Chapter 16
Lucy
Lucy
Which dress?
I sent mirror pictures of three dresses—all of which I’d designed and sewn in the past few months—to my friends.
I wasn’t sure why I’d made the gowns, since it was mostly a waste of time and money.
I was a tailor in Starlight Grove, not a socialite in New York City.
But right now, I was grateful I had these options on hand.
Because it meant I would fit in at the gala, not because I wanted to attract King’s attention.
Nope, not at all.
The first dress was covered with silver sparkles. It had a flowing, scooped neckline and a low-cut back. Sewing with the material had caused multiple late-night breakdowns, but the final result was so pretty it had been worth it.
The second was a floor-length floral dress with a structured corset top and tulle skirt. It was one of my favorites I’d ever made, but the pale green color lent itself more to a garden party, not a gala.
The last dress was definitely the most risqué.
It was black with a tight, lacy top that hugged my curves through the hips and legs.
The lace was see-through—not enough to reveal too much skin, but definitely sexy.
I finished sewing this one last month. It had been a fun, creative project, but I never expected to have a reason to wear it.
Summer
I mean, you might be a little overdressed at the bakery grand opening, but I appreciate the support
Lucy
Ha ha very funny. I’m going to a gala tonight in Boston and I have to choose a dress in the next ten mins!!
Olive
Umm tell us more about this last minute gala??
Lucy
This guy came into the shop for a tux and needed someone to go with him and who fills a chair better than me?
Ivy
That sounds like a date!
Lucy
No, not a date. Long story but I’m just doing him a favor and I needed to go to Boston anyway
Summer
This guy…is he hot?
Lucy
Can we focus on the issue at hand?! Which dress??
Summer
This is essential information to help us in our dress selection
Olive
How old is he?
Is he an alpha?
Ivy
What’s his name? What’s the event?
Lucy
It’s a charity event. Now I demand you tell me what to wear!
Olive
Shoot. Lars read my text over my shoulder
Finn is holding him back so he doesn’t storm over to your shop to interrogate this guy
Lucy
This is not a date!!
Olive
He says you have to send us this guy’s details if you don’t want him to come over there
Lucy
His name is King. He looks like he’s in his late thirties? early 40s? Idk!! And yes he’s an alpha. He needed someone to come with him. That’s it.
Olive
And is he hot??
Lucy
My brother needs to know if he’s hot??
Ivy
Isn’t Lars out of town for a job?
Olive
Shhhhh
Lucy
Olive??
Olive
Ok well he didn’t necessarily read it over my shoulder, but everything else is true
Ivy
I love all the dresses but that last one is really hot
Summer
definitely that one! Make this hot alpha get on his knees for you
Lucy
…
I hope you know all of your outfits for the Easter Eggstravagazna just got 100000% uglier
Summer
That’s fine. As long as you wear the third dress
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop my smile. My friends were endearingly aggravating.
I looked out the window, my heart racing when I saw a fancy black SUV pull up to the curb.
That had to be King. I did one last check of my hair in the mirror.
I hadn’t had time to put it up, so I’d added some loose curls and hoped that would be good enough.
I tossed my makeup bag into my small duffel so I could finish getting ready in the car.
Before I could second-guess myself, I grabbed the garment bag with the black dress and the one with the completed tux and half hopped downstairs, putting as much weight as I could on the banister.
King got out right as I locked the door, and I couldn’t stop the thrill of pleasure that went through me when strode toward me. He immediately took my bags and held out his free arm for me to grab for balance.
Why was that so hot? The only reason my perfume didn’t fill the air was that I had reluctantly applied No-NonScent Deodorant to mute my scent and lessen my embarrassment when spending several hours in the car with King.
Besides, it was encouraged that omegas wear de-scenter at large events so we weren’t a distraction.
Which, eww, but I’d had enough of unwanted alpha attention in my life that I was perfectly fine avoiding more at this event.
There was only one alpha whose attention I wanted tonight.
My steps stuttered when King opened the passenger-side door for me.
One time, I’d asked my exes why they never held doors open for me, and they told me if my arms were too weak to open doors, I needed to hit the gym.
They’d made me feel ashamed for even hinting that I wanted some chivalry, and here was King doing it automatically when this wasn’t even a date.
He even waited until I was settled in the luxurious leather seat before softly closing the door. I slumped back and fanned my face. It was a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Boston and I already had the urge to climb this man like a tree. This was going to be a loooong night.
Good thing I’d brought extra panties.
King got in, quickly glancing my way before smoothly pulling away from the curb.
I fiddled with the radio, and he arched an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”
“Putting on my road trip playlist.”
He muttered something under his breath and I grinned. It was going to be fun to get under this grumpy alpha’s skin.