Page 233 of Enthrall Shadows
We’d merely swapped affectionate texts. I’d told him I was too busy with job hunting, that I needed to compare other positions to the prestigious one offered by his brother.
Henry had believed me.
Secretly, I’d needed time to reevaluate our relationship. With Reese back on the scene, I had needed time away from everything and everyone.
I’d almost ripped up the invitation.
Only Scarlet wasn’t the kind of friend who’d let me admit defeat. I’d told her everything and, as any best friend would, she’d sided with me against Reese.
I just couldn’t stand the thought of Reese hurting Henry again.
He was worth fighting for.
Arm in arm, Scarlet led me into Neiman Marcus to go shopping for a dress. We walked through the handbag section, cooing at all the pretty purses like we didn’t have enough already.
We finally made our way over to the designer dress section and we had fun trying on a few different styles.
“You’re cutting it a bit close,” said Scarlet. “The party’s tonight!”
“I wasn’t sure I’d even go,” I admitted.
I still hadn’t recovered from my encounter with Reese the previous Sunday.
Not really.
Reese was probably the strongest woman I’d met. She had a ruthless edge to her.
“Turn around,” said Scarlet, using her finger to get me to spin.
“This is the one.” I liked this Mac Duggal sequined gown.
“Not feeling it,” she said.
“What?” I stared at my reflection.
“You need something sexier.”
This was the command Scarlet gave the staff. They brought in more dresses and Scarlet examined them one after the other.
“This one,” she said finally.
Minutes later, I faced the mirror, dressed in a silk tulle Paolo Sebastian. The luxurious material fell to the floor with a wispy elegance. The bodice was unique, and barely covered my breasts.
“I can’t wear this!” I turned around to admire my butt in the mirror. “Henry will freak out.”
“That’s the point.” Scarlet gestured her insistence. “We need him to see you’re all woman.”
“Have you met him?” I joked. “He’s conservative.”
“There’s a reason he’s with you, Lotte. You’re the fun one.”
“I’m not sure. Cameron is going to be there.”
“When have you ever cared for others’ opinions?”
That made me chuckle. “Okay, why not?”
“Yes!” She pumped a fist in the air.
