Page 80 of My Sweetest Temptation

“Gigi,” she said gently, tucking a loose strand behind my ear. “You are a beautiful person. Inside and out.

“Be yourself,” she advised. “Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Any boy who doesn’t recognize your incredible spirit is missing out on getting to know an incredible human being.”

Mom rubbed her hands up and down my bare arms. “Are you ready?”

Taking a deep breath, I pulled myself from the memory. “Okay. I think I’m ready.”

Just as I was about to step out the door, my phone chimed. I grabbed it and grinned at the message from Tabi.

Tabi

Good luck on your date!!!

I switched to camera mode and snapped a selfie in the mirror, making sure to capture the full dress, and hit send.

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed again.

Tabi

OMFG! You look hot as fuck! Did he do all that?

Me

Yeah. He hired stylists to do my hair and makeup.

Tabi

Wow. I’m speechless. He’s got it bad for you. You must have a magical pussy.

Me

Ew. Gross. I haven’t even slept with him!

Tabi

Not yet But he did get a taste, so…

Oh, my God. Why did I say anything to her about that? I could feel my cheeks heat up.

Me

I gotta go.

Tabi

Call me in the morning. I want all the juicy details! Full disclosure and nothing less.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile as I tucked my phone into my purse.

Stepping out of my room, I heard the girls’ hushed chatter. The moment my heels clicked against the floor, they looked my way.

“Oh, beautiful!” Anastasia exclaimed, clapping her hands.

“You all did a wonderful job, so thank you,” I said, a genuine smile breaking through.

They beamed back at me. Ruby stepped forward, draping a shawl around my shoulders, followed by a coat.

“Is this also mine?” I asked, surprised, touching the soft suede fabric.

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