Page 121 of Into the Woods

He held my gaze, his eyes sparkling with a glint that made me shudder. “It’s going to be a spectacular night, my love. The start of the rest of our lives together.”

CHAPTER 37

BEX

Eric dropped me off at home later that afternoon, citing a business meeting he couldn’t get out of. I didn’t fight him; I’d take any and all chances to get away from him.

Lunch had been strange. Alex barely paid attention to anyone, including Cami, which only worried my cousin more. Eric had kept the conversation going, asking my cousin about her upcoming dance performances and talking about our wedding.

I did manage to get everyone to agree to keep our engagement under wraps until after Mémé’s event, telling them all that I didn’t want to detract from my grandmother’s party. Plus, I told Eric that we deserved our own moment to announce our news, and he seemed to love that idea.

As I trudged up the front stairs, pausing to blow Eric a kiss, I realized how utterly drained I was. I hated lying, and I’d spent the day lying to one of my favorite people in the world.

I pushed open the door and saw the house manager, Yvette, in the front hall. Yvette had been part of my life for years. She was only a few years younger than my grandparents and had worked for them almost as long as they’d been married. Yvette wasn’t just an employee; she was family.

Which was why she had no problem speaking her mind when she saw me.

“Rebecca, cher, you look exhausted,” she chastised, her brow furrowing as she came over and pressed a hand to my forehead. “Are you coming down with something?”

“No,” I assured her. “Just didn’t sleep all that well.”

“Ah, well, perhaps it would be best to tell your late-night suitor to take an evening off?” She gave me a pointed stare.

Of course she’d noticed Court, because as good as my guy was at breaking and entering, Yvette knew this house like the back of her hand. Nothing escaped her attention.

“Please don’t say anything,” I whispered.

Her expression turned annoyed. “You know I won’t lie for you. If you’re old enough to entertain a nighttime visitor, then you’re old enough to be honest with your grandparents and your mother. Besides, your grandmother hasn’t stopped raving about your gentleman caller, so I doubt she’d be upset.”

“It’s not him,” I confessed. “Eric isn’t the one who… It’s complicated, Yvette.”

She sucked in a sharp breath. “Rebecca, what are you doing, cher?”

“I know what it looks like,” I admitted, adjusting the gown in my arms, “but it’s not that.”

“And how do you plan to explain that?” Yvette’s gaze dropped to the ring on my finger.

“It’s—”

“—complicated,” she finished for me with a frown. “The little Rebecca I knew would never lie or cheat. What has gotten into you?”

“Eric is… He’s not the guy for me” I confessed. “But I need him to think he is.”

Her blue eyes widened. “Cher—”

I grabbed her hand and squeezed. “I promise I’ll tell you everything. I’ll tell Mom and Mémé and Papa too, but for right now, I can’t. Please, Yvette. I’m not asking you to lie for me. I’m just asking that you not bring up the guy in my room. Or the ring.”

Yvette sighed. “All right, cher.” She cupped my cheek with her hand. “I’ve known you since you were a babe, and I suppose I can trust your judgment.”

Relief sank into my bones, and my knees almost gave out. “Thank you, Yvette.”

She didn’t look happy, but she nodded. “Is that your dress for tomorrow evening?”

“Yes.”

She held out her arms. “I’ll see that it’s ready for you tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, passing her the dress.

---