Page 120 of Brazen Obsession

He hugs me with the arm not carrying my books and drops a kiss on my head. Things are settling into something more normal now. Tom and Natasha moved out last week to Drew’s loft. And now Drew is focused on doing all the renovations to make the house work for us. Converting the downstairs apartment into an office with a space for me to study that won’t be a distraction for the guys. Reworking the primary bathroom. And adding to the gym space for the new play room.

“I’m safe now.” I pull back and look up at him. The sun backlights his golden hair tucked back in a bun. “We’re good. We can just live our lives.”

He gives me a smile, but both of us know there’s something we really haven’t addressed. We go out on dates one-on-one, but our relationship isn’t really out to anyone outside of our immediate circle.

“We’re buying a table at the Bradford Foundation charity masquerade ball next month.” Dante takes my hand and we begin to walk again. “I’m not going with anyone but you, pip.”

I look around the buildings surrounding us. It’s time, but there’s still this fear writhing inside me. “If we’re going to get this out there, that would do it.”

“If you’re not ready⁠—‍”

“No.” I squeeze his hand and meet his pale blue eyes. “It’s just been nice to not have to deal with that part of my life for a while. To not worry about everything I say or do and how it reflects on my family. It has nothing to do with you or Wyatt or Finn or Drew. I love you and want to show you off.”

I pull him over to a bench and we sit down. He doesn’t say anything, just lets me talk.

“What we have is real and I don’t want anyone to make me feel bad about it.”

Dante tucks my hair behind my ear.

“I’ve seen the way some people look at Madison.” I look down at the ground, embarrassed I feel this way at all. “I know eventually I’m going to have to face it, but I worry it’s going to be like after Verity Baron tore my world apart all over again. Women are going to be polite to my face and snide behind my back. Someone won’t be that polite and will just pretend I don’t exist. Or worse, laugh at me with their friends.”

He tips my chin up. “I’ve already talked with Seth. Morrigan Technology Group is going to buy a table. We’ll have two tables close to each other. All your friends will be there with you.”

I swallow and my heart starts beating again. “Really?”

He smiles and rubs his thumb against my cheekbone. “Yes, pip. You’ll have all of us to back you up. And maybe we’ll have a surprise for you afterward.”

I blow out a breath. With my friends and my guys, I can do anything. “Okay.”

He leans in and kisses me gently. “Now about campus security...”

I shake my head and tug him down to kiss him properly.

“What do you think of this one?” Nan comes out in a dark pink dress that looks like it belongs on a princess.

“It’s…a choice.” Kayla looks at me like Help me, but I’m trying not to break and laugh at the look on her face.

Nan clears her throat and holds out the same dress in purple. “We can match.”

Hope snickers and the rest of us fall apart. Madison leans on my shoulder as she holds her stomach. I let out an unladylike snort before laughing. Nan sways back and forth with the other dress like she’s dancing with it, while Juliette sits to the side, shaking her head with a knowing grin.

“Can’t you just imagine how dreamy it would be, Kayla?” Nan stops in front of Kayla with a huge grin on her face and holds the purple dress up to her. Her brown eyes sparkle. “Everyone will know we’re a couple.”

Kayla grabs the back of Nan’s neck and kisses her soundly. “No to matching dresses, and if anyone has any doubts about our status by the end of the night, I haven’t done my job right.”

“I do have some real options.” Nan blushes and kisses Kayla before returning to the changing room. “You’ll like them better.”

“I prefer you in nothing at all, but show me some pretty dresses.” Kayla turns and glares at the rest of us. “That wasn’t funny.”

“I’m hilarious,” Nan calls from behind the curtain.

Kayla shakes her head and meets each of our eyes. “Don’t encourage her.”

“Juliette says it’s too much fun to watch you squirm.” Hope sits beside Juliette on the sofa. Those two have gotten really close.

“I brought more dresses.” The saleswoman, Ann, wheels in a rack of dresses portioned out into five sections. “I’m sure we’ll be able to find one that’s perfect for each of you.”

She quickly fills the changing rooms with dresses for all of us and then stops in front of Nan’s with a couple of dresses. “I have a few more for you to try on.”