Page 76 of The Jilted Lovers Club
When Ashton returns, we leave Lottie with Bec, who insisted on caring for her throughout the evening so we could mingle with guests. I finish my makeup in the bathroom while Ashton takes over the bedroom.
“Are you ready for this?” he asks, walking down the hall, focused on the buttons of his white dress shirt. Freshly shaven, fitted slacks, black leather dress shoes—he looks like something I can’t keep my hands off of. But I keep them to myself. Even though we made up, there’s still an icy edge between us that doesn’t feel right.
He finally looks up and stops in his tracks. His eyes sweep over me.
“Hot damn, you’re a vision.”
Well, icy edge be damned. The look in his eyes could thaw glaciers.
“This old thing?” I do a little spin, showing off what cost me several months’ paychecks. It’s a golden-toned sequined Eleri gown by Retrofête, with a plunging neckline, fitted waist, and a side slit that goes all the way to my thigh. The straps gather into a draped panel of material from each shoulder. Thick gold bracelets adorn my wrists, delicate gold drop earrings graze my shoulders, and I wear nothing on my neck, letting the gown speak for itself. My hair is swept into a curled cascade, a waterfall of glamour. Every penny spent is worth it, just for the way he’s looking at me.
“I changed my mind,” he says. “We’re not going out. We’re staying in and I’m about to lick every inch of gold off your body.” He cages me in his arms, and I pretend to struggle to get free, laughing the whole time. His mouth finds my neck, and even though it sends chills straight to my core, I gently push him back.
“Oh no, you don’t,” I say. “I don’t need you leaving red marks all over my body like you’re staking a claim.”
“You and I both know there’s no claim to be staked,” he says, then kisses me on the cheek.
The words burn, as does the imprint of his kiss. He smiles as if he doesn’t mean anything by the words, even winking at me before he helps me with my wrap. But I feel it just the same—that frozen wall forming block by block between us.
Maybe it’s for the best.
We arrive at Timeless a little early, though Bec and Bob are already there managing vendors. Apparently she also has a key, which she sheepishly hands me while exclaiming over my dress.
“My god, you’re stunning,” she says, lifting the fabric of my sleeve so that it shimmers in the spotlights. She holds Lottie, who also reaches for the dress.
“Oh no, baby. We don’t need anything to tarnish this golden angel.”
All three of them are visions as well. Bec is wearing a pale blue chiffon dress that gathers at her waist and accentuates her figure. Lottie is in a navy-blue Christmas dress, even though the holiday is almost two months away, and Bob is in a suit very much like Ashton’s, but in black instead of dark grey.
“Well, you all look incredible.”
I take a moment to absorb the beauty of the room, mesmerized by everything I see. Not much extra has been done to spiff the place up, but there’s no need. The dramatic lighting against the architecture and fixtures creates an ethereal look within the building, and the streetlights outside are like our own personal stars. I can’t believe I won’t see this space again. It’s so beautiful on its own, and honestly didn’t need much help from me. Yet, seeing the plants from Leaf, the French country motifs from Lock & Key, and every other item I’d found at the shopssurrounding this one, I can feel the heart of this place—and of this town.
I feel a surge of pride as each person files in, their eyes wide as they point at items within this shop. We still don’t have the watches yet; those will arrive with Alexander tomorrow. But right now, Timeless feels like a gathering place for neighbors, young and old. My heart is near bursting as the party grows, the drinks flow, the music starts, and smiles are directed at everyone in this room, including me.
“Look what you did,” Ashton says, slipping an arm around my waist and kissing my cheek.
Even though things are weird between us, I welcome the warmth of his embrace, leaning into it. I look up at him, taking in his amber eyes, the plushness of his delicious mouth, the way he looks at me now in front of everyone. God, I’m going to miss this man.
“We all did this,” I murmur. “You, me, this whole town.” I press my lips against his, forgetting in the moment who’s watching. That is, until I hear a familiar hoot within the crowd. I grin against Ashton’s mouth, then turn to see Grace weaving her way through the crowd, followed by Michael.
“Finally!” she says, holding her hand up for a high five. I roll my eyes, but return the gesture with a grin. She’s draped in a flowy green chiffon gown, reminding me of a woodland fairy. Michael is wearing a suit with pants that hang just above his ankles and loafers on his feet. On anyone else, it’s questionable. On him, it’s high fashion.
“You both look stunning,” I tell them, “and it’s not like you didn’t know this was going to happen.” I raise an eyebrow.
“Oh honey, we knew before you knew it was going to happen.” Michael leans forward and plants a kiss on my cheek, then one for Ashton, who doesn’t even flinch. I have to admit, itonly makes me want him more. “You two look like the queen and king of this soiree. It’s about time you two made it official.”
“So, are you two going to do a cross-country thing?” Grace asks. She appears hopeful, glancing between the two of us. “Or maybe one of you is moving?” She looks pointedly at me with this, and I feel my face flush. I look at my feet, unsure of what to say. Thankfully, we’re interrupted when Griffin steps up with a tray of food.
“Guess you’re going public, huh?” He claps Ashton on the back, then leans forward to kiss me on the cheek. “Ms. Gallo, you sure clean up well when you’re not getting wasted at my bar.”
I roll my eyes. “That was one time, and you already saw me dressed up since then. And enough with the … well, whatever you think is going on with us.” I glance at Ashton quickly, then flick my eyes away when I realize he’s looking at me. Fuck, this is awkward. “Do none of you mind your business?”
“No,” they all say at once.
“Hello, have you ever lived in a small town?” Griffin asks, holding out a tray of wrapped figs toward me without even waiting for my answer. My eyes widen.
“Oh wow, Bec wasn’t lying. Those look incredible.” I take one then bite into it carefully. The flavor of salted meat, goat cheese, honey, and fig bursts in my mouth. “That’s sinful,” I moan.
