squeezed my hands. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

I waited a few minutes, taking deep breaths, then went out. Out in the hallway, I ran into Zack.Thank God.He did a double take, his mouth slightly opened, looking his usual hot-self in a blue velvet tuxedo jacket.

“Good God, woman. Has Wesley seen you yet?”

I smoothed out my dress. “No. Does it look okay?”

“You look drop-dead gorgeous. If Wesley doesn’t make his move tonight, I will.” He wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed the top of my head.

“Your mom asked me to play the piano later tonight. Would you stay with me until it’s time?”

“Of course.” He offered me his arm, and I took it.

As soon as we reached the landing, Wesley stepped into the foyer. His hazel gaze caught every glimmery light from the chandelier. Jesus, I didn’t think it’d be possible for him to look even more beautiful. Grabbing onto to Zack’s forearm as if my life depended on it, we made our way down to Wesley.

His eyes watered as he surveyed every inch of me. “You look beautiful.”

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