I was glad I followed my instincts when I packed earlier. Whatever possessed me to grab the scandalously short electric blue flapper dress, that angel was looking out for me. Covered in layers of sparkling fringe, I looked like a deranged disco ball, and it was perfect.

I’d thrown a few random things in my bag like that. Clothes from my closet I’d bought and never had a chance to wear, but today had made me determined.

That being said, I was still nervous about facing the cameras. I hoped after today, there would be too much to cover for Esme Williams and they would have to pick their options between the rogue daughter and the club seductress.

But coming down the stairs and seeing Ben’s face made me forget all of it.

As soon as I came into view, his jaw went slack, eyes went wide, and his gaze traveled from my head to my toes and back again. Strappy silver shoes completed the look, and a tiny bag for my phone, money, and ID, small enough I could slip it into the side of my bra if I wanted to.

“I honestly didn’t think anything could top that gold dress I met you in, but I was wrong.”

“You liked the gold dress?”

He swept an arm behind me and pulled me against his body. “Did I like the gold dress? I think that’s an understatement. Your scent hit me first, and the dress hit me second. And while your scent was the first thing I missed when you walked away—both times—it wasn’t the only thing. I think I’m going to miss this one more.”

I laughed, enjoying the way I could sink into his scent and let it wrap around me. “It’s not going anywhere.”

He kissed my cheek. “It is when I tear it off you later.”

“You’re so sure that’s going to happen?”

“I’ll make sure to earn it.”

“Are they still outside?”

It wasn’t late, but I was still hopeful.

“A few of them are, yeah. I say fuck them, and own how fucking hot you look in this dress.”

I pressed my lips together. “I’m trying very hard not to care what they think.”

“I know.” There was no doubt in his eyes. “But no matter what, it’s not going to be just you. It’s you and me together. And I fully intend to lose them.”

“Then let’s do this.”

Ben himself was dressed in dark jeans and a button-down rolled to the elbows, showing off his gorgeous tattoos. Silhouetted trees around one wrist and rain swirling the other. All Ben’s tattoos were of nature, and there were words hidden inside them, if you knew where to look.