Page 73 of Take What You Want

“I’m sure it just got buried in his emails,” she says. “Try following up with his assistant.”

I thought of that. And I know I should. But also the longer I’m out here, the less and less I miss Boston. I’ve realized really the only things that I miss are the city itself and Hallie. My job, my apartment, my life there…not so much.

“Yeah, I will this week,” I tell her, but I won’t. The air is cool as I slip off my robe and pull the dress over my head. It clings to my chest and waist, but flows out slightly around my hips and thighs. Perfectly accentuating the parts I want to highlight and hiding the parts I don’t want to.

I chat with my mom about what’s new with her and my dad as I pull on my shoes and pick out my jewelry for the evening. Even though I’m going to be on my feet dancing at a club all night, I still opt for four-inch heels.

My feet lost feeling a long time ago.

“Have you seen your brother lately? He hasn’t called us in a few days.”

I pin my earrings in as I say, “I haven’t, but I’m hanging out with Scar tonight. I’ll tell her to have him give you a call. You know he’ll listen to her.”

My mom chuckles. “That he does. Tell her I said hi. I’d love to have you three come home for a visit soon.”

“I’ll let her know. I gotta run, but I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

We hang up, and I check the time. Shit, I was supposed to leave a few minutes ago. I grab my bag and dip out before I can overthink my outfit. I’ve done a lot of work on my confidence over the years, but that doesn’t mean that I love looking at myself in the mirror.

I quickly make my way downstairs and through the living room. My heels click along the floor and it puts an extra boost in my step.One of my favorite sounds.

“Where are you going?”

I let out a surprised yelp and whip my head around. I’m so focused on getting out the door that I didn’t notice Nikolai sitting at the island in the kitchen eating a bowl of ramen.

“You scared me.” I laugh.

The chopsticks drop with a soft clack against the counter as he spins on the stool until he fully faces me. His chest is bare, showing off his golden tan from the summer months and defined muscles he’s gained over the years. My eyes dip to theblack sweatpants that hug his hips and thighs and do nothing to hide what he has going on beneath them.

A tingling sensation breaks across my skin, and when I meet his eyes, he smirks. I clear my throat and push my shoulders back. “Enjoy your dinner,” I say, fighting to keep my tone even. “I’ll see you later.”

“Where are you going?”

“Out.”

He shakes his head, his gaze lingering on the short hem of my dress and the way the front dips to give a peek at my cleavage. “I mean, where are you going dressed like that?”

A flame sparks in my stomach at the look on his face as he drinks me in. He doesn’t hide the way he’s checking me out, or the appreciation for what he sees. “It’s girls night.”

“Girls night,” he repeats softly, eyes now moving up to my face. “So then who are you wearing a dress like that for?” His tone is laced with a bite of jealousy, making me smile.

“Myself.”

“Of course you are,” he chuckles knowingly. “Who are you going out with?”

I check over the contents of my purse to make sure I have everything. “What are you, my father?”

“That would be highly inappropriate.”

“Ugh.” I grab the washcloth hanging over the faucet and toss it at him. He dodges it easily and laughs. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Scar and Carter.”

He nods and picks up his chopsticks again. “Where are you going?”

“What’s with the twenty questions?”

“I’m showing interest in your life.”

---