Page 82 of Because of Blake
Chapter twenty-five
“Comeon,Maggie.We’regoing to be late.”
I step out of the bathroom, placing the back on my earring. “And that bothers you? I seem to recall you not wanting to go in the first place.”
“I don’t want to go, but the sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave.”
“Blake, this is a New Year’s Eve party. It doesn’t matter what time we get there, we won’t leave until after midnight.”
He nods and purses his lips like I’ve given him new information. “In that case, take your time.”
I laugh and cross my bedroom to my closet.
Blake lets out a small groan. “Do you have to get dressed?”
“I do if we’re going to Joanna’s. Plus, it’s like fifteen degrees outside.”
“It’s a short walk.”
I scoff at Blake’s joke, pulling a black dress from the hanger. It hits slightly above the knee, has a deep V-neckline, and hugs the curves of my body perfectly. I’ve been waiting for an occasion to wear it, but never had one until now.
“Will you zip me up?” I turn my back to Blake and lift my hair.
Very gently and excruciatingly slow, Blake tugs on the zipper. His fingers graze my skin as they rise up my back, giving me goosebumps. Once the dress is secure, I drop my hair and fluff it out. I turn from side to side, checking myself in my mirror.
“Fuck, you’re hot,” Blake says, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my neck.
“I thought you liked me better without clothes.”
“I’ll take you any way I can get you.” His kisses grow hungrier, and his hands start to roam.
“Nowyou’regoing to make us late.”
“Worth it.”
“The kids are downstairs.”
Blake sighs, resting his head on my shoulder. “I know.” He lets go of me and runs his hand through his hair. “Okay, let’s go.”
I know he’s frustrated, but this isn’t like the other night. It’s different, the kids are downstairs watching TV, not in their rooms, asleep.
Across the street at Joanna and Mark’s New Year’s party, the kids settle in the basement while Blake and I do our best to avoid prying eyes. We’ve been the talk of the neighborhood, according to Joanna. Either she has nothing else to talk about, or no one has ever heard of two neighbors dating.
It’s ridiculous.
Later in the night, Blake and I are cornered by Mark, who’s obviously drunk. “And don’t even get me started on the presidency. Fuckin’ democrats. They’re gonna ruin everything,” Mark spouts off in slurred syllables.
Blake shoots me a sideways glance with a closed-lipped smile.
“You wait and see. The market is gonna crash any day now,” Mark continues.
My heart leaps into my throat at the idea. “Mark, they say that about every president. Why is this term different?”
“Because I’ve been watching the market trends. I’ve seen what’s happening. Shit, don’t take my word for it, ask this guy right here.” Mark grabs Blake by the shoulder and rocks him around.
Blake laughs nervously. “Nah, Mark. You’ve got the wrong guy. I wouldn’t know two–”
“What the fuck ever. If there’s anyone who pays attention to the stocks and shit, it’s Blake.”