Page 85 of Meant to be Mine

“Yes, Drew, even you, a big strong man, will swoon when you see her in it. If you weren’t already in love with her, the dress would seal the deal.”

I smiled and moved to stare out the window. “Is it that obvious?”

“To anyone paying attention? Absolutely.” A pause. “She’s wonderful, by the way. I liked her very much.”

“She liked you too.”

“Smart woman.” I heard the sound of hangers moving.

“Whatever you think,” I said. “I trust your sense of style. You’re better at this than I am.”

“I’m better at this than everyone.” She said it without arrogance.

I laughed. “Yes, you are.”

“Drew, can I say something?”

“You’re going to say it regardless.”

She laughed. “Lock that down,” she said. “I mean it. Whatever you’re doing, whatever this is, stop being an idiot about it and lock it down.”

I laughed. “It’s complicated.”

“It’s always complicated,” she said. “And then it isn’t. And then you wonder why you wasted so much time making it complicated.”

“Thank you, Annika.”

28

KENSEY

Istood in front of my bedroom mirror and barely recognized myself. The dress Annika had sent over was stunning. A sage color that somehow worked for me. The fabric was light and flowing, perfect for a yacht party, with a fitted bodice and a skirt that moved when I walked. It fell mid shin, elegant without being too formal. The back dipped lower than anything I would normally wear, but not so low I felt exposed. Just enough to make me feel dangerous.

I turned sideways, checking the fit. It was perfect. Of course it was perfect. Annika didn’t do anything that wasn’t perfect.

“Kensey!” Mom called from downstairs. “He’s here!”

My stomach flipped. I grabbed the small clutch Annika had included—sage green leather that matched the dress—and slipped my phone inside. Annika had even sent big, black designer sunglasses. I felt like a movie star.

One last look in the mirror. Hair down in loose waves. Minimal makeup because I was going to be on a boat and didn’t trust anything heavier not to melt off my face. Simple gold earrings.

I looked good. Better than good. I looked like I belonged at a yacht party with the Blackwells. That thought should have terrified me. Instead, knowing Drew would be at my side through all of it, I felt confident. Excited.

I walked downstairs carefully in the strappy sandals Annika had also sent. Drew was standing in the living room talking to my father about something boat related. He looked up when I reached the bottom step. His expression changed. Softened. His eyes swept over me from head to toe and back up again, lingering on my breasts. The dress allowed a decent amount of cleavage. Not too much, but nothing like I’d ever exposed in the past. I was a teacher. The girls were put away nine months out of the year.

“Wow,” he said finally.

I did a little turn. “Is it too much?”

“It’s perfect.” He crossed the room and took my hand, lifting it so I’d spin again. “You’re perfect.”

“You look pretty good yourself.”

He did. Cream linen pants, a short-sleeved light blue button-up, brown leather boat shoes. His hair was styled but looked effortlessly tousled. Sunglasses tucked into his shirt pocket. He looked like he’d stepped out of a yacht catalog.

“Pictures!” Mom announced, appearing from the kitchen with her phone already raised.

“Mom, no.”