Page 54 of Goalie Interference

She bit her lip. “A fate worse than death, apparently. So, if it’s a charity thing, these are probably wealthy people, right?”

I nodded. “Not a social circle I’m familiar with.”

“I am,” she said flatly.

“You are? Do you go to parties like this one?”

She shrugged. “Not this one, but I’ve done rich people events a lot. Because of Dad. Cash and I were at parties from the time we were kids.”

“Really?”

“We just made an appearance, at first. But as we got older we were supposed to greet people, make sure they had something to drink, talk to them if no one else did. We were brought up to schmooze.”

“That sounds horrible.” Thank fuck my parents never wanted me to attend faculty parties.

“Well, better than what you guys call…suicide drills?”

I’d prefer the drills any day, but I got the point. “Fair.”

“Do you want me to give you tips?”

Tips were not going to do it. I’d had media training. I still was awkward as fuck.

“Will you go with me?”

Chapter 22

Could this night get any better?

Sophie

I had hoped to finish up a job when I came back from Diane’s, but after Remy left, my concentration was gone. I closed up the shop and headed back to the house. What did I have in my closet that would work for this party? If we were going to entice people to bid on the shelter package, I needed to be looking fabulous. Remy didn’t want to attract attention, so I should. Get people talking.

He assured me he had a suit that would fit in. All the players would look good, dressed up, so there was going to be a lot of competition for the bids even if they were linked to players. Animals were a draw when they were cute and small, but rescues would be more like Beast, and they’d need all the help they could get.

Goober snuck in the door with me and followed me to my bedroom. I opened the walk-in doors, hoping something would have magically appeared since I’d last looked through it. No luck.

I had dresses. I hadn’t gone anywhere with Dad in years, but occasionally I went to events with Cash, and he’d always spring for an outfit for me to wear. I only had a couple, and they were supporting-character garments. When I’d been on the red carpet with Cash, he’d been the star, and I had no desire to attract attention. Dad also had strong opinions on what was “appropriate” for his daughter. But this time I needed to make sure no one missed that I was there. Damned if I wanted to go shopping tomorrow. But wait…

I crossed through the kitchen up the stairs to the main bedrooms. Cash had a huge walk-in closet with stuff he wore to events. And sometimes…

I opened the door and stepped in.Yes. Sometimes he’d order in clothes for his dates. He’d ask one of the high-end stores he had accounts with to send several options—my brother had his flaws, but he wasn’t cheap. Usually extras were sent back, and the women kept what they wore. But there were a few dresses in here that hadn’t been returned for one reason or another. There was a black one, more strap than dress, and way too small for me. One in white with a deep slash in front and such a low back I didn’t think it was possible to wear underwear with it. I wanted to attract attention, but not for a wardrobe malfunction.

The last one was red. Brighter than I’d normally wear. I pulled it out and looked it over. It might fit. Barely. Strapless, tight down to and over the hips, then flowing out to floor length. Rhinestones were distributed over the bodice and skirt to pick up the light. It was very much alook at medress, and while most of the time I preferred to look at others, for this occasion it was perfect.

I hung it up again and pulled off my T-shirt. Wiggled my jeans down my hips. Slid the clear plastic straps off the hanger and pulled the dress over my head. It took a lot of contorting, butI was careful and determined and finally tugged it into place. I checked myself in the mirror and gasped.

I could see my bra clearly, as well as panty lines. None of my lingerie would work with this—it would require shopping, and probably an updo and some jewelry. But damn, I looked like someone in this dress. If I went to the party with Remy in this thing, no one would overlook me. He’d be shocked when he saw me in this. I pressed my fingers to my lips as I replayed that kiss.

We’d talked and made the sensible decision. Friends, and nothing more. But truthfully, I’d like another kiss. And if a dress could make that happen, this was the one.

I glared at the cat, watching much too closely. “Goober, don’t you dare come near.” I looked back in the mirror, posing on my tiptoes. “Just wait. Remy will have his tongue hanging out like Beast when I show up in this.”

Oh, I’d need to get shoes too. But I was committed now. I took one last look at my reflection and messaged Remy that I’d found a dress and would be ready.

Remy said he’d taken care of transportation and would pick me up at the main house. Once I was ready, a little early, I set a stool by the front door because I wasn’t sure I could climb into his truck without ripping a seam. I borrowed a necklace from my latest stepmother and put in earrings Ollie had given me our first Christmas together. I’d splurged on the shoes and lingerie sufficiently that I refused to spend more money, so I threw a coat overtop that totally covered and spoiled the look. I would coat check it once we got there.

I stood at the front door, since I didn’t want to crease the fabric more than necessary. When I heard a vehicle, I checkedin the mirror that everything was in place. Mascara and lipstick hadn’t smudged; hair was staying together… It would do. I opened the door, surprised to see a limo. Remy got out of the back. He was wearing a suit instead of a tux, but it was tailored to his hockey player body and emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist. And his hair—he’d gotten a cut. It still had length but was shaped to his head. He had some stubble, but that was groomed as well.

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