Page 9 of Covert Affair

Carey claps, “You’re a fast learner.”

She opens the garment back and pulls out, what I’m hoping are three different options, because I can already tell you the tux on top, is hard no.

“I am not wearing that.” I point to the offending outfit.

“On this, we agree,” Stacey chimes in. “What else do you have?”

Lawrence and Carey both share a look as Lawrence hangs the rejected ensemble on the rack. “I have this number.” Carey holds up what looks like a velour jacket in the same color as the first and black pants.

Stacey and I both look at each other and answer “No,” at the same time.

“Listen, he’s supposed to be a kid from back in my hometown. Longtime friend. Not some rich Hollywood playboy.” Stacey continues. “Let’s keep it simple, Cody, show me what you brought. Carey, do you have a plain black number that will complement this dress?”

I pull out the tux I brought with me while Carey goes through her short list of options. At Stacey’s request, I try on both options, beginning with Carey’s.

“Keep in mind, we can alter this quickly to make it fit perfectly,” Carey defends the minute I step out in her number.

Stacey shakes her head no. When I return with my tux on, her face flushes as she gives me a once over. Lawrence lets out a low whistle.

“Carey, dear, I think we underestimated the man. Holy hell, pretty boy.”

“That’s it. And we need to go before we’re late,” Stacey says quickly, reaching for her clutch. “The limo’s downstairs.”

The buzz of my phone confirms just that.

I take Stacey’s hand in mine and escort her from the room. “They told me I could trust you all to handle cleaning up and securing the room. Don’t let me down,” I call over my shoulder to Stacey’s style team.

“You clean up nice,” she whispers as we walk down the hall to the elevator.

A smile tugs at my lips. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

I tell myself it's all part of the act when I lean over and kiss her cheek as another guest joins us in the hallway. It’s certainly not the way she’s managed to intoxicate me with her perfume and her evening gown if you can even call it that.

5

STACEY MAE

The rideto the Staples Center was awkward. I’m used to having Jane by my side and gushing excitedly over who we may bump into. Cody? He doesn’t seem phased by any of it. He kept his nose buried in his phone the entire time, while I silently suffer through being intoxicated not only by his musky cologne but just the close proximity.

Of all the times for my libido to decide to wake up and want attention - it had to be tonight and it had to be with Cody nearby.

I let out a huge sigh of relief and practically gasp for air when we pull up to the red carpet and our driver opens the door.

Like a perfect gentleman, Cody exits first then extends his hand for me. When my fingers entwine with his, I feel that spark again. Damnit.

“You okay?” he asks softly.

“Pre-show jitters. I’ll be okay. Thank you.” I give him a small smile back.

We arrived just behind Grady who is already on the red carpet and posing for photos. I almost laugh out loud when I catch a glimpse of his date for the evening. She certainly fits his type and is dressed like she’s about to go out to a nightclub instead.

Following the plan I was given from Jane, I take a few photos for the fans and the paparazzi as I move down the carpet to the first set of reporters. Or I try to. It only takes a few flashes of cameras before someone calls out Cody and starts asking questions and encouraging us to take photos together.

“Stacey Mae! Can we get a few pictures of you with your mystery man!” One of the photographers shouts.

Playing it cool, I look over my shoulder and smile at Cody. He flashes a megawatt grin and joins me, wrapping his arm around my waist. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he’s done this before.

“Can we get a name? Rumor has it you two go way back,” another person shouts.

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