Page 14 of Nutcracker with Benefits
“Nope,” she says, popping the p with glee.
My eyes widen. Nash and I have always had fun, low-key days together, with the exception of galas for work. Today feels different. This dress…this is a to-kill-for dress, a Bond girl dress, a take-me-someplace-special dress.
“Wow. Okay, this dress it is.”
Kara unzips a compartment in the suitcase. “Here’s shoes.” She holds out a pair of classic black peep-toes, my favorite style, but this pair is made to fit the dress, with silver threads running through it, too. Of course, she pulls out a faux fur, full-length black coat to go with it to keep me warm. The shoes are comfortable, and the coat is warm.
I gaze longingly at myself before we undress me. I’ve dressed up like this maybe a dozen times, but it’s still not something I’m used to. I think about Nash, with his business meetings and tailored suits, Kara dressing him frequently enough to be on retainer.
It’s surreal how much our lives have changed.
Kara gives me a new bag of some of my favorite makeups and clothes for today, a black sweater, fitted jeans, and faux-fur-lined tall boots, perfect for a New York winter.
“You’re going to do a lot of walking, and leggings and sneakers aren’t going to keep you warm.” She thrusts the clothes at me. “Put them on.”
By the time I’m dressed, I also have a black wool coat “to go with everything,” Kara says, plus ear muffs and gloves.
“Wow, we really are going to be outside a lot today,” I remark. “Wait,” I say as Kara starts to wheel the stand away with my dress for tonight. “Where are you going with the dress?”
“I’m delivering it to a spot where you’ll have time to change this evening. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to it.”
“Okay. Bye, beautiful dress. I’ll see you later.” I stare at it longingly, and Kara giggles.
I walk out with her and find Nash in the living room talking to my dads.
“Hey,” he says, rising when he sees me. “You look fantastic.”
His arms slide around me, and he gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. It feels weird. Is this because I’m not used to PDA with him or because of the three people staring at us?
“Thanks,” I say. “You look great, too. Are you ready to go?” I widen my eyes and tilt my head at our audience.
“Yup,” Nash takes my hand. “You leaving, too, Kara?”
“Nah, Craig invited me for a coffee. I’ll stay for a chat. You two have fun.”
Nash and I, hand in hand, take off down the hall, ready to start our mysterious day of adventures.
6
Nash
“Where to first?” Clara asks as we step onto the street.
“Breakfast,” I say.
“Thank goodness. Uncle D was baking scones, and it was torture.” Clara rubs her gloved hands together in excitement. “Are we taking the subway, or are you too fancy for that?”
“It has nothing to do with being fancy. You haven’t had your face on the cover of a magazine declaring you the most eligible bachelor.” I nudge her. “We’re taking the subway,” I admit.
Clara eyes me. It’s bright, so I’m wearing sunglasses, but I’ve got a beanie on, too. It’s supposed to get overcast and chillier this afternoon, the temperature dropping into the evening, but for now, it’ll help keep me blending in with the crowd.
She reaches over and pulls my beanie down and fusses with my scarf. I try to ignore the excitement that flares up when her fingers brush against my freshly-shaved face. “There, no one can tell it’s you. I can hardly tell it’s you. Don’t wander too far, or we might get separated,” she teases.
We step down into the nearest subway station and hustle onto the car.
“Did it feel weird for you yesterday? And this morning?” Clara asks as she grabs ahold of the pole.
“Weird how?”
