Page 89 of That First Night
I run my hand through my hair again. She’s got a good point. I want Peyton to feel comfortable. I think back to that first night I met her all those years ago. She was shy and timid and might have even mentioned that she doesn’t go to those types of events often.
I’maskingher to this event, after all. It’s only right we go all out.
I quickly pull my phone from my pocket to shoot her a text.
I need you to do me a favor.
Yes, sir.
I swear to God, I am going to take her over my knee for using that tone via text message with me.
Are you being sassy, Ms. Kelly?
Me? Never. *wink face emoji*
What favor do you need?
Go into my office. Top drawer on the right. There’s a small box that looks like a safe. I need you to go in and grab a card out for me. It's all black. Matte black.
Code to the safe is 0932.
There’s a pause in her texting. I could have just called her, but I’m having lunch with my sister. Nerves dance in my belly as I continue to take a bite of the sushi that she brought me. Emiline is texting away on her phone.
Ok. Got it.
Great. I need you to go buy yourself a dress for the charity event.
A bubble pops up as if she’s texting but then it disappears. Seconds later, my phone rings and I see her name across the screen. “It’s Peyton,” I tell Emiline.
“I have to get back home to study anyway,” she says. “Tell Peyton I say hi.” And then she’s out the door, knowing I need this privacy.
“Hello?”
“Thomas,” she hoarsely whispers in my ear.
“Peyton,” I sigh back. The way she fucking says my name like that can bring me to my knees.
“I can’t ask you to buy me a dress,” she continues. “I can do it myself.”
“I won’t take no for an answer, Sunshine.” I smile through the phone even though she can’t see it. “I asked you to this event. I want you to find something you like.”
“I-I,” she pauses. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just tell me…” I pause. I don’t know what I want her to tell me. I was just on the verge of asking her to tell me she loves me. I can’t do that right now over the phone. I need to see her face and look into her eyes when I say it for the first time to her.
“I know, Thomas.” She sighs. “I know.”
Fuck, she knows. She has to know that I am head over heels in love with her. She has to know I would do anything for her. I would give her everything I fucking own to make her happy. I hope she knows that.
“Just tell me you won’t settle on the dress,” I continue. “That card has no limit. Head to Sacks Fifth, if you need to.”
I hear an audible gasp on the other end as if she is shocked to hear that.
“And Peyton?”
“Yes?”
“If the shoes aren’t red on the bottom, then I don’t want to see them on your feet.”
