Page 41 of Shea's Hero

But Oliver couldn’t take his eyes off me. When I asked him why, I still remember what he said.“In a dress, you remind me of a fairy-tale princess. Not that you don’t every day, but there’s just something about it.”Then he gave me a lascivious smirk.“Plus, I know when we get home, I can just lift up your skirt and have my way with you. So that’s nice, too.”

So, yeah. I may have gone a little crazy buying dresses over the last few days. Two arrived yesterday, and three more should be delivered today. Did I spend more money on clothes than I typically do in six months? Yes. But they’re so cute, perfect for late spring to summer dates, and if Oliver likes them, it’s worth it.

Now that I’m thinking about it, which one should I wear for our date tomorrow? We’re going to the Horse and Ghost in Sleepy Hollow, and from looking at the photos online, it seems dressier than the Hop-less Horseman but more casual than Giuseppe’s. I could wear the new shirtdress that came yesterday, or the print wrap dress with the pretty blue floral print that’s supposed to show up today. Or maybe the maxi-dress I bought on a whim a year ago but never wore.

Glancing at the time on my computer, I decide I’m due a mid-afternoon break. I’ve been working diligently on my new project for work, so much that I’m ahead of schedule. So if I take a little break to text Jade, I can do it in good conscience.

Pushing away from my desk, I leave my office and head into the bedroom. One of the reasons I took this job in the beginning was because of the remote work option, something that was critical when I was first recovering and didn’t have the energy to go into work every day. Now, it’s just a nice perk—I love being able to take a quick break to walk around the neighborhood or do a bit of yoga if I’m feeling stressed.

As I walk into my bedroom, I make a beeline for the closet and pull the double doors open. My collection of dresses is a rainbow of colors all hung in a row, and I pluck out two of them to take pictures of so I can send them to Jade.

First, I send her the shirtdress with the tags still on it, then the maxi dress in a gorgeous blue ombre. Last, I send the link to the wrap dress, along with a message.

Can’t decide which one to wear tomorrow. We’re going to Horse and Ghost, it’s supposed to be kind of like a modern speakeasy. What do you think?

I’m not expecting Jade to answer right away—it’s currently one PM in Texas and I know she’s supposed to be at work. But surprisingly, her reply comes in almost immediately.

The maxi dress. That color will be gorgeous on you.

The three dots blink for a second. Then another message arrives.

So how are things with Oliver? Still good?

Jade doesn’t say it, but I know she’s concerned about me. Not that she thinks things will go badly between me and Oliver, but there’s no guarantee. I’m sure she’s still harboring a worry that if things don’t work out with Oliver, I might be triggered into a relapse.

Which I won’t. Even if I end up crushed, I have the tools to deal with it now. But Jade was the one who found me near death in my apartment, so I can hardly blame her for worrying.

After I hang the dresses back in the closet, I flop onto the bed and text her back.

Things are really good. Last night he came over and we watched a movie. And he brought flowers again. We had Chinese and cuddled on the couch and kissed. Before he left, we set up three more dates. So I think those are all good signs. Right?

After a few seconds, her response blinks onto the screen.

Definitely. Are you happy with how things are going?

I grin at the phone as I text her back.

Yes. Very. It’s so nice being with Oliver again. More than nice. It’s wonderful. And he’s been so sweet. Last night he offered to take me to my pilates classes so I wouldn’t miss them.

Then I send another message.

I know it’s still early. Things might not work out. I’m just going to hope for the best, but I’ll be okay if they don’t. I promise.

Fine. Okay might be an exaggeration. Crushed seems more accurate. But I’ll handle it. I just hope I don’t have to.

A few minutes go by before Jade replies.

Sorry! I’m on my lunch break and one of the nurses wanted to talk to me. She figured out I’m pregnant after she spotted me drinking ginger tea. Anyway. I hope it does, too. I always liked Oliver, and you guys were great together. Maybe it wasn’t the right time before, but now it is. Kind of like me and Niall.

She has a point. While Jade and Niall never dated before they got together, they’ve known each other for ages, and both of them had feelings for each other but never admitted them until just this past year. Jade could have been upset about the lost time, but she just said,“It wasn’t the right time for us. Thingsmight not have worked out if we’d gotten together sooner. I think everything happened just the way it was supposed to.”

Maybe it’ll be the same for me and Oliver.

Maybe years from now, when we’re happily married, I’ll say the same thing. That all the crummy stuff happened for a reason, and we’re stronger because of it.

Married. That’s a dramatic jump from two dates. But I’d be lying if I said the thought didn’t cross my mind.

After all, if he’d asked me before, I would have said yes.

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