Page 57 of Paradox
“Thanks.” I slide my palms down the front of my dress. Ellen did a great job. I totally would have picked it out myself. It’s the perfect shade of blue, and shows the right amount of skin—legs, breasts, back, and the curves of my waist. “You’re very handsome. Combed hair and all.”
He smiles, handing me a gorgeous bouquet of red roses.Roses. From Mr. I-Don’t-Do-Romance. Baby Jesus. This is already the best birthday ever.
“I can clean up pretty well.”
“I see that. Let me put these in some water, then we can go.”
I quickly find a vase and then hurry back to him, anxious to get this night underway. After what happened last night, I know tonight will be absolutely incredible.
“Ready, babe?”
“Yup,” I reply, grabbing my clutch.
After I lock the door behind us, he offers me his arm like a true gentleman. With a giddy smile, I slip my hand through the crook of his. He leads me to the Bimmer, opening my door so I can slide in. Watching him as he walks to the driver’s side, I can’t get over how beautiful he is.
“I know I already told you but you look amazing, Gage,” I tell him when he joins me.
“Good. Because all of this”—he sweeps his hand over his body—“I did for you.”
“I love it. Can’t wait to get you out of it, though.”
“Funny. I thought the same thing when you opened the door.”
Fuck. “Can we just skip the party and go back to your place?”
“Don’t tempt me, doll. We’re doing this right. I have a few surprises for you.”
“What surprises?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“You’ll see.”
With that cryptic statement, he laces his fingers through mine and pulls out of the driveway. Ever so often, he squeezes my fingers and tosses a smile my way. This Gage is strange to me. It’s not just his appearance, but his whole demeanor. He hasn’t said one dirty thing to me, and he’s being so quiet. I figured I’d be hearing about all the things he’s going to do to me tonight. Regardless, I have to admit I like this side of him, too.
We arrive at Scythe, and he opens my door. Before we head inside, he taps out something on his phone and then offers me his arm. The club is pitch black when we walk in. I prepare for everyone to shout “Surprise!”, even though I knew the party was happening. Instead, the lights come on gradually, revealing a scene straight out of a storybook. Blue. Everywhere. Blue streamers, blue balloons, blue centerpieces on the tables. To our right, there’s an area set up for taking pictures beneath a balloon arch of an eighth note. On top, there’s a banner that reads “Class of 2015.” Oh. My. God. A prom-themed party! Everyone is dressed up in gowns and tuxes. All these big, bad bikers dressed up in tuxes for me. I turn to Gage, tears pooling in my eyes.
“You did this for me?”
“I thought you might like it. Ellen did all the work, though.”
“Gage… I love it!”
“Don’t cry.” He swipes a tear from my cheek. “We have pictures to take.”
He leads me over to the arch, where Tek is set up with a camera. Gage pulls me against him, my back to his front, and slides his hands around my waist. A shiver runs down my spine as his palms glide over my exposed sides. Apparently, he notices because he leans forward and whispers in my ear.
“Just a few more hours, babe.”
“I can’t wait,” I whisper, turning my head to gaze up at him.
Leaning in, he gently presses his lips to mine. The flash of the camera goes off, startling us apart. I turn to Tek with a smile.I need a copy of that picture!After a few more, we make our way onto the main dancefloor. Chrissy and Toni run to me, bouncing with excitement.
“Happy birthday, Ray!” Chrissy squeals, pulling me into a tight embrace.
“Thanks, boo.”
She gives Gage a knowing smile, then bumps my shoulder with hers.
“I needallthe details,” she whispers before moving aside.
