Page 69 of Steamy on Set

He wraps the cloth around my eyes, blocking my view.

He takes my hand and leads me in the direction of what I think is one of the warehouses. I hear the jingle of keys, and then the soft click of a door being unlocked. He pulls me along, my feet moving hesitantly, like I’m in one of those mirror mazes. When he stops and lets go, I wait patiently for what feels like forever, before worry starts to set in again.

“Errol?”

He doesn’t reply, and I find myself turning around like that will make a difference.

“This isn’t funny.”

Yet I hear him laugh.

Fuck it.I pull the blindfold off my eyes and blink, trying to adjust to the sudden light. When things come into focus, I see ten beautiful outfits lined up on mannequins. The one that catches my eye first is a cottage-core pink tulle babydoll dress with a corset top and puffy sleeves.

Stepping closer, I notice Renaissance art is the pattern of the fabric in a light, almost indistinguishable color.

“What is this?” I ask, my heart tripping over itself trying to react to the last five minutes.

“This is Dahlia Parker’s new summer collection called Herstory.”

He gestures around, and I’m finally able to take my eyes off the first look. All the pieces are in cohesion with each other, whilebeing entirely unique. They move between looks inspired by the sixteenth century, to ones patterned with the artwork of that period.

“It’s amazing.” I barely stop myself from reaching out to touch a pair of brown leather pants with patches of canvas with the Birth of Venus painted on it.

“It gets better.” Coming over, he grabs my hand.

“I don’t know how that’s possible.” I turn to take in a dress of cerulean and turquoise with silver embellishments that seems like it could fit me. Hell, half these outfits look like they can fit me, making me feel flutters of awe that usually thrum through me when I am faced with inclusive and dynamic fashion.

“Well, choose.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean pick a look and it’s yours. Delilah will custom fit it to you, and you will get to take it home after the launch fashion show.”

“Are you serious?” I ask, trying to keep my smile from stretching off my face. For the first time since entering this room, I look into his eyes. The smile crinkling the corners is full of the same amount of joy currently building in my chest. To see him so happy to do something just for me, without any gain for himself, has my heart swelling to make more space for him.

“I personally think you would look stunning in any of them, but I’m hoping you choose something you can wear to the movie premiere.”

With that in mind, I look a little closer at all the choices. What could possibly be our first public appearance together will definitely be my opportunity to showcase my talent. I need something just right for that.

The first dress that piqued my interest is adorable, but seems more fitting for a teen awards show. I need a showstopper that will highlight all my curves.

Walking around, I stop just short of the dark horse in the entire collection. It’s striking color and tight fit is exactly what I’m looking for.

“This one,” I say, and he nods, texting my answer to the designer.

When I think we’re going to leave, there’s a knock at the door. Errol answers and returns with food and a bottle of wine.

“This is the best first date of my life,” I say.

We settle into a work table far away from the clothes and dig in. Having been swept up into this role, I almost forgot about my first passion. Seeing a new collection before it hits the streets is reigniting that flame.

“Well, I know we can’t do a lot of public stuff as a couple, but I didn’t want you to think that what we can do isn’t going to be as memorable.”

He takes a sip from the bottle and then passes it to me. The lack of glasses reminds me of my days in Paris, when Mira and I would sit in our tiny apartment and drink out of coffee mugs. The memory makes my heart twinge a little.

“I feel like I have to do something special for you now.” I trail my fingers across his chin, pulling him in closer for a kiss.

“I won’t say no to that.”

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