“I mean you could try contacting him. Seize the moment. We could call one of his companies,” offered Jane.
“And say what? I’m the girl you saved from a cab, fancy buying me another posh dinner?”
No. I couldn’t do that. If I was ever going to know if Richard genuinely was interested in me, he would have to make an effort to contact me. It was a small confidence boost but one I needed. After all, the man was a freakin’ duke!
* * *
Hours later,we opened our flat door only to almost trip over a large white box. Just over four feet long and about half as wide, it was a bit awkward lifting it up and over the threshold. Tucked into the thick black velvet ribbon securing the lid was a small cream-colored envelope with Elizabeth scrawled in heavily slanted, masculine script.
Jane’s eyes widened with anticipation. “Open it!”
Turning my shoulders slightly so she couldn’t read the card before me, I slid a fingertip under the envelope fold and pulled out the card.
Eight p.m. tonight.
Wear this.
—Richard
I couldn’t suppressthe tremor of anticipation the authoritative, commanding tone of his note caused. He was just so… demanding in that awesome masculine sexy kind of way.
Pulling on the bow, I slowly lifted the lid. Nestled inside the box was layers upon layers of ethereal pale pink, washed silk organza. Lifting the dress by the shoulders, I held it up to myself. It was a floor-sweeping gown with several tiers of frills from the waist down. With its high neck and scallop-edged sleeves, it looked both timelessly elegant and chic.
“Is that a Vampire’s Wife gown?”
“I think it is…” I was in awe. With my love of historical gowns, I was obsessed with the designs from Vampire’s Wife. The gowns looked old-fashioned in a hip way. Once more, it was like Richard had read my mind, picking out the absolutely perfect gown for me. By the look of it, it would fit perfectly as well.
“Well, it looks like he tracked you down,” observed Jane with a smirk.
Holding the gown protectively against my middle, I couldn’t quite figure out if I was more anxious or excited for tonight.