Page 87 of Surprisingly Us

Rhys settles onto the couch while I take the dress to my room. A minute later, I’ve got the dress on and it fits perfectly. Only problem is I can’t get it zipped up all the way.

The sore muscles of my shoulders from weightlifting yesterday are restricting what is typically an easy reach for me. I contort myself a few different ways, until I’m heavily panting and a sheen of sweat breaks out on my forehead. It’s no use. My fingers are just out of reach. Back-zip dresses are a single woman’s nightmare.

But I’m not a single woman now.

“Rhys?” I call on my way to the bedroom door.

When I open it, he’s already there.

“Jesus Christ, Princess.” He rubs his thumb under his lower lip, assessing me.

“What?” I drop my eyes to my body where Rhys is currently staring. “Is the dress too much?”

“Not at all. You look absolutely stunning.”

“Yeah?” I can’t hide my smile, because even if he’s said the same words a thousand times to a hundred different women,somehow, he makes it feel special. The way his eyes dance over me and his lips split into a satisfied grin is nice. “I can’t get the zipper up. Can you help?”

As soon as I turn around to show him the issue, I remember I don’t have a bra on.

The one-shoulder requires either a convertible strapless bra or to go without. My small breasts and I have never met a strapless bra we like so I’m going without. And the dress material is thick enough that nipple covers will do the trick.

I wait for Rhys to start pulling the zipper up, but there’s nothing.

“Is it stuck?” Maybe that’s why I was having such a difficult time.

He clears his throat, and finally there’s movement. Up, up, up it goes until his fingers brush against my back when he fastens the clasp at the top. I hold stock-still, fighting the shiver that my body is desperate to embrace.

“You’re good,” he says, his voice husky and only an inch from my ear.

“Thanks.” I turn around to face him. “That is until I have to take it off later tonight. I’ll probably need your help with that, too. I’m sure you’re even more skilled at taking women’s dresses off.”

It’s supposed to be funny, but when I look up to find Rhys’s eyes darkening, I realize how it sounded.

Heat licks at my cheeks.

“I’ll make sure you’re not stuck in it before I leave.”

“Thanks.”

On the way out the door, I notice that while I was getting ready, Rhys placed the flowers in a vase with water.

In the car, Rhys fills me in on the board members of The Spencer Foundation. Ramsey compiled a binder with the board members and their significant others, children, hobbies, etc.

I know our appearance tonight as a couple is going to have a big impact on the board’s view of Rhys. While I can’t be solely responsible for his character, I’m a piece of the puzzle. A way for him to prove that he’s leaving his playboy persona in the past and ready to take on the foundation board president role.

The thing is, I see that in Rhys. With or without us fake dating. I know he could step into the role his father had wanted for him. He’s smart and talented, a people person that could easily work with others. The issue is, he doesn’t believe it.

But right now, we need to review our game plan for the evening.

“So, we’re childhood friends who recently reconnected and are now dating.”

He gives me an easy nod. “Yeah.”

“So, what do you need me to do tonight? Any special requests?” I ask, hoping that if I have a task or purpose, it will help me focus on that and take the pressure off the situation.

His gaze skims over me, and I feel every inch of it. When his eyes reach mine, the intensity of his stare is like a punch to the gut. The hazel of his eyes, greenish gray with flecks of gold, has been pushed out by darkness. There’s a good five seconds where I’m not sure I’m breathing. The air in the car is thick and hot. Then, Rhys’s mouth splits into that devilish grin of his.

“Pretend you like me.”

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