Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Standing in front of the mirror, I stare at my reflection, making sure I look my best. I’ve curled my hair and taken great care with my makeup.
The light blue silk gown makes my skin look pale and brings out the gray in my eyes.
I feel beautiful, and making eye contact with myself, I try to see what Callan sees when he looks at me.
My phone beeps, pulling me away from the mirror. Opening the text, I read it quickly.
Callan: I’m on my way, baby.
As always, a smile spreads over my face.
Lily: Can’t wait to see you!
Grabbing my clutch purse, I tuck my phone inside and hurry out of my bedroom. Leaving my apartment, I head down to the lobby, and a minute later, the Bugatti stops in front of the entrance to the building.
When Callan climbs out of his car, and I see how incredibly handsome he looks in a tuxedo, my heart flutters in my chest.
God, I’m so lucky.
His eyes land on me, and he stops dead in his tracks. He places a hand over his heart and stares at me for a moment before saying, “Wow. Just fucking wow, baby.”
My heart fills with pride and affection as I bask in the admiration written all over his face.
He comes closer, his eyes filled with awe. “You look breathtaking, my Lily.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, tilting my face up when he leans down to press a gentle kiss to my lips.
Thank God for smudge-proof lipstick.
His eyes caress my face. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
Tonight, I’m going to show everyone I’m not lost without them.
Callan places his hand on my lower back, then says, “Hold up. I have to see you from behind.” His palm brushes over my butt before giving me a love tap. “Christ, I love you in this dress.”
Letting out a chuckle, I walk toward his car, and once he’s opened the passenger door, I climb inside.
After Callan gets behind the steering wheel, he takes a moment to stare at me. “Fuck, I’m a lucky bastard.”
“Stop,” I laugh, his attention making my heart feel as light as a feather.
He starts the engine, and pulling away from the curb, he steers the car toward Tavern On the Green, where the party is being held.
“Have you packed for the trip?” I ask.
Callan shakes his head. “After you left this morning, I worked on the presentation. I’ll pack tomorrow.”
“Your flight is at eleven a.m., right?”
He nods, then gives me a mischievous grin. “You can always come home with me and help me pack.”
Chuckling, I nod. “I’d love that.”
When we pull up to the venue, the valet stands ready to take the car keys from Callan.
I swallow hard on my anxiety, trying to brace myself for whatever will happen tonight.
Callan holds his arm out for me to take before his eyes meet mine. “Take a deep breath, baby.”
I do as I’m told.
“Chin up,” he orders.
I lift my head high, and walking to the courtyard where the party is in full swing, I try to ignore the nerves spinning in my stomach.
There are so many people, and I don’t know most of them, but the moment Callan and I walk into the courtyard, eyes turn our way.
Slowly, a murmuring of voices spread through the crowd.
“Lillian!” I hear Denise shriek.
I glance over the people, searching for her. Suddenly she appears, hurrying from the back of the courtyard.
“Oh my God,” she exclaims, her eyes darting between Callan and me. “I didn’t know you were bringing a plus one.”
Of course, you didn’t.
“I did tell you. Twice,” I correct her before placing my left hand on Callan’s chest. “You know Callan, right?”
“Only from the news. We’ve never had the pleasure to meet in person.” She smiles at my man, holding her hand out to him. “I’m Denise Davis.”
He glances down at her with disdain clearly on his face. “You’ll have to excuse my not shaking your hand. I have a thing about germs.”
Oh my God.
Callan doesn’t have a problem with touching people. He’s being blatantly rude to her because of how she’s treated me.
Be still my heart.
I think I’ve just fallen in love with him again.
“Oh.” Denise looks visibly rattled.
Callan smiles lovingly at me. “Can I get you something to drink, baby?”
I nod and watch as he walks to the bar. Everyone’s eyes follow him, but my attention is pulled back to Denise when she grabs my forearm.
“You’re dating Callan Wright?”
I look at the woman who’s made me feel like I’m nothing but forgettable. “Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asks as her eyes go to where Callan is talking to a man I don’t recognize. “Damn, woman.”
I don’t bother answering her, and as I glance to my left, it’s to see my parents and Sadie greeting the Jacksons before heading in my direction.
Oh shit!
Callan returns to me and hands me a glass of white wine, and I quickly whisper, “My parents and sister are here.”