Page 37 of The Kiss that Captured a Billionaire
Rose stood before the dressing room mirror beneath the stage, smoothing her palms over the pale blue cocktail gown. The fabric shimmered under the old vanity lights, catching silver flecks hidden in the tulle. Her heart was pounding—and it had nothing to do with the snug bodice or the unfamiliar feel of satin against her thighs.
The dress had been designed by her grandmother for a lavish production ofWest Side Story, and it still carried the flash of curtain calls and spotlight dreams. As Rose had slipped into it, she couldn’t help but think of Cinderella or Belle getting ready for their date with a prince. She twirled, her eyes lighting with delight as the filmy material swirled elegantly around her calves. She wasn’t sure she ever wanted to take it off.
Behind her, Kerry let out a low whistle, stepping back to take in the full effect.
“Well, if the billionaire doesn’t fall flat on his face when he sees you, I’ll personally push him down the stairs,” she declared, planting her hands on her hips.
Rose laughed, thin and breathless. “It’s not that serious.”
Kerry raised an eyebrow. “You’re in a dress, glowing like a spotlight, and you’ve been smiling like it’s opening night ever since you told me about the kiss you two shared on the stage this morning. I’d say it’s serious enough.”
Rose turned in a slow circle, the gown flaring around her like a blooming flower. For a moment, she let herself drift into the fantasy. Candlelight, music, Theo’s hand reaching for hers beneath a starlit sky. Her throat tightened. She pressed one hand to her stomach.
“Nerves?” Kerry asked knowingly.
“Terrified. This is my first proper date—the ones with you don’t count,” Rose admitted with a small smile. “Theo and I haven’t talked since… you know.”
“Since you kissed the man like the last act of a Broadway love story?” Kerry teased, nudging her shoulder.
Rose laughed again, but her gaze dropped. “I don’t know what this is. Maybe it’s nothing, but he makes me?—”
Her cheeks flared with color again.
“Maybe it’s everything you’ve dreamed of. You deserve to be happy, Rose. Don’t be afraid to reach for it.” Kerry adjusted the delicate neckline of the dress before stepping back again. “Also, just putting it out there… If Theo bails, my brother Robby is in town.”
Rose frowned. “Wait—Robby? The one who builds furniture and looks like he wrestles bears for fun?”
Kerry grinned. “The very one. He’s here making a delivery for a big-name designer. Hates driving a box truck through the city but loves New Yorkers with money. And,” she added with a wink, “he said if things don’t work out with your billionaire, he wouldn’t mind meeting the mystery girl who has kept his sister out of trouble.”
Rose rolled her eyes, but her smile bloomed. “That’s flattering. And slightly terrifying.”
“Just options, girl,” Kerry said with a shrug. “A wise woman never keeps all her tiaras in one trunk.”
They both dissolved into helpless laughter. It felt good—effortless and light. For the first time since her grandfather’s death, Rose felt lighter, younger, freer, and daring, as if a weight had lifted from her shoulders.
When Kerry checked the time, she grimaced. “Crap. I’ve gotta go. Robby’s taking me out for pizza before he heads back tomorrow. He wants real New York pizza,” she said in an exaggerated New York accent.
She reached for her coat, then paused, catching Rose in a sudden, fierce hug.
“You look beautiful—like, fairytale beautiful. Don’t let that billionaire hurt you, or I swear, I’ll hunt him down with my brother’s lathe.”
Rose hugged her back tightly, her eyes stinging. “I’ll be okay. I promise. It’s just… a night. A one-off.”
Kerry hesitated, her eyebrows pulling together like she wanted to say more—but then she just pressed a kiss to Rose’s cheek andwhispered, “I want every detail tomorrow. Even the scandalous ones.”
Rose smiled faintly. “Sure. Every detail.”
Even though they both knew… she probably wouldn’t.
Kerry left in a flurry of laughter and promises, her boots clicking up the hallway.
Twenty minutes later, Rose stepped out the side door into the service alley, her heart beating like a timpani beneath her ribs. She rounded the corner to the front, climbing the curved steps to stand beneath the covered entrance.
The theatre loomed behind her, a familiar cocoon. But tonight, she felt like a stranger to herself—like someone new had slipped into her skin and borrowed her name.
She was adjusting the silver shawl that went with her dress when a sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb. The back door opened, and Theo emerged in a tailored charcoal suit—cut to steal a woman’s breath.
Rose gulped, licked her lips, and hoped she wouldn’t embarrass herself by drooling.
