Page 89 of Grounded
"If you don't buy that for yourself, I will," she says.
Wow. I look amazing.
The black dress has a square neckline that reveals the perfect amount of chest. I don't feel like I'm spilling out for once, but it's still tasteful and sexy. But the real stunner is the black silk tulle skirt that is just sheer enough to see the bodysuit hidden underneath. I spin in all directions so I can take in every angle.
"Wow, this looks incredible on me. And I never say that."
I grab a handful of the skirt and run it through my fingers. The length is perfect and hits me right at my shins. All I need is a new pair of heels.
This will exceed the expectations of the cocktail attire dress code.IfI end up going.
"Shall I ring it up for you?" the saleswoman asks.
"Yes!"
I'm soaring as I walk out of the store in a stupefied daze. I didn't even bat an eyelash when I whipped out my credit card. The whole interaction has me smiling from ear to ear. My alcohol buzz has worn off, but I'm high on happiness the whole drive home.
It's once I'm parking my dad's car that I realize what I've done: Dropped nearly $500 on a dress I can't afford and may never wear again. And I agreed to my first real date since I was dumped. And while looking through my phone to see the confirmation text I sent Dylan, I see Ialsobuzz replied to Theo as well.
A simple "yes" sits in a text bubble in Theo's thread.
Looks like I formally accepted his invitation.
Shit.
WhenIreceiveAmelia'sone-word response, I'm beside myself.
Call me crazy, but I didn't think she'd take me up on this questionable proposal.
When the garage opens below me, I peek out my window and see her pulling up.
We need to discuss the details. If she works tomorrow and Saturday morning, we won't have much time to finalize the ground rules. And knowing Amelia, she will have a complicated and precise list of every possible outcome.
I have no idea where she's been all day, but I make my way downstairs and casually pretend I'm grabbing something in the garage as she enters the house.
Our bodies collide as she walks through the door right as I'm exiting it.
"What the hell?" she shrieks.
I have to grab her lower back with one hand and place the other on the wall so we don't take each other down as we stumble around.
It's surreal being so close as we stand in this awkward embrace.
Amelia always keeps a healthy distance between us, so it's difficult to gauge my strength and size. I loom over her with my height difference and take this rare opportunity to check her out now that our bodies are lined up.
I'm imposing and powerful to her delicate and feminine stature. Fuck, if my primeval ways aren't coming out. I would protect this woman with everything I have—
"Can't you watch where you're going?" she pants, out of breath, as our bodies are flush against each other.
She brings me back to earth, and I separate from her now that we have our bearings.
"Sorry, I didn't even hear you coming in," I lie.
She grabs onto her purse, and I see she left something in the backseat.
"I think you forgot something," I point to the car.
"It's nothing. Can you move so I can go in?"
