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“Do you know where he’s taking you?” Shilpa asks.
I shake my head. “But it must be swanky if this is the dress code.”
“Or he wanted to dress you up like a princess,” Rix calls from the kitchen.
“I seriously hope I’m not overdressed for this.” I wouldn’t put it past Hollis to outfit me in something extravagant just because he can.
“I can’t see Hollis taking you to the Watering Hole looking like this,” Shilpa reassures me.
“Just own it. You look incredible,” Dred adds.
I run my damp hands over my hips. It’s five to seven. Hollis will be here soon.
A knock at the door has my heart rate spiking. And then my dad pokes his head into the apartment. His eyes flare when they land on me. “Is it okay if I come in?”
I don’t really want my dad here when Hollis comes to get me, but I also don’t want to hurt his already big feelings over this.
I nod, and he steps into the apartment, waving to my friends. “I see you have your emotional support team.” He crosses his arms, then uncrosses them and lets them hang at his sides.
“Yeah, they’re good like that.”
“You look beautiful. Hollis must be taking you somewhere nice,” Dad observes. “I don’t think I’ve seen that dress before.”
“Hollis bought it for her,” Hemi says. “He actually bought her entire outfit, right down to the shoes.”
The only thing he didn’t buy was the underwear I have on. And I’m sure he would have, if it didn’t seem a little presumptuous about how he wants this date to end.
Dad almost seems to be fighting a smile. “Of course he did.”
There’s another knock at the door.
“He’s here.” I point at my dad. “Please be nice. I know you’re still angry and hurt, but he’s been your best friend for seven years, and I care about him, and he cares about me.”
“I know.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “I’ll do my best.”
I take a steadying breath as I open the door. And nearly melt into the floor. Hollis is dressed in a black suit. His hair is neatly styled, he’s freshly shaven, and he smells incredible. The last hoodie I borrowed has very nearly lost its Hollis scent. I inhale deeply, huffing him from a safe, two-foot distance.
His tie matches my dress, and he’s holding a bouquet of blue and yellow gerbera daisies, which are my favorite. His eyes move over me on an appreciative sweep that I feel everywhere, especially between my thighs.
“Hi,” I croak.
A grin tips one corner of his mouth. “You look stunning.”
“The dress was excessive, but I love it.”
“I love it on you.” He holds out the flowers. “For you.”
“They’re beautiful.” I take them and bring them to my nose. “I’ll put them in water, and then we can go.”
“Sure. Do you want me to wait here?” he asks.
I’m intentionally blocking his view of the apartment. I drop my voice. “You can come in, but the girls are here, and so is my dad.”
A rare smile spills over the right side of his mouth. “I’ll come in.”
My stomach flips as I step back.
“Hey, Hollis,” the girls say in unison.
