Page 130 of Bad Run

It’s time to debut our relationship, consequences be damned. I can’t wait any longer. When I said I wanted everyone to know she was mine, I meant it.

Not only will everyone know whom she belongs to, but Gwen will know too.

forty-two

Gwen

Present

The speed at which my heart races in my chest should be concerning. It hasn’t stopped galloping since Lance texted he was on his way, and that was thirty minutes ago.

“Get a grip, Gwen.”

I’ve never been so nervous about a first date before. Like, vomit-inducing butterflies that won’t stop swirling in my stomach. It’s silly, considering I’m married to Lance and we’ve already had sex. Mind-blowing, out-of-this-world sex. But still.

This date is different. It marks the beginning of a new era in our relationship.

As if to make a point, light reflects off the ring on my finger, catching my eye. As he requested, I’m wearing it on my hand and not around my neck.

I stare at the pink diamond in wonder. Wearing this. Going out in public.

There’s no more hiding. Everyone will know. My family will know.

With a deep inhale and exhale, I tie the satin sash around my waist into a bow and take one last look in the mirror, twisting side to side.

Makeup: natural, but gently bronzed and highlighted.

Hair: curly and pinned back on one side.

Outfit: simple and sexy.

After what felt like a hundred outfit changes, because I was a nervous, sweaty wreck, I finally landed on a blush pink maxi skirt with a slit that starts mid-thigh, a silk white crop tube top, and sandals with straps that twist around my ankle and calves.

My intercom buzzes, and those pesky butterflies in my stomach flutter again. I let Lance up and wait by the door, fidgeting with the pink diamond ring on my finger.

The elevator dings, and Lance steps out. An unexpected ache between my legs has me squeezing my knees together.

Lance is so freaking hot. Like, just-stepped-out-of-a-magazine hot.

But it’s not just his rugged good looks and rock-hard body. He has this aura about him that’s calm, confident, and secure. No matter what he wears, that aura rolls off him in waves and pulls you in.

Tonight Lance is wearing a white button-up shirt rolled to his elbows, dark-gray dress slacks with a black belt around his trim waist, and matching leather dress shoes. His blond hair is a little longer on top than usual, but I like it.

When I finish checking him out, I find that I’m not the only ogler.

Lance’s blue eyes drift over my body in a heated caress.

The lump in his throat bobs as he swallows. “Damn, you look gorgeous.”

My cheeks flame at his compliment as he leans in and presses a sweet, chaste kiss to my forehead, cheek, and lips, stealing my breath.

“Thank you,” I exhale, sounding wispy and lightheaded. I can’t help fiddling with the bow on my skirt. “You clean up nicely, as well.”

“Thank you. Are you ready to go?”

“Do you want to come in first?”

His pupils dilate, but he shakes his head, declining my offer. “Not tonight. I promised you a date first, and if we don’t leave, I can’t be trusted not to strip you down, bend you over the couch, and fuck you.”