Chapter 25
Lizzy
The grass sticks to my arms as I lie in my backyard. Bash and I just finished a run and ended up back here to enjoy the sun. Even though we’re silent as we recover from pushing ourselves today, it’s peaceful. After a few weeks of spending time together, we’re comfortable in our silence.
Bash rolls over to face me, so I do the same. He looks me over then opens his mouth. “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to my company’s annual gala?”
The request catches me off guard. We’ve been on many dates recently, but this is different. He’d be introducing me to his coworkers in a formal environment.
“I’d love to,” I answer quickly.
“As my girlfriend?” The pulse point in his neck is jumping. But he should know that he has no reason to be nervous. In my mind, we’re already a couple.
“I’d be honored.” His beaming, answering smile is all the confirmation I need that this man is perfect. “Sebastian Montclair, my boyfriend.” I let out a chuckle after saying it, and his expression drops.
“What’s wrong?” he questions frantically.
“Boyfriend sounds so juvenile,” I tell him with a sigh. I know it’s a step in the right direction, but boyfriend at twenty-six feels junior high. Maybe it’s that the last time I had a boyfriend I was a teenager.
“If I had a choice, it’d be husband, but that might be too soon for you,” he jokes. Or, at least, I think he’s joking. His tone is light, but his eyes are longing.
Honestly, Bash is such a great guy for me that if he asked me to marry him today, I’d truly consider it. We haven’t even been hanging out for a month, but since we see each other most days, it feels as though we’ve known each other much longer.
“Husband does have a better ring to it,” I tease back. The muscle in his jaw clenches causing butterflies in my stomach to flutter.
“Don’t tempt me.” It’s almost a threat I want him to follow through on. In such a short time, he’s become not only a love interest of mine but also a great friend. I wonder if he experienced the same loneliness as I did before we met. If we’re both filling the empty hole in the other’s life.
“So, this gala. When is it? And what’s the dress code?” I’ve never been to a gala. I’ve never been to any formal event. All I can picture is floor-length gowns and men in tuxedos. But what do I know?
“It’s the following Saturday, two weekends away. I’m sorry, but you’ll have to miss family dinner. It’s black-tie. I can get you a dress since it’s an event for me. I don’t want to impose on you.”
“Nonsense. I can get my own dress.” He looks ready to argue, so I hold up my hand. “Plus, it’ll be fun to get a formal dress. I’ve never been to a black-tie event.”
“If you insist,” he starts, but I interrupt.
“I do.”
I really like this man, but I’m not letting him buy me a dress. For some reason, that feels too intimate. Plus, I know he’s a CTO, but he lives in the same neighborhood as I do. I don’t know what his financial situation is and wouldn’t want him to struggle.
With not many expenses, I have almost two hundred thousand dollars in savings and investments. I can afford to splurge on a nice gown for his event.
“Lizzy, I’m really excited for you to come with me. Normally, I have to endure these events alone, and you make the best company. But also, I’m eager to introduce everyone to my astonishing girlfriend.”
His admission that I’m worthy of showing off has my chest warming. No one’s ever shown me off before.
“I’m excited to go. I’m truly lucky to be going with you.” I emphasize the end so he knows it’s him I’m lucky for.
He reaches down and holds my hand. “There’s no one like you, Lizzy. There’s truly no one I’d rather have at my side.”