Page 64 of Free to Believe
Her eyes holding mine, she says, “I’ll take the Elyx.”
The manager turns to me and says, “And for you, sir?”
I run a finger along her cheek unobtrusively. “I’ll have the same.”
* * *
Jenna’s birthdaygoes off without another hitch. Emily and Dani proceed to gross out the girls with their oyster shooting. Amid the squeals of “Gross!” and “How can you swallowthat?” Brendan and I exchange sardonic smiles. These women alone are trouble. Together they’re a keg of dynamite. In a huge way.
The whole room is roaring at stories Brendan, Dani, and Em have been sharing. At some point, the girls started asking questions about which was worse: crazy fans, cocky models, or bridezillas. The three exchanged glances and answered simultaneously, “Yes.”
This set off another story. And then another. Em’s presently telling one where she’s waving her hands back and forth. Each time she does, my cock jumps eagerly against the zipper of my dress slacks.
Sweet merciful God in heaven, if I look just right, I can just catch a glimpse of her full breast from the side.
My torment is brought to a swift end when a knock comes on the door. In a flash, members of the Cru front and back of the house staff come sailing into the room holding a cake made by Corinna Freeman just for my little girl. Jenna’s eyes get super wide when she sees the almost too beautiful to eat dessert heading her way.
Emily whips out her phone and immediately begins taking pictures—no doubt to send to her sister. Brendan has out his phone, and he yells, “Hey, birthday girl, thank Corinna for your cake!”
“Ohmygod! Em, your sister made this?”
Em’s laugh is pure beauty. Even knowing her such a short time, I know it’s reserved for those who have found their way into the inner sanctum of her heart. “While I’m sure she did, why don’t you ask her?” She gestures to Brendan’s phone. “I’d bet my earrings that’s her on the phone.”
“Like I’d miss this?” comes a voice like dark honey. “Jenna, Lynne, let me see the dresses Em ended up making for you.”
I’m laughing when Jenna and Lynne get up and do a fair job mimicking Dani on a runway. But damn if tears aren’t burning the back of my eyes when Lynne says, “I feel beautiful, Cori. You were so right about everything you said.”
Corinna’s smile can be heard. “Remember it was really what Em said. If you listen to her, you’ll never go wrong.”
Em chortles. “I’m writing down the date and time to remind you that you said that.”
We all laugh. Corinna takes her lumps with good humor. “I didn’t want to intrude, but I wanted to share with y’all that tonight’s dessert is a vanilla bean cake with cookie dough chunks, chocolate ganache, and Italian buttercream filling. It’s topped with chocolate ganache and a vanilla bean–flavored fondant.” We all groan in delight. “Jenna?”
“Yes, Corinna?”
“One of the best parts about any birthday is blowing out the candles and making a wish. But to make sure your cake lasts the longest, let Em place them for you. She’ll know where they go on so the cake won’t spoil as fast, okay?”
“Thank you so much!” Jenna gushes.
“Corinna?” I speak up. Brendan turns the camera on me. I smile. “Thank you.”
“Trust me when I say it was my pleasure,” she drawls. “And since there’s no random bikes lying around, you can have your piece sliced and served, not smashed in your face.”
“Beat it, brat.” Emily stands to her full height. Corinna lets out a low whistle when she gets a load of her sister.
“Damn, Em. Your pictures didn’t do it justice. Thatisone hell of a dress. I thinkyouneed to take a walk on the ‘runway’ so I can lord it over the family.”
“I think not, sister dear.” Em plops back into her seat.
Within seconds, Jenna and Lynne are egging her on. Brendan’s keeping the phone steady, and Corinna’s laughter grows stronger as the girls pantomime how Em should walk. Even Dani gets into the act, using the length of the room to take a turn. “See, now I even have a picture of Dani wearing the dress you made for her,” Corinna calls out.
Leaning close to Emily, I murmur, “Dani’s wearing you as well?”
With a devilish smirk, she leans close. “You’re the only one who’s not. I made Brendan’s tie when I made Dani’s dress.”
Irrational jealousy steals over me even as she gives in. “Fine, fine! I’ll do it. When I land on my rear, you all know why.”
Standing, she carefully removes the calla lilies from her hair. Her curls go wild, much like I imagine the woman inside is. Moving into the corner, she lets out a sigh. “Cori, I swear to God…”
