Page 118 of The Sexy Billionaire

“I do.”

“If she can stand by you through all this, then it’s going to last.” He smiles.

34

PAIGE

“Give us a twirl,” Savannah says through the computer. “You’re going to knock Gio’s socks off looking like that.”

“You look like a princess, Paige,” Callie adds.

“You think?” I ask, twirling again, trying to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I was worried about the dress as it is a little more daring than I would normally wear—with a high neck, low back, and high thigh split. The dress is a deep scarlet color, and it compliments my complexion perfectly. The hairdresser pulled my hair up into a gorgeous high bun, and I raided Lucia’s diamonds and found a stunning long necklace that I could wear backward so the diamond falls down my spine. The makeup artist went for a smokey eye, darker than I would normally wear, but it suits the dress. I look like a completely different woman.Maybe even a countess.

“You’re going to be the belle of the ball,” Callie adds.

“Thanks for the confidence boost, ladies. I can always count on you both to lift me up,” I tell them.

“We miss you.” Savannah groans.

“I miss you, too. Wish you girls were my date for tonight.”

“I’m sorry I can’t come over. I’m so upset.” Callie moans. She’s been given a big career-making case that clashes with the dates she wanted to come over. I’m sad but I understand.

“We can celebrate when you win,” I tell her.

“I’ll be over soon, just dealing with the red tape for this new bar.” Savannah groans.

“Maybe I can come back to New York instead.”

“No,” they both say.

“Michael’s moved on, I’m sure it’s safe,” I tell them.

They both shake their heads. “Smith would have a heart attack,” Callie reminds me.

“When isn’t he?”

She chuckles because she knows it’s true.

“Speaking of heart attacks, have you told him about you and Gio yet?” Callie asks.

“No. There’s no point until we can go public. You know he’s not going to understand.”

“True, but you know he’s going to get butthurt that you hid it from him.”

He will be hurt, but I don’t need him worrying. I’m hoping it won’t be for too much longer.

My phone dings, letting me know my driver is here. “I have to go, otherwise I’ll be late. Talk to you both soon.” They wish me luck, tell me to have fun, and we wave goodbye to each other. I double-check one last time in the mirror that I don’t have lipstick on my teeth, and grab my clutch and head downstairs to where my driver is waiting for me. I’m so nervous; I’m arriving at this event by myself. I’ve never walked a red carpet before or had my picture taken by the paparazzi and it’s freaking me out. When I jump in the car, I’m surprised to see Mackenzie, Zoe, Matteo, and Tomas.

“What a lovely surprise.” I smile, greeting my new friends.

“Gio thought you might want to arrive with us instead of alone,” Tomas explains.

“That’s great. I’ve been freaking out all afternoon about it,” I confess, which makes them laugh.

“I’m a professional on red carpets, follow my lead and you’ll do just fine,” Matteo explains.

“Ignore him, he’s a media whore, we will use him as a distraction to get inside without having to talk to anyone. Stick close to me, I’ve got you,” Mackenzie whispers which makes me feel so much better.

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