Page 27 of The One Who Got Away
I left the cooler and rushed over to the bathroom in our small dining area. I opened the bag and grinned at the lacy bralette inside. Definitely not one of my own. Did Jessie pick it out or Gus?
I dug out the toiletry bag and decided it was Jessie. Gus was thoughtful, but he was still a dude. I washed up and used the feminine wipes to freshen all the areas before swapping my uniform capris and T-shirt for the lacy ensemble and flowy dress that had been rolled up inside the bag.
It was a pretty lilac, soft as water, and swung along my hips making me look like I had more of a figure than I did.
I didn’t know what kind of magic Jessie had for picking dresses, but it made me feel incredible. There was even a fuzzy cardigan inside. It was a warm October day, but fall was officially here.
I found a pair of ballet flats at the bottom of the bag to complete the ensemble. Two condoms fell out and I quickly tucked them into my sweater pocket. I slipped out and both Michelle and Jessie whistled and whooped.
My cheeks flushed. “Stop it.”
“Hot mama alert. Now take down the hair.” Jessie said with her hands on her hips.
I tugged out the messy bun. I’d stopped flat ironing my hair because Gus liked to play with it, but it was a lot to deal with.
Jessie shook her head. “I can’t believe you straightened all those curls. I have to pin mine overnight to get them to even hold a bend.”
“You can have them.”
She huffed out a laugh. “Okay, go get your man. And keep the smug to a minimum tomorrow.”
“No promises.” I grabbed the cooler and practically skipped out the door. I was digging out my phone when I saw Gus standing beside his truck, his arms crossed.
“Damn, El. You take my breath.”
I practically ran over to him. “I can’t believe you asked Jessie to let me out today.”
“I’m dying. I needed a few hours alone with you.”
I winced. “I know. I’m sorry my mom has been a lot.”
He toyed with one of my curls. “It’s okay. She needs you, but God, so do I.”
I dragged the back of my knuckle over the bulge behind his zipper. “Is that right?”
He groaned. “Yes.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise.”
I laughed. “I like surprises. As long as there’s a place for us to be alone,” I said under my breath.
“Believe me, there is.”
“Good.”
He straightened and opened the passenger door. He helped me in, slipping a hand under the skirt of my dress for a moment. “This dress is going to end me.”
I bit my lip and cupped his face. “What a way to go though.”
He groaned against my mouth then slipped away and closed the door.
I stowed the cooler in the footwell then put on my seatbelt. “Where to?”
“Surprise.”
I sighed. “Fine.”
