Chapter 23 Kat
KAT
Ifeel like a princess.
The sentiment is so absurd, but I don’t care because it’s true. I’m no stranger to expensive or lavish things. Colt’s taken me to more than my fair share of galas and I’ve had a few of my own to primp for, but this is different.
It’s just for me.
Just because Tom Oakden could.
Because he cared enough to do more than just his job.
“How do I look?” I ask him as I smooth my hands down the front of my dress, the French manicure on my nails adding to my very elegant look.
“Stunning,” he murmurs, his gaze sweeping over me, a flash of fire in his eyes before it’s gone again. But I know what I saw, the intensity like a physical caress. What would that feel like?
Would he be gentle?
Commanding?
Consequences be damned, in this moment, I just want him.
I want to be consumed by him.
Ravaged.
There has got to be a storeroom around here somewhere…
If only.
“What are you thinking about?”
“What?” I nearly squeak with surprise and watch the corner of his lips twitch up into a smile.
He has such a great smile.
It’s so rare but when he does, it’s the kind of thing that will make your heart skip a beat.
“You were daydreaming,” he murmurs, scanning the room again before looking down at me.
Was I ever.
“Just thinking about today,” I lie, taking in the way the long-sleeve shirt he’s wearing is fighting a losing battle against the flexing of his muscles.
I’ve seen my fair share of professional athletes but Tom’s body is a masterpiece—a temple—and I’d definitely get on my knees to worship if he’d let me.
“Do you remember the plan?”
With a sigh, I nod, mentally putting myself back into author mode as I like to think of it. I met Grimm, Jace, and Ozzy right after I arrived here. Tom had accompanied me to the salon, but the other three had come straight to the store.
They’re dressed in jeans and casual shirts. Ozzy has an Illinois Blues baseball hat on that I promised to have Colt sign. Grimm has a pair of sunglasses resting on his head, and Jace’s wide smile has already made more than one store employee blush.
They don’t exactly fit in, but they don’t scream security either.
“Oh my gosh, you look gorgeous!” Hazel says, her arms spread wide as I turn to face her.
“That dress is perfect and your hair and makeup! Girl, you look like you stepped off the red carpet.” She beams at me but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes.
Weird. But maybe it’s just nerves. I’m just about to thank her and return the compliment when I see Amelia a few paces behind her.
Her aunt’s lips are turned into a slight frown as she gives me a once-over, her distaste vanishing when our eyes meet.
“You don’t think it’s too much?” I ask Hazel softly but she shakes her head.
“You look perfect.”
“So do you. This dress was made for you,” I tell her, the fitted purple bodice flaring at her waist into a flowy skirt. It matches perfectly with her color scheme.
“I know, right?”
“Katherine, you look lovely, dear,” Amelia says, her smile a little more forced than usual, but I brush it off as just the vibe for the day. It’s the biggest event we’ve attended as headliners.
So instead of worrying about any potential weirdness, I’ll simply focus on what an incredible opportunity this is.
“Good morning, ladies,” the store manager, Margot, says as she hustles toward us. “I am so sorry; the other author had to cancel so we’re just going to rearrange everything quickly before we open the doors.”
“Do you need any help?” I ask and she beams at me but shakes her head.
“It’ll just take a minute and then we’ll get you both settled. Bethany will be helping you today, Kat. She’s just taking care of a few things first.”
“Great,” I reply as Hazel motions behind her.
“I’m just going to run to the restroom.”
“Oh, I guess I should go too,” Amelia says with a huff. “Never get old, ladies.” They start walking, Hazel giggling as she reminds her aunt that she’s not old just mature, their conversation fading as they disappear from sight.
“Kat?” Tom seems to materialize out of thin air, and I gasp as I stumble back a step.
His hand is gentle but firm on my arm, steadying me and saving me from wiping out on these adorable, white, round-toe heels.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He didn’t scare me but he definitely jump-started my heart.
Wow.
Seconds have passed and I can still feel the little zing of electricity running though my veins.
“It’s fine. I just forgot you were here.”
“I’d be offended but that’s kind of the point.”
“Uh-huh,” I agree before schooling my expression to match his. “What’s up?”
“I want you to keep this on the table to your left.” Pulling a pen from the pocket of his jeans, he holds it out for me to take. “If someone approaches or you see something you’re uneasy about, knock it to the floor.”
“Okay.”
Swallowing hard, I wrap my fingers around the cool metal, the instrument so much sleeker and more expensive than anything I have.
“You’re making a face again.”
“Just thinking that maybe I’ll keep this one and you can take one of mine with the squishy baseball on the top.”
“Not going to happen,” he deadpans, but there’s a twinkle in his eyes and I’m liable to swoon right here on the spot.
“Okay, places, everyone!” Margot calls. “We will be opening the doors in ten minutes!”
“I guess that’s me,” Tom nods, placing his hand on the small of my back as he steers me toward the table.
“You’re going to do great. And remember,”—his voice is stern as we stop behind my table—“nothing is more important than making you feel safe and comfortable. Even if you just need to check in. All right?”
“It’s going to be great.” I beam, and he smiles softly.
“It already is.”