Chapter 8 – Natalie
Chapter Eight
NATALIE
F or a moment, I lose myself in Dylan’s stare. I had been thinking of him when trying on the dresses. It was stupid, but I couldn’t push the thoughts out of my mind, and then he was there. What are the odds of that?
“Dylan?” Julie cuts in, bringing me back to reality. Shit—how do I keep forgetting about her?
“Yeah,” he responds but doesn’t move. Dylan is still holding my hand and staring into my eyes. I'm uncertain if he is even aware that it was Julie who called his name.
“What are you doing here?” I start to pull my hand out from Dylan’s; his hold tightens for half a second before he lets go. I can’t help but feel a loss, which is absolutely insane.
“Working.”
“Right.” Julie scoffs and shakes her head. “If you wanted to see me, you could have called. God knows you don’t work.”
Julie really is a bitch. How did Dylan get wrapped up in her? They don’t fit. Plus, I’m starting to think she doesn’t know shit about him. When Luna’s fiancé read off some of Dylan’s credentials, I was more than impressed. He freaking clerked for a Supreme Court justice! Holy hell. Most can only dream of getting that opportunity.
In the one, now two times I have met him, I could tell you that he’s charming but in a playful way, makes sure to check on his mom, doesn’t put work above all else, and I’m starting to think he’s a bit of a romantic.
Then again, I could have dreamed that all up. What I didn’t imagine was the attraction between the two of us. I physically felt it when he touched me. I know it sounds crazy, but I swear there was a spark.
Do I really know him? Probably not, but I still think I might know him better than Julie. Not to mention if he’s a lawyer for the Montclair family, that says enough on its own about what kind of firm he has built up.
Now I really get why he and Mr. Football were joking about Dylan not being able to afford the bill. I bet his charming ass could retire right now and be just fine for the rest of his life. It’s crazy to me that Julie doesn’t realize that, or maybe it just goes to show how little she knows about him.
“I don’t have your number,” Dylan responds.
“You blocked me?” Julie lets out a gasp.
“I just didn’t save it.” He shrugs. That is kind of a dick thing to say, but Julie might have it coming.
"Why are you lying? You obviously stalked me here." Julie fluffs out her skirt.
“He’s here with the—” I tilt my head toward the paperwork in his hand.
Julie rolls her eyes. “He could have brought that to Luna any time. He’s using it as an excuse to find me.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” I can tell he’s not the least bit sorry.
“I think I’m going to go change.” I start to step down off the podium, and Dylan offers me his hand. I take it. “Thanks.”
“Why don’t you boys show me this prenup?” I hear Frankie say from behind me. I’m thankful that one of the ladies helping with the dresses is back here to help me get out of this dress.
I need a few minutes to get myself together. Don’t get me wrong; on one hand, I want to hurry back out to interact with Dylan more, and on the other, I want to stay in here until Frankie realizes I haven’t resurfaced and comes and gets me. I’m guessing I have a few more minutes until that happens.
The ladies get me out of the dress way too quickly, and it would be awkward to linger. When I come out, however, I don’t see Julie. Dylan’s attention comes right to me. He’s next to Frankie, who is reading over the document. When I see her bottom lip pull slightly up, I know she doesn’t like what she is reading. It’s a small tell. I don’t think anyone else would catch it, but I do. Not good.
Luna stands off by herself, perfectly still. I glance over to her soon-to-be husband, who is tapping away on his phone. Why aren’t they talking, and why is he even here? To help pick out the wedding dress? Is he that controlling? Why would he conduct a prenuptial agreement here, of all places?
“You okay?” I ask Luna.
“Oh, yes.” She gives me a soft smile.
“Luna—”
“Julie left.” She is quick to stop whatever I’m about to say. I get the message. I will let it go for now. There are too many other people around.
“It’s bullshit, and you know it.” Frankie squares off with Dylan. Here we go. “She’s not a breeding mule that can be tossed away.”
“Shit.” I wince at that. “Give me.” I hold my hand out. Frankie hands it over to me.
“Guys, it’s okay.” Luna tries to calm Frankie down. I’m going to need some of that calm too, because the more I read over the prenup, the angrier I get. Dylan might not be as charming as I thought.
“Luna knows that she’s not bringing anything into the marriage. It’s my legacy that is at risk.” At least Dylan drops his head a fraction, shaking it at Michael's words.
“You—”
“Okay, now.” I grab Frankie by the arm before she can rip Michael’s head off. “Not here,” I say next to Frankie’s ear while shooting my own glare at the two men who had the audacity to come up with this bullshit.
Because that’s what this all is. Bullshit.