Page 41 of Flame True

She frowned, seeing Dylan standing in the living room, looking like his usual creepy self.

“Emma, you forgot your bag in the car,” Dylan said, holding out Emma’s red duffel bag.

“God, I’m such a twit,” Emma said, smiling at Dylan. “Thanks for bringing it.”

He nodded. “Of course. Keeping out of trouble, Mulberry?”

“Can’t get much trouble in a dress like this,” Mulberry twirled in a full circle, knowing it’d make Dylan uncomfortable. Dylan coughed.

Aunt Cassie shook her head.

“Let me know if you need me to pick you up tomorrow. Have a good night, ladies.”

“She can ride with me to the set,” Grace said.

Dylan nodded, glancing at Mulberry again. “Fine,” he left, closing the door behind him.

Aunt Cassie locked it.

“Why don’t you just drive yourself?” Mulberry asked.

Emma shrugged. “It seemed less hassle to have Dylan drive me everywhere. Overbearing, but I get more studying in that way. I’m sick of the hotel, so thanks, Grace and Cassie, for having me.”

“Any time, sweetie,” Cassie said.

“Mulberry, I think Nick has just pulled in the driveway,” Cassie said, looking up from the video feed. A second later, her phone buzzed.

Mulberry smoothed her skirt down, stepped into her sleek blue sparkly heels and grinned. “How do I look?”

“You’re stunning. Have a great time tonight” Aunt Cassie gave her shoulder a squeeze.

“I can’t wait for you to tell me all the details,” Emma said.

The doorbell peeled, and Cassie opened the door, saying hi to Nick.

Mulberry’s insides jumped around, hearing his deep smooth voice.

“Enjoy yourself, despite everything,” her mom hugged her.

She grabbed her little clutch, pulled her shoulders back, put a smile on her face and came out.

And seeing Nick there standing in the red-tiled entranceway.

Mulberry struggled for breath. This was a bad idea. But the idea of being on Nick’s arm sent a thrill of excitement through her. He wore a fitted tux, complete with a bowtie. He’d tamed his curly hair and looked more serious and intense than usual.

His intense gaze swept her from head to toe, and Mulberry felt like he was sizing her up and finding her not worthy.

Her lips went dry.

“Good evening, Mulberry. Are you ready for this?”

“As ready as I can be.”

Nick frowned slightly but then replaced it with a gleaming smile. “We’ll have a great night.”

He offered his arm.

Her heart leapt into her throat as she wrapped her fingers around his thick biceps. This man looked good and smelled good, and she wondered how he’d taste if she licked him.

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