Page 28 of Absolution
For a moment, I consider calling Dane. I promised I would if I needed his protection.
But I’m with my friends, and we handled the situation. Dane will only be upset if I tell him that I had another creepy interaction with Ron. I don’t want to spoil the euphoria of our new life together in Charleston with any more ugliness.
Besides, Ron isn’t my neighbor anymore. I’m moving into Dane’s house.
Ourhouse.
Ron will never bother me again.
10
DANE
Two weeks later
“We’re going to The Magnolia?” Abigail’s delicately arched brows draw together as I guide her toward the boutique hotel where we had our first date. “I thought you said we’re going to the beach. I’m not dressed for the rooftop bar.”
She gestures at her casual sundress. The straps of her dark purple bikini are visible at her neckline, a tantalizing suggestion of what she’ll look like in the skimpy swimsuit.
I blink the wolfish glint from my eyes and offer her a teasing smile. “We are going to the beach, just not right now. We’re stopping at The Magnolia first.”
“Dane!” she protests, even as she allows me to lead her into the entry hall that’s set up as a small art gallery.
None of the work on display compares to her masterpieces, but her gaze instantly strays to the paintings. Her lovely eyes shine with an awestruck light as she drinks in the art like it’s the most breathtaking thing she’s ever seen.
All qualms about her outfit are forgotten as soon as she loses herself in her artistic nature.
She’s so distracted that she doesn’t notice Stacy practically bounding down the corridor, Franklin hot on her heels. His cheeks are a bit rosy above his neat black moustache—he must’ve started partaking of the Champagne I ordered for them already. And, judging by her giddy energy, Stacy might be a bit tipsy too.
“Abby!” she squeals, “You’re here!”
“Stacy?” She blinks as the exuberant woman barrels into her. “Hey, y’all. What are you doing here?”
She’s baffled but clearly pleased to see her two friends.
A quick, jealous impulse tightens my hand around hers for a moment, but I force myself to remain calm and collected. I can share her attention for a short while. In a few hours, she’ll be mine forever. I can allow her this time with them to make the day special for her.
“Dane got a room for us,” Franklin gushes, then adds in a conspiratorial whisper, “With Champagne.”
“What? Why?”
I curl two fingers beneath her chin, drawing her gaze to mine. I want her looking into my eyes when I say, “Your friends are going to help you get ready for our wedding.”
Her lovely lips part on a soft gasp. “Now?”
“Now.”
My grin is probably sharper than it should be, but I can’t bring myself to soften it in this moment of triumph.
“But…I’m not even wearing makeup. You told me we’re going to the beach, so I only put on sunscreen.”
I cup her cheek. “You are stunning just as you are.”
Franklin lets out a long sigh, and Stacy says, “I brought makeup if you want it. Dane asked if we wanted to help you get ready, and we’re so thrilled to be part of your Big Day!”
“A private ceremony on the beach at sunset, so romantic,” Franklin says with approval. “But we get to spend the afternoon with you. I have our favorite musicals ready for a singalong while you get glammed up. Dane didn’t give us much notice, but luckily, I already have a thirteen-hour-long playlist ready for emergencies like this.”
Abigail’s stunning eyes are still fixed on mine, wide and guileless as ever. “I get to be your wife today?” she breathes.
