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Never in my life have I been so excited to be seen.
The music is throbbing, like it does at those clubs Moira tried to drag me to a couple times. Nic gives our name to the attendant at the door. There are more than a few familiar faces, but we don’t stop to do any more than wave as discreetly dressed ushers urge us through into a reception area. Nic, Finn, and I take our places at the coat check.
“Maybe I should hang on to it,” I say, hands gripping the belt at my waist.
Nic turns around to face me head-on.
“Finn?” he says. Finn takes my hands in both of his, kissing them one at a time.
“The world does not deserve to see you in this dress,” he says. “But we do.”
Nic laughs, elbowing him in the gut.
“Not the kind of assist I was looking for,” says Nic. He turns his full attention to me. “You are the most beautiful woman in this place. You ought to know by now that covering up doesn’t change the facts.” He looks at me intently to make sure I know he’s not talking about the coat.
Every time we’ve been together, every step along this road we’re on, he and Finn have been right there with me. With every piece of clothing that came off. And they want me anyway. And, beyond all I thought possible, Nic wanted me when I was… He wanted me before.
He’s never lied to me. If I can trust he’s telling the truth about that, then maybe I can stretch just a little bit further and believe him—both of them—now.
Without another word, I nod, unbuckling the belt of my coat, letting Finn lift it from my shoulders to hand it over to the attendant.
Hard to tell over the buzzing in my ears, but I think the room got quieter.
The dress is a classic black floor-length sheath, one-shouldered, the skirt slit almost to my hip. The material clings to my waist tight enough that I’m hiding nothing, every curve of my body on display—for better or worse.
It’s the most revealing thing I’ve worn in public since the last time I wore a swimsuit to the pool for high school gym class.
“You’re incredible.” Finn murmurs the words as he kisses my knuckles again. Nic offers his arm, and the three of us proceed into the ballroom.
“Finnegan!” says a man almost as soon as we walk in the door. He’s got an arm around a familiar-looking woman, towing her along to greet us.
“Nice to see you again, Elliot,” says Finn, shaking his hand. He kisses the blonde on the cheek before turning to introduce us.
“Elliot, Joelle, I’d like you to meet Natalie Casteel and Nic Pendergrass.”
Hands shaken, pleasantries exchanged, Finn turns back to Elliot. “Where’s Alex?”
“On duty, as always,” says a tall, handsome man coming up behind them. He passes off the drinks in his hand to Elliot and Joelle and grabs Finn in a big hug.
“I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
“Last-minute decision,” says Finn smoothly.
“How’s it going, Nic?” Alex and Nic shake hands.
Alex is smiling politely when he looks my way. His eyes widen. “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met.”
I laugh. I have to laugh or I’m going to possibly explode with nerves. “We’ve met, Alex. I’m Natalie, Nic’s PA.”
He blinks like he’s kind of stuck. Joelle knocks his elbow. “You’re staring, my love.”
“Natalie,” says Alex. “Nice to see you again. I mean… You look lovely this evening.” Elliot stares at Alex as though he’s growing thumbs out of his forehead.
Before I can thank him, Nic wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. And if I’m not completely mistaken, Finn is growling.
I look between them.
“Maybe we should go back and get your coat after all,” whispers Finn.
