Page 49 of The Bourbon Bet
“I am so glad you didn’t. It was lovely, but this one…” Paige fans herself.
“And combined with your hair and makeup.” Sade stands back, then makes the chef’s kiss gesture, handing me a mirror.
I reach out and touch the cool, smooth surface of the mirror. The woman in the reflection is a vision. I lean closer, marveling at the way my brown eyes pop thanks to the expertly applied makeup. My skin glows, and the contours of my face are highlighted to perfection. And my hair is an intricate updo that makes me feel like royalty; each curl, twist, and braid is a work of art.
I turn to Sade, my pulse fluttering. “You’ve transformed me. I barely recognize myself.”
Sade grins. “Oh, honey, I just enhanced what was already there. Mr. Blackstone won’t be able to take his eyes off you tonight.”
Butterflies dance in my stomach, imagining his intense gaze sweeping over me, his hands itching to touch me. My phone chimes with a text, and my heart flips. Sebastian’s name flashes on the screen.
Counting down the minutes until I can see you. Save me a dance?
His words ignite a full-body flutter of excitement. I can almost picture the charming grin as he types out the message.
My fingers hover over the screen. Am I ready to dive into flirtation? To let myself be swept away by the handsome and enigmatic Sebastian Blackstone?
After a moment’s hesitation, I type, surprising myself with my boldness.
Prepare to be dazzled. I may even save you more than one dance if you play your cards right.
I hit send and a thrill rushes through my veins. This is a side I rarely let out to play—the confident, flirtatious woman who knows her worth. It is exhilarating and terrifying.
Yet beneath the excitement, a nagging voice reminds me of my deal with Thorne. I shouldn’t develop feelings for Sebastian, knowing that I might ultimately have to betray him.
I push that thought away, determined to enjoy this moment of lighthearted connection. Tonight, I will allow myself to be dazzled by the magic of the gala and the charm of Sebastian Blackstone. Tomorrow, I’ll worry about the consequences.
After I return my cell to my purse, Sade wishes me a fabulous night. I attempt to tip her, but she informs me that Sebastian included it in the final bill. His thoughtfulness continually surprises me.
“Are you ready to put on your dress? Ready to spend the evening with Mr. Blackstone Bourbon?” Paige asks. “I can’t wait to see it all together.”
I nod, stepping behind the privacy screen. Slipping into the gown, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m stepping into a role I’m not prepared to play.
Zipping up the dress, I take one final look.
I’m walking into a minefield. And I don’t mean just tonight, but with this whole Sebastian thing. Everything could explode in my face. I can only hope that when the dust settles, I’ll still recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror.
ChapterTwenty-One
Rosalia
By some miracle, I'm ready when Tom arrives at the entrance of the spa to take me to the gala. Although there had been a moment of pure panic when I couldn’t find the garnet earrings my father had given me the previous Christmas. I’d put them in my purse before heading out in the morning, figuring I’d need their comfort. But the little velvet bag they were supposed to be in was empty. After dumping out my purse, I found them hiding in the crumb-filledcorner.
Sebastian had arranged for Paige to get home safely in a separate car. After a quick goodbye hug and promise to call tomorrow, I step from the dim, lavender-scented cocoon of the spa into the bright evening air. The contrast momentarily blinds me, and I shield my eyes, scanning the street for our ride.
I’m about to ask Tom where he parked when I see the sleek car a little way up the street. Then I notice a guy standing next to it. A firework goes off in my chest. Sebastian is leaning against the side of it in a black tux that fits him like a dream. The cut showcases his broad shoulders, trim waist, and long legs. The fabric catches the slanting evening light, and the rich material absorbs and reflects it like liquid shadow. The man is a walking fantasy.
A smile splits my face. We’re going to arrive together.
I practically skip to him until we’re a few feet apart, and then I slow, my steps faltering. He’s standing still as a stone. I run a hand to the waist of the dress. The smattering of gems and beads press into my palm. Is the gown too much for a refined gala? Too red? The plunge neckline too revealing?
Sebastian shakes his head and comes toward me. “You are beautiful.” The worship in his voice makes me a little light-headed. He brushes his lips along my cheek. The barely-there kiss heats my desire and his words cool my anxieties. He steps back, his gaze drinking me in. “Seriously, you look ethereal.”
“You too.” His tuxedo fits as if it were custom-made, which it undoubtedly was. I adore the fact that, like he does with regular business suits, he’s wearing a vest. This one is a few shades lighter than his black slacks and jacket, matching his bowtie and pocket handkerchief. “Do you have a tailor on speed dial, or is there a secret lair of tuxedo elves at your beck and call?” I tease.
“No, not elves.” Sebastian laughs, then winks. “Have you already forgotten about my Minions? I have a whole army of them toiling away in the depths of the distillery. But instead of helping me steal the moon, they make bourbon smoother than silk. But don’t tell anyone, it’s a closely guarded family secret.”
I laugh. The sound escapes before I can stop it. Being with him is so effortless, so wonderful. For a heartbeat, I let myself forget the complications, the reasons I have to hold back.
