Page 44 of Ghost's Obsession

I set my glass aside and ask, “What kind of date requires a beautiful dress?”

“The Savage Legion is throwing our support behind a charity event next weekend,” he replies. “Our old ladies didn’t plan it. It’s hosted by some of the folks who run the town council. Black tie. Casino night. It’s a fundraiser for the women’s shelter.”

I pause, breath catching. Not just because it’s a fancy event, but because he’s asking me to be seen with him, out in the open, with people who matter to the club. And the cause? It’s because he likes me enough to want a real relationship.

“Are you sure you want me to come to a fancy party with you?” I ask, hesitating slightly because this seems too good to be true.

Ghost doesn’t hesitate, even for an instant. “Yes, of course I do.”

“I mean… with you as your date. Not just to tag along.”

He tilts his head, giving me a look like I’ve absolutely lost my mind. “You think I’m lettin’ anybody else take my woman to the biggest damn event this club has ever seen?”

My woman.He called me his woman. Something about him calling me, ‘his’ fills a tiny empty hole in my heart. I’m not the only one thinking we could be good together. It’s enough to make me hope I might have a future with him. It’s been so long since anyone claimed me in a way that didn’t feel possessive or threatening. Ghost says it like it’s a fact. Like it’s obvious. Like he doesn’t care that I’m pregnant. Like he just wants me.

When I reply, I have to clear my throat twice to get the words out. “I’d love to go on a real date with you,” I say softly. Then I try to lighten the moment. “But I’m gonna have to buy a dress. Something sparkly. Maybe with a slit up the side. Do you think that would look good on a woman like me?”

His eyes dart down to my belly, and a slow and sinful smile spreads over his face.

“You show up like that,” he drawls, “I might forget the charity part, take you home early and fuck you senseless.”

My cheeks flush, but I laugh anyway. “Then I’m definitely wearing it.”

He pushes off the railing, steps towards me, and presses a kiss to the top of my head—very slowly and deliberately. Then he turns and heads for the garage like nothing earth-shattering just happened.

***

The next day, he takes me shopping for a dress. When we get there, Brittany and Tusk are just pulling up as well. I can’t keep the smile off my face for anything. I love everything about this shopping trip, right down to the fancy boutique they’ve chosen for us. It saysFrancesca’s Boutique, Hair & Nail Salonon the sign above the window. It’s tucked between a vape shop and asecondhand bookstore, but it might as well be its own universe. The windows are dressed in velvet, and a mannequin in a gold-sequined gown is standing front and center.

Brittany rushes to me and says happily, “I call the gold dress. Don’t even think about buying it.”

“I would never,” I tell her. “That dress was made to go with your blonde hair.”

She gives me a smile and tells me conspiratorially, “Brilliant minds think alike.”

When we step inside, it’s got a really cute boutique-y feel about it.

Brittany says under her breath, “God, I love this place.”

“Welcome to Frankie’s,” a feminine voice sings out. Ghost told me all about Frankie and her love for fashion. Her long dark hair is pinned up with jeweled clips, and her nails are painted perfectly.

“It’s about time you boys put in an appearance,” she says, throwing her arms wide. “The gala is in five days.”

Ghost responds uncomfortably. “Yeah, I’m praying my woman finds something she likes, or we’ll be traipsing all over the place looking for something.”

“Perish the thought,” Frankie says, pointing to me with a grin. “You came to the right place. I just got in a new stock of gowns yesterday.”

Brittany talks about what she wants—namely, the gold sequined dress in the window—and of course, Frankie couldn’t be happier selling it to her. When Brittany races back to try the dress on, Frankie turns her attention to me.

“Now, what can I get for you? Did you have something particular in mind, or do you want to browse?”

Ghost responds confidently, “She wants something in green sequins with a slit up the side. It needs to be luxurious and sexy.” His hand comes out to rest against my stomach, and he adds, “It might need to have room for two, if you know what I mean.”

“Ghost,” I mutter under my breath, feeling my cheeks start to burn.

Frankie winks at me. “Oh, don’t be shy, honey. You’re barely showing, but I’ll make sure we find you something flattering.”

Frankie turns to Brittany, who’s stopped with that gold dress in her arms halfway across the boutique and is running her hand down a rack of gold earrings. I can’t be sure, but it feels like my new friend has been here a lot in the past.

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