Page 102 of Flaunt
“Big no.”
“What time are you leaving?”
“I’m not telling you. You’ll come over and try to take pictures.”
She laughs, pinching my cheek with the dimple. “You are so handsome, Banks.”
“Thanks, Mama. You’re very pretty too.”
She smacks my shoulder. “Have fun tonight. Enjoy it with your lady.”
“I will.” I reach for the tie and she places it in my hand. “Thanks for your help with the tie and the dress.”
“You should pay me back with a picture.”
“I’m not that thankful,” I say with a wink.
“Brat.”
I head for the door. “Five thirty. You get five minutes’ worth of pictures.”
“I knew you’d cave.”
“Don’t push your luck.”
She laughs. “Love you, kiddo.”
“Love you, Mom.”
The door slams shut behind me.
21
Sara
Betsy’s engineroars before the car stops under the canopy. Men in suits open our doors and welcome us to the gala.
“Thank you,” I say, taking the gloved hand extended to me and stepping onto the pavement.
Banks comes around the front of the Corvette with a massive smile on his face. The three women standing at the door stop their conversation to watch him. He commands their attention by just walking, and the best part—he doesn’t even realize it.
I’m not sure he even cares.
I glance down at the gorgeous, fake engagement ring that Banks gave me before we left his house.
“Where did you get this?” I ask, laughing.
He slips it on my finger. “From Pippa. We have to return it after the gala. I won’t let any schmuck think you weren’t getting an engagement ring. Wasn’t happening.”
The thought makes me smile.
“Hey,” I say softly, trying to quell the blip of excitement in my stomach.
He takes my hand and laces his fingers through mine.That helps.
“We’re not too late,” he says, glancing at his watch. “Just twenty-five minutes or so.”
I laugh. “I couldn’t say no to your mom’s little impromptu photo shoot.”
