Page 98 of Absinthe Minded

Clair untied the scarf.

I almost fainted. I wore the dress Clair had described asold Hollywood glam. The sapphires and diamonds around my neck probably cost more than a house. The silky fabric shimmered in the light, hugging every curve. I turned to see the back of the gown and fell in love. It dipped low with pearl buttons running from my lower back to the end of the fluted skirt. No lace, no fussy embroidery, just ruching across the bodice hips and thighs.

“What do you think?” Clair tilted her head.

“I… I…” I burst into tears.

Clair’s mouth moved wordlessly before she managed to speak. “It’s all right, dear. A lot of women cry the first time.”

31

Gabe

At seven o’clock sharp,a limo stopped in front of the salon. I’d waited my entire life for tonight, and I wanted it to be perfect. I’d shaved and dusted off my favorite Armani suit for the occasion. Hell, I’d enlisted the help of a saleswoman to convince Maggie to buy a cocktail dress.

I opened the glass door. No matter how beautiful the salon, they all smelled the same, like chemicals and incense. Both made my nose twitch.

Shanna and Dahlia smiled, and the guy standing beside them looked like he’d eat me alive given half the chance, but I didn’t see Maggie.

I took several steps forward before my brain clicked in and zeroed in on the platinum blonde bombshell in the tight black dress. Until that moment, I would have thought it impossible for her to look more beautiful, but she blew me away.

Maggie took a step forward and smiled.

My pulse beat a cadence loud enough to drown out the chatter around me. I dipped my chin to hide my grin and held my hand out toward her.

Her smile went straight to my heart. She took several quick steps, glanced over her shoulder at her friends, and slowed her pace.

The little devil. I bet they’d coached her on how to walk in stilettos.

I motioned for her to turn.

Maggie stopped and spun in a slow circle. “Do you like my hair? The sales lady at the dress shop suggested I lighten it for the gala. Is it too much for a mother of four?”

“You look amazing, and who says mothers of four can’t be sexy?” I needed to get her to dinner fast or I’d throw the plan out the window and take her straight to the hotel. I set my hand on the small of her back and guided her to the limo.

“Where are we going?” She slid across the leather seat.

“I’d like to take you home and peel that dress off.” I traced a line from her knee to her inner thigh.

Maggie grabbed my hand. “Later. I’m starved. Wherever we’re going, I hope food is involved.”

I knocked once on the glass separating us from the driver, and the limo pulled from the curb. I couldn’t stop touching her. “I love the dress. Did you find something for the gala?”

“Yes, but…” Maggie lowered her eyes. “I spent a lot of money today.”

“I don’t mind.” I hooked my finger under her chin and brushed my lips across hers. “It’s worth every penny to see you happy.”

“I let the salespeople talk me into a few things I don’t really need.”

“Maggie, stop worrying. I wouldn’t have given them permission to charge me if I didn’t want to spoil you. Where are your bags?”

“Shanna’s taking them to her place. We’re getting dressed for the gala there.”

“You should get dressed at home, with me.”

“I want to surprise you.” The limo came to a stop, and she peeked out the dark glass at a wrought iron gate. “Where are we?”

“You’re not the only one who’s full of surprises.” My voice cracked like that of a fourteen-year-old kid. I had to get a hold of my nerves before I ended up making a fool of myself.

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