Page 39 of Ace

“Oh, I know. Tony and my office work closely together.”

“It’s an honor.”

They shook hands and then Senator Callison left with his staff.

Tony stood beside her. “So, Dex?”

“He parachuted down into Panau while I was there. Extracted me.”

Tony nodded.

“And now his father wants us in a dress and tie, dancing together at a gala.”

“You know we can’t miss this opportunity for the nonprofit.”

“I know.”

But Dex Callison in a tux? She might not last the evening without falling into his arms again, one big puddle. And then they’d be even further trapped in the same situation they’d always been in: caring for each other but with dreams that kept them apart.

Chapter 14

Dex made the last adjustments to his bowtie and eyed himself in the mirror.

“She’ll swoon. You look handsome.”

He lifted his gaze to his mother, standing in his bedroom doorway and grinned. “Mom, I don’t need anyone swooning.” It was odd being home with his parents for so many days at a time.

She sighed. “I know, but this is just so much like your senior prom. I’m this close to taking a million pictures.”

Definitely time to rent that old flat he used in Arlington. It was just so far from the Wests, and from what he could tell, Gianna was staying with them temporarily as well.

He dabbed cologne, ran a toothbrush over his teeth again, and stepped out his front door. The quick walk to her house helped ease his tension.

Something about this whole evening felt contrived. Gi had asked him to go…to his father’s reelection gala? It was a fundraiser, so plenty of big names in the lobbying world would be there. He could see why Gi would want to go. She and his dad were working on her nonprofit. But he couldn’t shake unsettled feelings.

As he walked up to the front door, it opened and the view of Gianna in a long, sleek dress stole every other thought.

“I take it we’re not climbing trees tonight.” His gaze travelled the length of her, from her glittery spikey heels to the way the dress clung and effortlessly flowed down her body.

Her laugh was nervous, but it put him at ease.

“You look amazing. I just walked down here, but maybe you want me to go get the car?”

“No, I’m glad you did. I can do anything in a pair of heels.”

“I believe it.” He couldn’t look away. “I haven’t seen you dressed like this…I don’t think, ever.”

“Prom?” She laughed.

Mrs. West opened the door. “Wait! I have to get a picture!”

He groaned without meaning to. “I’m moving to my flat.”

“Can I come?”

His grin froze. They took a few more pictures and then walked back to his house and to the car. “Yes.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

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