Page 108 of Maximum Dare
After leaving the bathroom, I eased on a pair of delicate heels and then approached the dress in awe. Maybe we could just pull up a couple of chairs and stare at it all evening—it was seriously that stunning.
I eased the gown off its hanger and over my head, pulling down the wispy skirt and adjusting the sparkling bodice. I gazed at my reflection in the tall mirror, admiring the way my styled brunette locks tumbled in shiny waves over my shoulders. This was a big, bold improvement from my crazy clown look.
I, too, can rock the glamour.
Holding the fitted bodice to my chest, I descended the stairs.
“I need help fastening my gown,” I called through the kitchen door.
“I’m ready,” said Max.
I went on in with a big grin on my face, but then my breath caught when I saw how incredible Max looked. He was wearing a tuxedo. If it was even possible for him to go from dreamy to devastating he’d just managed it.
Max’s jaw went slack as he looked me up and down, his expression going back and forth from looking awestruck to looking mesmerized.
“You like it?”
“It’s…um…” His grin widened. “Wow.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you.” I let out a whistle.
He raised his hands. “You’ve seen me in this tux before.”
Yes, but I’d been distracted with trying not to drown that night.
“I’ve never owned anything like this,” I admitted breathlessly. “Thank you so much, Max.”
He came around behind me and helped fasten the hooks of the bodice. “Daisy, this dress was made for you. It would have been a crime to deprive you of it.”
“I look okay?”
He turned me around to face him and stared into my eyes. “Absolutely stunning.”
“Thanks to you.”
“No, it’s all you, trust me.” He smirked. “I’m going to have to stay close to you all evening.”
“I like that plan.” A nervous tingle shot down my spine.
He helped me with my silk shawl, gently pressing his lips to my shoulder before we headed out to his car.
During the journey out of London, Max weaved his fingers through mine and we held hands. I settled next to him, staring out the window and enjoying the classical music he played to relax me.
I no longer had a hole where my heart should be. Instead, I had butterflies buzzing around in my chest and stomach, setting off the kind of fluttering reserved for…
I wasn’t going to say what this felt like…wasn’t even going to think it. The emotion was different to how it had ever felt before. What we had was more precious, more powerful—a palpable connection that went soul deep. Max had stolen my heart and hijacked my every thought. Being with him felt so right and I couldn’t get over how lucky I was now. I wanted to go back in time and tell myself that all that pain, all that heartache, would soon be forgotten.
Life felt magical.
We arrived on time, driving up to those familiar brass gates. Max navigated his car toward the house, its familiar grandness looming large, reminding me of the kind of family event I was stepping into.
He parked beside Nick’s Range Rover.
“Ready?” asked Max.
“What?” I said with a smirk. “No valets?”
“This is a private family affair.” He switched off the engine. “I told Mum to keep it simple. Just invite our closest family and friends. Nothing showy.”
