“Are you going to use all that?” I ask with disbelief, eyeing the spread.
She chortles.
“Maybe. You’re so pretty already that you probably won’t need that much, but let’s just see. Alright, sweetheart. Just sit back and relax, and let me take care of everything.”
By the time she’s done, I barely recognize myself. My hair was blown straight, and then curled into loose waves, and my eyes and lips are highlighted so that they look full and luscious. My complexion is absolutely flawless and glowing with health. I stare in the mirror, blinking in disbelief.
“Oh wow.”
“Do you like it?” she asks with a grin.
“Like it?” I touch my face. “This is amazing. I look like … I don’t know, a better version of me?”
Sandra laughs, throwing back her crazy red curls.
“That’s exactly what a make-up artist wants to hear. Careful, try not to smudge,” she warns, pointing the butt of a brush in my direction. She looks like she’s going to slap my hand away the next time I try to touch my face. “Anyway, I’m sure Mr. Lockhart is waiting for you by now. Put on your shoes and meet him downstairs.” She points to a stunning pair of heels, decorated in sparkle crystals that have been hiding underneath my vanity table the entire time.
I tighten the straps to the stilettos, take one look in the mirror, and head downstairs.
There, Bruce is wearing a tailored suit that somehow makes him look even more handsome than usual. His roguish good looks are becoming impossible to resist. I walk up to him, wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him – hard.
He holds me by the waist, his fingers digging into my hips, before pulling away. “I don’t want to get makeup on my face,” he says in a growl. I smile up at him.
“Don’t worry, Sandra made sure to use kiss-proof lipstick.”
“Well, in that case…” With a grin, he swoops in for another smooch, holding me by the small of my back as he tilts me backward, taking my breath away.
All too soon, however, he breaks the contact and reaches for my hand. “We should get going, milady. We don’t want to be late, and your chariot awaits.”
“Of course,” I giggle, following him to the garage. “After you, kind sir.”
There, we slip into his Maserati. He eases out of the garage and whips down the driveway before turning onto the main street. He presses on the gas, breaking the speed limit almost immediately.
A rush of adrenaline courses through my veins. I tighten my grip on the door handle.
He grabs my hand, glancing in my direction. “Are you excited? Or just scared of my driving?” he quips wryly.
This man always makes me laugh, and I giggle a bit in return.
“Don’t worry, it’s the event, not your driving,” I answer with a nod.
“Good. I want us to have a wonderful night tonight.”
I can tell from the sound of his voice that Bruce is up to something. That’s one of the things I adore about him – he always has a plan on his mind, and wants to surprise me. Most of the time, it’s just a little something, like a bottle of wine he picked up on his way home, but those gestures count. They make me feel wanted and special, and it’s something I’ve never experienced before. I shiver, trying to figure out what he has on his mind. Will it be a bouquet? A special meet and greet with my favorite actress? I have no idea.
In no time, we’re at the movie theater. Bruce pulls in front of the valet podium, and a man wearing a tuxedo steps forward and opens his door. A similarly dressed man is about to do the same for me, but with a wave of his hand, Bruce stops him. “Let me,” Bruce says, opening the door for me himself. He holds out his hand and waits for me to get out.
I place my hand in his and ease my way out of the car, making sure I have my footing before straightening up.
The CEO wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me close, kissing my exposed shoulder. “Ready?” he whispers into my ear.
“Yes,” I whisper, a little shy all of a sudden.
We make our way up the red-carpeted steps, and into the event space. Once inside, I’m stunned by the grandeur. Luxurious chandeliers drip from the ceiling, throwing splendid shards of light everywhere. Gold seems to line every inch of the place, from the curling bannisters to the wall sconces mounted way up high. Gorgeous women show off the biggest diamonds I’ve ever seen, all the while swanning about and throwing their perfectly-done hair back.
Oh wow. This is much more than I bargained for, but hey, I’m not complaining.
“Bruce!” someone calls out from across the room. My date grins, white teeth highlighting his dark tan.
