Page 26 of Dashing for Love

“What’s it say? He better not be canceling or I’ll hunt him down and cut him.”

I giggle. “Dang, Willa. Big sis don’t play.”

“Damn skippy.”

Scanning the message, I tell her, “He’s suggesting we have a code word.”

Willa’s face goes pink.

I narrow my eyes. “What’s that look for?”

She presses her lips together. “Nothing.”

“That’s not nothing. Oh my God.” Realization dawns. “This is something sexual with you and Reid, isn’t it?”

She gets even redder, and I shake my head, laughing.

“Out with it,” I demand.

“It’s not the same,” she protests. “We have a safe word, not a code word.”

“A safe—Willa DeanDash! Are you a,” I lower my voice, though why I do it is anyone’s guess, “rope bunny? How many kinks do you have?”

She covers her face. “We’re not talking about my kinks.”

I squeal. “Holy shit! I’m so impressed.” I fan my face. “Hell, evenIgot a little hot thinking about that. Not about you two, good Lord, that’s nauseating, but just, you know, generally.”

She quirks a brow. “When was the last time you got laid?”

I hold up a finger. “Okay, first of all, we’re not trying to get me all depressed right before what could be an amazing night. And secondly, look at you, talking about safe words and getting laid. Who evenareyou anymore?”

She laughs. “Whatever. Have fun. Be safe. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

I pretend to consider this. “You know, it used to be that I would absolutely do the things you wouldn’t do. But now? I don’t know,” I singsong.

“You’re never letting this go, are you?”

“Never. Love you!” I blow her a kiss and disconnect.

By the timeI get out of my Uber and take in the swanky hotel on the fancy side of town, my stomach is in knots. What if all of this has been a gigantic ruse to kidnap me? And is ‘kidnap’ the word they use when adults are taken?

I shake my head and shut the thoughts down. I can’t let myself go down this thought process or I’ll be a complete disaster.

Ormoreof a disaster than I already am. Clearly.

“Miss?”

I startle and look up to find a man holding the hotel door open for me. “Yes?”

He smiles. “Would you like to come in?”

“Oh! Um, yes. Sorry. Thanks.” I smooth my hands over my dress, grip my clutch like it’s a weapon and I’m walking into a den of zombies, and move forward.

The ballroom is decked out like something from a fairytale. Thick curtains of cream and black are draped around the walls, and a small band plays jazz music in the corner. A disco ball turns slowly high in the air, sending sparkles of light around the room as it goes. Giant chandeliers are generously spaced, their crystals catching the ball’s light and sending it back. People are everywhere, dressed in gorgeous gowns and fancy tuxedos.

I’m suddenly self-conscious in my simple blue gown, but at the same time, I can’t fathom having worn something as elegant as what some of the women are dressed in.

I make a beeline for the bar, knowing I need a drink to calm my nerves. We’d said to meet at seven, but I made sure to get here nearly an hour ahead of time. No way was I going to let James see me before I saw him.

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