Page 57 of Dating Goals
“Anika!” My mother’s voice sings from the hallway. “There’s something for you!”
She reappears in the doorway, cradling an enormous white box tied with a black satin ribbon. “The delivery man just left this. It’s addressed to you.”
“For me?” I take the surprisingly heavy box and place it on the bed. “There must be some mistake.”
“It has your name on it.” She points to the elegant card tucked under the ribbon.
I carefully untie the bow and lift the lid. Nestled in layers of tissue paper is the most exquisite dress I’ve ever seen. It’s a deep midnight blue, with a subtle shimmer that catches the light as I lift it from the box. It unfolds into a floor-length gown with a tasteful slit up one side and delicate beading across the bodice.
“Oh my…” My mother’s hands fly to her cheeks. “It’s stunning!”
I’m speechless, running my fingers over the silky fabric. The cut is classic, elegant.
“There’s more!” My mother reaches into the box and pulls out a smaller package. Inside are strappy, black heels that look suspiciously like my size.
“How did he…” I whisper, slipping off my sock to compare my foot to the shoe. Perfect fit.
“Wait, there’s another box!” Mother squeals as she pulls out a small velvet case.
This one contains a delicate silver necklace with matching teardrop earrings. Simple, nothing flashy or ostentatious. Just…lovely.
“Well, well,” my mother says, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “I wonder who could have sent such a thoughtful gift? Perhaps a certain hockey player?”
I feel heat creeping up my neck. “The card doesn’t say it’s from Griffin.”
“It doesn’t have to,Schätzli.” She taps the side of her nose. “A mother knows these things.”
14
GRIFFIN
My entire world narrows to the vision stepping out of the sleek black limousine I sent to pick her up.
Anika emerges onto the helipad like something from a dream, and my brain short-circuits. Everything—the mission, Malcolm Chase, the FIS agents lurking somewhere nearby—evaporates like ice on a spring day.
Her hair tumbles in soft waves past her shoulders, catching the last rays of sunlight. She’s wearing a furry pink winter coat that reaches her knees, but the blue dress I sent her peeks out beneath it.
Words catch in my throat as she steps onto the helipad.
Words. I need words. Any words.
“You’re…” I swallow hard. “Wow.”
Smooth. Real smooth.
Her face falls. “I knew I shouldn’t have worn my mother’s furry coat. But all I have are puffy ski jackets.”
“No, no…it’s just…”
“I’m sorry. I’m going to embarrass you in front of your colleagues.”
“I can assure you, woman. The way you look…I don’t think I want to take you anywhere.”
She frowns, and I can see a slight panic in her eyes. I cup her chin in my hand. “But that’s only because every other man at the party tonight will want you.”
Her voice quivers. “We can’t have that, can we?”
I shake my head slowly, dropping my gaze to her lips. “No, we cannot. I need every other man to know you’re mine tonight.”
