Page 31 of Fore-Ever Yours

The phone disconnects, and I stand there, still processing what’s happening. Nina begins unzipping the garment bags, revealing stunning dresses of all kinds—sequined, satin, flowing chiffon—each one more breathtaking than the last.

“Wow, they’re beautiful.”

“Mr. Wilkes certainly didn’t skimp on the budget either.” Nina pulls out a stunning royal blue dress with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. “Let’s get started.”

I admire it as she ushers me into the en-suite bathroom to change. When I emerge from the bathroom, I hear Nina gasp.

“Oh, darling! You look wonderful!” Her eyes sparkle with approval.

“Really?” I ask, glancing down at myself.

“Absolutely. But see for yourself.”

I stand in front of the mirror, taken aback by my reflection. It hugs me in all the right places, making me feel beautiful.

“Alright.” Nina claps her hands together. “Next dress!”

Nina’s enthusiasm immediately puts me at ease, and her expertise helps to streamline the process. Over the next half hour, discarded dress options and shoes litter the floor, like a fashion bomb exploded in here.

With every gown I try on, there’s a new accessory to pair it with and different hairstyles and makeup ideas to consider. I can’t deny that it’s fun, even if it does feel a bit overwhelming. It’s like playing dress-up on a grander scale.

I step into the last dress, the one I’ve anticipated trying on since I laid eyes on it, and come out of the bathroom.

Nina’s expression tells me all I need to know. This is the dress.

Chapter 12

Matthew

Mygolfgamehasbeen great, better than I expected actually. It’s this feeling I have whenever I’m around Beth that’s distracting though. We practically spend every waking moment together. And in those moments, there’s something more. And I know it’s not one-sided. I’m not blind; I know what I’ve seen, what I’ve felt, the look in her eyes, the way she’s looked at my lips.

But what am I supposed to do? It goes against our ground rules. The ones she “accidentally” texted me the other day after our photoshoot. I think that’s her not-so-subtle way of reminding me what we’ve agreed to.

Rule #1: No public displays of affection beyond what is necessary to keep up appearances.

I can work with that.

Rule #2: No dating anyone else. We have to make this convincing, even though it’s not real.

I wouldn’t even think of it.

Rule #3: Separate rooms.

Easy peasy.

Rule #4: No falling in love or real feelings.

Welp, that one’s already broken. Feelings are becoming very much real.

And what Ireallywant is to toss the rules out a metaphorical window, or at this moment, the limo window.

We’re on our way to the Emerald Coast Charity Gala, and Beth is even more breathtaking at this moment. She’s always beautiful, whether her eyes are sleepy before she’s had her coffee or, like tonight, in her dark purple evening gown that’s causing her green eyes to pop even more than usual. The diamonds in her jewelry sparkle against her skin.

I had a personal stylist bring samples for her to try. I reserved a hair and makeup artist for tonight. My sister helped me research these things; otherwise, I’d have no idea who to use. Whether she used one or all, I just wanted her to feel confident and beautiful tonight. It might have been too much, but I’d like to think that if she were my real girlfriend, I wouldn’t have hesitated for a moment to do the same.

I take a moment to look at her.

The glow of the lights skims over her features as we drive through the city. It’s an arresting sight, one that makes me feel like I’m falling and flying all at once.

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