Page 87 of InfraRed
“Fuck you.” He takes his glass of water from the counter, then flicks the golden yellow brocade pocket square on my chest. “Thought this was black and white.”
“I don’t like being told what to do,” I smirk.
He moves his fingers to the sunflower-shaped lapel pin. “Yeah, you’ve made that abundantly clear.” He removes his hand and sips his water. “You’re lucky I like you, even if you’re a bastard.” I shrug, truly not caring if he likes me or not, but I know it’s important to Casey. A low buzzing sounds, and he pulls his phone from his pocket. “Your girl is coming down.”
Like thunder, my heart crashes against my ribs.
My palms begin to sweat.
What the fuck?
I think I’m actually nervous.
I’ve never been nervous a day in my life, and I have no reason to be now. But this knot in my stomach and slight shake in my hands is a dead giveaway.
“For some reason, Trouble has decided they are making a grand entrance from the stairs.”
I nod and follow, unable to form a coherent thought. When we reach the staircase, the words out of his mouth sound like threats of war and destruction. I follow his line of sight, then put my glass to my lips to hide my laugh as Ashleigh descends the stairs in a dress that leaves little to the imagination with her dark hair pulled into a mass of curls on top of her head, and a white mask over her dark eyes.
She smirks at Henry who looks absolutely livid, then turns toward me. Her gaze appraises me, then she nods her approval.“You knew she would hate everything, didn’t you?”
“Does she seem the black-and-white type to you?” Ashleigh shakes her head with a smile. “She conforms out of fear of rejections, but she’s been forced to bend for too long.”
“OMG.” She waves her hand in front of her face. “That’s so sweet.” She elbows Henry in the ribs. “Why aren’t you that sweet?”
“Because you spend all your fucking time doing shit like this.” He waves his hands over her body. “And don’t think your little distraction will work. You are in so much trouble.” His eyes rake her from hair to hem as he drags his hand over his mouth. “So much fucking trouble.”
Ashleigh smirks and turns to me. “I know you think you’re prepared, but you’re not. You better set that drink down Mr. Billionaire, because you’ll need to hold on to something when you see her.”
I hand my drink off to a server who passes by with a shrug, but as soon as my attention returns to the stairs, my hand shoots out, grabbing the rail. I can’t hear anything beyond the roar of blood in my ears. My mouth goes slack.
I knew she would be stunning. She can wear a paper sack and be the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. But I didn’t expect my heart to stop.
The red dress dances around her hips like a ring of fire while the yellow flowers dance in her flames. I expected to see her long blond hair in her usual bun, so I don’t even try to stop the wide smile that stretches across my face at the thick, bold, intricate braid with smaller braids woven in.
Her navy eyes lined with lots of black liner and shadows meet mine behind the ornate gold and red feathered Venetian mask, sparkling as a shy smile pulls at her plump deep red lips.
Impatience wins as my feet pull me forward, meeting her on the fourth step. “Sunflower, you just stole my heart, breath, and words. You’re not just stunning, your beauty is unmatched.” Her pretty cheeks flush, pink peeking through her expertly applied makeup while she tucks her bottom lip between her teeth. I tug it free then offer my arm, escorting her the rest of the way down. “I have something for you.” I reach into my jacket, grabbing the box.
I turn it toward her, lifting the navy blue lid before she can see the iconic Harry Winston monogram. A hushed breath escapes her as her eyes bounce between the jewelry sitting on the velvet cushion and me. “Graham, I-I…”
“Do not say you can’t accept it. You can and you will.”
She runs her fingers over the necklace as she nods, then whispers, “Thank you.”
Looking at Henry and Ashleigh, I ask them to hold the box as I lift the twenty-five-carat diamond necklace from the box. I help her with the matching bracelet and earrings, then tuck the box back into my pocket. There is a ring, too, but that will be my secret for a while.
“She will pass out if she finds out how much all that costs,” Henry chuckles under his breath.
“No reason for her to,” I murmur back as she and Ashleigh admire the pieces. “It’s just money. She’s worth more than all the diamonds in the world.”
“Good answer, but you forget who her best friend is.” He turns away from me and goes to Casey. “You’re beautiful, kid, but you don’t look like a kid tonight.” He kisses her on the cheek, then takes Ashleigh’s hand and goes to the ballroom.
We follow behind, finding many more have arrived. Her hand trembles in the crook of my arm. I place mine over it. “Why areyou shaking?”
“Because of us. This is the first time we’ve… It’s like a big coming out thing.”
“That’s what the mask is for, remember?”