Page 41 of Red King
I choke out a laugh. “TMI, Mags. Please! My ears are bleeding here.”
“Sorry.” She’s still grinning.
“No, you are not sorry.” I sigh, looking back in the mirror. “I can’t believe they expect me to wear this.”
“Apparently, all the Tributes received dresses today. You’re not the only one.”
“I’m not a Tribute.” I turn to face her. “Why do I have to wear this get-up? I’m the fly on the wall, not part of it.”
“But you are attending the cocktail party, even if only as a fly on the wall. You were the one who suggested the cocktail party in the first place. And I happen to think you look hot, so stop worrying.” She looks me up and down. “I mean, look at you.”
I turn and look back in the mirror. I take a deep breath, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. The dress is stunning. It’s a deep shade of green that hugs my curves perfectly. It’s strapless with a sweetheart neckline that shows off the tops of my breasts in a way that is both subtle and flirty. The skirt flares out just enough to be elegant but still retains a bit of a sexy edge. It comes to about mid-thigh, showing off more leg than I’d like. My whole body is covered in freckles. Every inch, so the more of it I can keep hidden, the better.
The green accentuates my red hair…my freckles, too…Craaap!It also highlights my eyes, which I’ve enhanced with smoky eyeshadow. I’ve always liked my eyes, and tonight is no exception. It’s the rest of me that’s the problem. I mean, I’m not bad-looking. I’m not great-looking, either. “Different” would be the right word.
“You look absolutely gorgeous. You’re not there to meet anyone, just to observe, so grab yourself a chardonnay and do just that. I’d offer to join you, but—”
“You’ve got a hot date. No, it’s fine, I’ll be fine. I’m not used to…” I look down at myself. “Dressing like this anymore. Back when I was married, we attended formal gatherings from time to time. I had to dress up then, too, but I would never have picked this for myself in a million years. The heels are pretty high.” Jim preferred conservative outfits, as did I.
“Well, maybe you should have, hon’. I mean it, and I swear I wouldn’t lie to you; you look freaking fantastic. Those heels make your legs look long and toned. Go have some fun.”
“It’s work…not fun.”
“Absolutely.” She nods a few times. “And maybe there’s someone there who tickles your fancy. You never know.”
“We’re not allowed to date the candidates.” I instantly think about Arctic. About his eyes, his masculine jaw…about other things I have no business thinking about, like his abs and ass…
“I’m not talking about a candidate. Maybe one of those cute guards or…I don’t know…this whole island is full of sexy, single men. You can take your pick.”
I nod. “You’re right.”
“Of course I am. I would never steer you wrong.” She looks at her watch. “With that in mind, I’d better get going; Hazard will be here soon.”
I laugh. “I still can’t believe his name is Hazard.” I shake my head.
“It’s the perfect name. I can’t believe we won’t be able to get down and dirty tonight.”
“Maybe you can talk to each other.” We look at each other for a while and then start laughing. Maggie also hasn’t been divorced for all that long.
“Had the ring and the dress. Talked plenty with my ex, who still cheated on me with anything that breathed…so, no, I’m not ready for anything serious, thank you very much. No talking. We’ll think of something to do.”
“I hear you,” I tell her. “You’ll think of something.”
“You still need to tell me what happened between you and…” She scratches her chin.
“Jim.”
“You and Jim.” She lifts her brows.
“There’s no time tonight,” I tell her. It isn’t something I feel like talking about. It hurts too much. You’d think I’d be all healed up by now, but I’m not. It’s still a sore spot. He’s remarried and about to have a kid, and I’m pathetic.
She scrutinizes me. “Do you know the best way to get over a man?”
“I can guess.” I chuckle.
“How long have you been divorced?”
“Two years already.”
