Page 120 of Into the Woods

I exited the dressing room once again, and Eric looked up from his phone.

“Oh, my God! Bex!” Cami cried, standing to one side in a crimson dress with a slit up to her hip and an intricately laced corset. The straps fell off her shoulders, leaving her decolletage bare. She looked like a movie star.

“This is stunning,” Cami gushed, coming to stand in front of me. She turned to Eric. “Doesn’t she look amazing?”

“Beautiful,” he agreed, getting up and walking to me. “Do you like the dress?”

I had to admit it was freaking gorgeous, and probably something I would’ve picked for myself. “I love it.”

“It looks made for you,” the woman who had been assisting Cami mentioned. When the door opened, the chime signaling a new customer had come in, she headed for the entrance.

Eric leaned in and kissed the tip of my nose. “Perfect. You and Cami can check out, and we’ll go to lunch.”

Cami shook her head. “I have one more dress to try on.”

“Why?” Eric looked confused as he waved a hand at her. “Red is clearly your color, don’t you agree, Bex?”

“Uh, yeah. The dress is totally you, Cam,” I assured her, noting that Alex was watching the exchange but didn’t speak up. In fact, judging by the tight set of his jaw and his dark eyes, he seemed pretty pissed about something.

“Forgive me for saying,” Eric added, “but might I recommend a heel that will accentuate your legs? With the color and the high slit, it will highlight all the work you’ve done as a dancer.”

Cami and I exchanged baffled looks. When had Eric turned into the fashion expert?

Finally, Cami let out a soft laugh. “I mean, you’re right.”

Janice nodded. “I have just the pair in mind for the dress.”

“Alex?” Cami looked at him, clearly reading her boyfriend’s mood.

Alex’s expression was still pinched. “I’m certain I’ll love whatever you select.”

“You mean you’ll love peeling it off me later.” Cami grinned and looked at me, but the look Eric exchanged with his brother made goose bumps erupt across my arms.

Alex pushed angrily to his feet. “Excuse me. I need to make a phone call.” He spun on his heels and stalked through the boutique to the front door, then shoved the glass open and stepped outside.

Cami’s face fell. “I should check on him,” she murmured, hurrying back into the dressing room with Janice at her heels to help her out of the gown.

I turned to Eric, trying to play it off as amusing, even though something in my gut was warning me there was a problem. “Should I be concerned with how much attention you’re giving to Cami’s dress?”

Eric flashed me an indulgent smile as his hands came up to frame my face. “My love, are you jealous?”

“No,” I replied, genuinely meaning it. To be jealous, I’d have to care about Eric, and that wasn’t happening.

He chuckled. “My sweet love is jealous.” He swooped in for a quick kiss that turned my insides to ash. “There’s absolutely no need to be. I just thought her dress was appropriate for the… occasion.”

“For my grandmother’s birthday celebration?” My brows rose.

He gave a noncommittal hum as Cami came out of the dressing room. She flashed me a tight smile before chasing after Alex.

Janice exited after her and passed the red dress to an associate before looking at me. “Will you need shoes to match?”

“Yes,” Eric answered for me. “A low heel. Nothing too high. Can’t have my future wife looking like a whore.” He flashed me a wink, but my stomach soured.

So, I couldn’t wear heels, but Camille could?

That didn’t make sense.

“Eric…” I started, but I wasn’t sure where to go from there.

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