Page 73 of Say You Remember Me
Ian stepped aside, gesturing for me to exit first. “Glad you find me impressive in that way at least.”
Oh…you are definitely impressive in so many other ways, Ian.
We strolled through the lobby, his presence at my side both steadying and electrifying.
“So,” Ian said as we neared the entrance, his voice slipping easily back into that light, playful tone, “ready to shop like a billionaire’s fiancée?”
“I guess I don’t really have a choice, do I?” I laughed softly, though my heart fluttered at the way he said it, like it wasn’t pretend at all.
“Nope.” He opened the door for me with a mischievous grin. “It’s time to show you off, Maddie Stevens. Let’s make everyone at this summit jealous that I landed someone as amazing as you.”
25
MADDIE
The boutique doorchimed softly as Ian held it open for me, his hand brushing lightly against the small of my back as I stepped inside. The air was scented with leather and something floral—luxury bottled and diffused into every corner of the store. Soft jazz music played overhead and racks of dresses stood like works of art.
“Let’s find you something unforgettable,” Ian murmured, his voice low, his hand lingering on my back, steady and warm.
I glanced up at him, catching the faint curve of his lips, the way his dark eyes glimmered with something playful and intent.
“Unforgettable might be a little ambitious,” I teased lightly, trying to keep things casual even as the tension between us seemed to thrum like a live wire.
“Not for you,” he said without hesitation, his hand guiding me toward the nearest rack of dresses.
I swallowed, glancing down at the racks, but my thoughts stayed with him. What was going on between us? This whole fake engagement had started as a ruse—a way to fend off Margot and her meddling. But standing here with Ian, his attentionsolely on me, his touches lingering just a little too long… It didn’t feel fake.
“Can I help you find something specific?” A bubbly brunette in a sleek black dress approached us, a bright smile lighting her face. “Are we shopping for a special occasion?”
“Kind of.” Ian turned to her; his smile effortlessly charming. “We just got engaged, and I want to show her off at a business summit tonight.”
The clerk’s eyes widened slightly, her gaze flicking between Ian and me.
For a moment, I wondered if she recognized him. Ian wasn’t a huge celebrity or anything, but with his billionaire status and a history of dating a few high-profile starlets, it wasn’t impossible for someone to connect the dots.
But if she did recognize him, she didn’t say anything.
“Oh, congratulations!” the clerk said, her tone genuinely enthusiastic. “That’s so exciting! How did you two meet?”
Ian glanced at me, his smile softening into something that felt intimate, almost tender. “We got stuck in an elevator together,” he began, his voice effortlessly sliding into the familiar story we’d crafted. But this time, he expanded on the details, adding small flourishes and moments that made it feel more vivid and real.
I watched, half in awe, as he charmed her completely, spinning the tale we’d told Drake the night before into something even more captivating.
By the time he finished, the clerk was pressing a hand over her heart, her expression soft. “That’s such a sweet love story,” she gushed. “You fell in love, and now you work together?”
“That’s right.” His gaze flicked to mine, warm and unguarded. “And now that she’s mine, I want to make sure everyone knows it.”
“Well then…” Her gaze shifted to me. “How about we find you something perfect?”
As she led us toward a rack of gowns, Ian stayed close, his hand brushing against mine. My pulse skittered at the light contact, and I couldn’t help but glance up at him, wondering what he was thinking. His expression was unreadable, but every now and then, I would catch him sneaking glances at me—quick, almost shy. Like he couldn’t help himself.
The clerk pulled a gown from the rack, a shimmering navy piece with a plunging neckline and an elegant, flowing skirt. “How about this one?” she asked, her eyes lighting up as she held it out for us to see.
Ian took the dress from her, his expression thoughtful as he held it up in front of me, tilting his head slightly as he studied it. “What do you think?”
I glanced at the dress, the luxurious fabric catching the light like ripples on water. “It’s beautiful,” I admitted.
His gaze shifted to mine, and something in his eyes softened further. “Try it on,” he said gently, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I think it’ll look amazing on you.”
