Page 97 of Free to Breathe
Paired with a pair of black patent leather Louboutins, a set of dangling jet-black earrings, and a chunky onyx ring, I feel glamorous. Even the thigh-high tights I’m wearing to hide my leg hair don’t detract from the look.
“Wow,” I whisper as I look at my transformation. “I’ve never looked as beautiful as I do right now.”
“You’ve always been this beautiful,” Em counters.
Cassidy chimes in. “I agree. You’re just giving yourself permission to feel it.”
I twirl. I mean, how can I not? The delicate material of the dress lifts lightly before settling perfectly back in place. “Ali? Holly? What do you think?”
Ali places her hands on my shoulders from behind. “Perfect. Especially the heart that beats inside.”
Holly comes up next to me and takes my hand. “Then again, you always were.”
Quickly I’m embraced by each of my sisters, all taking care not to wrinkle the delicate dress. With just a moment left to myself before Colby arrives, I face the mirror one last time, catching a glimpse of my amaryllis tattoo tucked away next to my heart. It rises and falls with every breath I take. Spinning, I see my key tattoo with my reminder to never forget displayed brazenly on my back.
I’ll never forget.
Not a single minute.
Leaving Em’s room, I make my way downstairs to wait with my sisters for Colby’s arrival.
* * *
“You take my breath away.”
I duck my head, thrown off by the compliment. This man has seen every square inch of my body naked, taken it to places no one ever has, and with mere words can devastate me.
“You’re always beautiful, Corinna,” Colby continues. “But right now, I’m fighting for air.”
“Now you’re just being sweet,” I admonish him.
“Cupping the side of my face, he captures my hand and lifts it to his lips, murmuring, “No, I’m not.”. Lifting it to his lips, he murmurs, “No, I’m not.” Clearing his throat, he says to our rapt audience, “Thank you for everything.”
Em speaks for everyone. “It was entirely our pleasure.”
Phil, who came over to see my sisters’ handiwork, deadpans, “What time will you have her home?”
Colby casts him a disparaging glance. “You’ll see her sometime tomorrow.”
“But doesn’t she have to go to the—”
“Shut up, Phil!” all my sisters snap, cutting him off from interrupting our night of fantasy with the intrusion of reality.
Tucking my hand in his arm, Colby guides me down Em’s front stairs. I’m so engrossed in him, in the magical bubble encasing us, I don’t realize it’s not Colby’s Jeep waiting to take us to where we’re going.
A gentleman is standing by a shiny black car with tinted windows, holding the door open. “Ms. Freeman? Mr. Hunt? Are you ready to begin your evening?”
I turn to Colby. “What on earth are we doing?”
He smiles down at me. “We’re going on an adventure, princess. Come on.” He urges me forward. “It takes a bit of time to get there.”
I smile back as I step forward and accept the driver’s hand. “Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure, miss. Sir.” He nods respectfully at Colby, who walks around the back of the car and slides in next to me.
Once we’re on our way, I pester Colby with questions. “Give me a hint.”
He just shakes his head, laughing. “Not a chance.”
