Page 17 of Royal Pain
“Remind me to borrow this dress. Graham would love it.”
“You could wear a Hefty bag and he’d think you stepped out ofVogue. It’s beautiful to watch him watching you.”
Handing over the dress, she smiles and nods in a happy agreement. I can’t think of a person who would deny the strength of their romance.
“Don’t you think the dress is a bit obvious?” I ask. The corner of my mouth lifts, emphasizing the doubt.
“Obviously sexy. If not tonight Belinda, when?” She laughs at her own words. “It’s the prince, and you’re about to get a peek at the royal jewels!”
My best friend with the blue-tipped hair can be counted on for many things. Being candid is one that has come in handy. She’s known for giving good advice and gets paid for it. But in this particular case, I’m leery. The woman thinks Zan walks on water. And this is no Ask Ida problem.
“Try it on. I’m going to look through your earrings. That’s all you’d need. The dress has enough going on.”
I step into the open back and raise the almost weightless dress to my torso. I lift the delicate straps around the back of my neck and button them. It’s so light I feel naked.
“Ohhhh! You whore!” Soraya laughs. “That looks awesome on you!”
Looking at my image I turn to each side. She brings me the thin gold large hoops.
“These. Try these. And take off those heels. I’ll get the ones you bought last week.”
“This is so short! Look at the back! It’s almost showing my crack!”
“The better to pat your ass, my dear,” she calls from the closet.
I can’t hold back my smile. “I have to admit, I like how the light hits the sequins. Zan will like that.”
Soraya’s head peeks out. “Oh yeah, it’s the sequins he’s going to be concentrating on.”
* * *
The limo is our cocoon, its darkened windows protecting us from the eyes of people driving by. Darkened glass separating the front to back seat is raised. We’re virtually alone, and no one can hear us. Zan reaches for my hand and wraps warm fingers in mine.
“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” he says gently.
How can he tell? My mouth feels like the Sahara Desert, but I thought I was selling the idea I had it all together.
“Want a drink of sparkling water?” he says, taking the bottle from the holder and pouring half a crystal tumbler full.
“Here, Belinda. Take a sip.”
Gladly. My lips are dry and sticking to my teeth.Christ.I take the glass and down every drop.
“You’re right. I’m unnaturally nervous.”
“So am I. You could have any man. I know that.” He taps his chest. “I have to live up to your expectations.”
Looking in his eyes, I know he’s lying. He isn’t nervous in the least. But I give it to the man for trying to make me feel better. It’s kind.
“Maybe you should kiss my nerves away. It might make things better.”
He chuckles at my suggestion, leaning in close. My hand raises to his face and as lips touch a warmth rises and reaches to the tips of my fingers and toes. We fall headlong into the kiss, instantly lost in its depth of feeling. As we part, a look passes between us that acknowledges the power of the moment.
The driver has turned into the hotel’s garage. We pull up to the underground elevators and Zan lowers the glass divide.
“Thank you, Paul. I won’t need you again tonight. Pop the trunk. I’ll get it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
