Page 37 of Burning Ivy (The KORT)

“I’ll take it. So, are you marrying for love, money, power?” She flaps her hand. “You know what? Don’t tell me. It doesn’t matter. Let’s focus on the dress and the sex.”

Ty and I share a glance, both of us grinning.

“Let’s start with the dress,” I suggest.

As if I rang a service bell, Amy arrives. “Fantastic. Tell me what you have in mind. I’m here to make it all happen.”

I’ve never thought about my dress before, never had a particular vision, so it stands to reason that tailoring it to this experience makes sense. “Actually, I was hoping for something different from a traditional gown. Gothic. Black-and-white. Or … stormy.”

Ty shoots me a sideways glance, picking up on the stormy reference. I shake my head subtly to tell him not to explain my reasoning to anyone, and when he nods, I know he understands. If Wells catches on, I won’t deny it, but I’m not going to broadcast it either.

Amy comes back with three dresses all in the scheme I described. But I know the one immediately. A majestic ball gown steals my breath—strapless with a cinched waist; the heart-shaped bodice covered in intricate black lace, tapering down to the hips where it flares, princess style; the black lace separates into flowery vines,spread over sparkling white tulle. I’ve never seen a more beautiful dress.

“That one.” I point because my voice is a raw whisper, excitement about the wedding coursing through me for the first time.

“Yes, girl,” Rena says. “It’s magical.”

I’m half dazed as Amy and Rena practically shove me into the dressing room. Although it needs to be taken in a bit at the waist, which Amy confirms, it’s a perfect fit. When I emerge in the gown, Rena gasps, but Ty’s reaction stills me. His Adam’s apple bobs, as though it’s hard for him to swallow, and I swear his eyes are glossy.

While the strong reaction catches me off guard, I kind of get it. Something about Ty feels like an old friend. We slipped into that so easily. It’s odd how the guys have all molded to me so quickly. Other than Celeste, connecting with people has never come natural to me, which often has me feeling awkward around others, but it’s not like that with any of them. And the way Wells knows exactly what to say and do to get under my skin is equal measures thrilling and infuriating.

But out of all the guys, Ty is the one who puts me most at ease.

“So, so beautiful, Freckles,” he rasps, voice husky.

Rena studies him. “Wow, that’s really sweet, Ty. It’s how I imagine my brothers will react if I ever trick anyone into marrying me.”

“I don’t think you’ll need to trick anyone. You’re clearly a catch,” I say.

She curtsies with her hand under her chin. “Thank you.” Straightening, she adds, “I’m a handful though. That’s what happens when you’re raised by older brothers who keep you under lock and key. A rebellious princess, imprisoned in the bell tower.”

Hmm. No parents. I wonder what the story is there. Too soon to ask something so personal though, so I twirl back to the three-way mirror and gawk at the gown some more.

“Your boobs are phenomenal, and that dress isn’t shy about shouting it,” she proclaims, ogling my chest, which makes me laugh.

“They’re fake,” I admit. “I hadfarless than a handful, and … I did it for me.”

I’m not sure why I felt compelled to confess that, except that Rena is a knockout. At least a few inches taller than me with long, lean legs and beautiful, subtle curves. Maybe she was merely flattering me, but comparison always makes me cringe. It leaves us all feeling less than. The thief of joy. Sharing that I have implants shows none of us are perfect, but also embarrasses me. I’m aware of the stigma.Fake titsis a slander in half the books I read.

So, I clarify. “I hated how straight and small I waseverywhere. I got a small D, so it complemented my body type. I wanted to get out of the shower, look in the mirror, and be excited about what I saw.”

It’s the reason my parents were comfortable with the request before I started college. They understood it was for me.

“Well, they look real. And it’s not like the pink streaks or holes all over my body are natural, so more power to you.” Her mouth curls into an audacious grin. “So,areyou?”

“Am I?” I ask, spinning to face her.

“Turned on when you get out of the shower?”

Not exactly how I phrased it.

I cackle, heat rushing to my cheeks in mortification, and glance at Ty, who is chuckling as well. “Yep.” I roll my lips in. “Totally turned on when I step out of the shower.”

“Great. If things don’t work out with Wells, you’re all set.” She whoops with a clap, like we’ve solved all my issues.

Celeste would adore her.

“All set,” I confirm, rubbing my forehead and turning back to take one more gander at the dress.

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