Page 95 of Hold On Me

Turning to the waiting saleswomen, she says, “Charge them to the accounts, and only deal with moi, please.”

I cut Angie a scathing look, but she just blows a kiss back. Arms folded, feet stomping, I march back into the changingroom and gently remove the beautiful garment from my body and hand it over to the assistant, who gives me a small smile as she leaves. I throw my clothes on, grumbling the whole way, and grab my phone. I quickly type out a text, no longer caring if things are awkward between us or not.

Me

Bravo on railroading Angie into coming with me. The little scheme you both cooked up has worked perfectly. I’m now the proud owner of a very expensive ball gown. You’re in so much trouble.

After a few minutes of watching the bubbles appear, showing he’s replying, I tap my foot impatiently. I’ve missed him, and this will hopefully open up the conversation without the awkwardness.

Ben

Show me.

Me

Nope. Angie has confiscated it so I don’t question the price. Which she won’t tell me because she knows I’ll refuse to wear it. But it fits me like a glove.

Ben

I may need to give Angie a raise. What colour is it?

Me

I’m not telling you.

Ben

But I want to match with you.

Holy fuck, that’s sweet. With a sigh I reluctantly reply.

Me

Okay, fine, but only because that was sweet. It’s red.

Ben

My second favourite colour. I can’t wait to see it on my bedroom floor.

And with a smile on my face, my head shaking in amusement, I leave the changing room feeling a little less angsty and a lot lighter, banishing the little voice in the back of my head and focusing solely on the fact that he loves and wants me. That’s enough for me, for now. I hope.

47

BEN

“Come on, ladies. I haven’t got all night.” Pacing back and forth in Angie’s kitchen, I check my watch again and sigh when I note we’ll be late. I hate being late, even if it’s the ‘fashionably late’ kind.

“Come and sit down. You’ll wear a hole in the floor with the amount of pacing you’re doing.” Jameson laughs as I frown but reluctantly listen.

“I don’t understand why it takes so long. They had their hair and make up done earlier, all they have to do is put a bloody dress on.” I slump onto the sofa next to him and let my head rest on the back.

“Typical man.” Jameson smirks and takes a sip of his beer and I follow his movement with my eyes, refusing to move my head.

“You know you’re a man too, right?”

“Yeah, but I’m a man who grew up with Mama and Penny. I know to be patient and not get all stressy, because they do not like that at all. I watched Pops and Jenson learn that the hard way.” He grins, waggles his brows, and sips the beer again.

“You’re a wise man, Jameson. Probably the wisest of the bunch.” I’m glad he’s here. My nerves are frazzled and Jensonwould’ve just made them worse with his grinning. The fact the game was changed to a day game tomorrow instead of a night one is a blessing in disguise. We have a strict policy about not going out the night before a day game, and seeing as Jenson is still trying to make amends for his misdemeanour, he wanted to set a good example for the team. So I’ve got Jameson escorting Angie instead. Which totally works in my favour. Having both of Penelope’s best friends here tonight will, hopefully, go a long way into pleading my case.

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