Page 116 of The Last Second Chance
While Brigid chattered on, Joey’s gaze stayed locked on Jax. There was something new flaming to life in those cool gray eyes and though she couldn’t read it, its significance was palpable. He looked at her, into her, his expression both dark and loving.
“So what do you think?” Brigid asked.
“Perfection,” Jax answered.
“And who am I wearing?” Joey asked, running her palms over the tulle.
“Brigid Winston. Don’t you forget it,” she said through a mouthful of pins as she tucked and tweaked the shape of the dress.
The dress was like nothing she’d ever worn before. She stuck with jeans whenever possible and on the rare occasion that dressing up was required, she had two dresses in her closet. A black sheath and a navy wrap. Both serviceable and classic. She’d never have an occasion to wear this romantic dream of a dress again, but oh, she wanted it.
“How much?” Joey asked.
“It’s already paid for,” Jax cut in.
Joey whirled, her skirt swirling with her. “Oh, no. First the bacon and then the dog and the horses. You’re not getting the dress, too.”
“Bacon? Nice,” Brigid said approvingly. “And you can quit arguing because the dress is on me.”
“The hell it is,” Jax and Joey said in unison.
“Look, I need to get this business off the ground so I can stop fixing on-set wardrobe malfunctions for model-slash-actresses who lie about their measurements. And if you wear this dress on that carpet tonight, people are going to notice. And if you blubber about how deeply talented and exclusive this no-name designer is, I’ll have five publicists knocking on my door tomorrow morning.”
Joey shared a look with Jax.
“So you’re not paying for it, but you will gush,” Brigid instructed her.
“I can gush,” Joey nodded at her reflection.
Jax was circling her, taking her in from all angles. “You look incredible,” he said finally.
“Thanks,” Joey and Brigid said in unison.
26
With her dresssecurely stowed in the garment bag and a tasty lunch in her stomach, Joey was almost cheerful about the prospect of attending the premiere. She waltzed into their hotel room ahead of Jax and tossed her sunglasses on the marble topped entryway table.
Jax hauled her dress and a few other bags from their impromptu shopping spree inside and tossed everything over a chair. He reached for her, pulling her in.
“You know, we have some time before you have to start getting ready,” he hinted.
“Is that so?” Joey said twining her arms around his neck. “I think I have a few ideas of how we could pass the time.”
Her mouth was a breath away from his when the knock sounded on the door.
“Yoo hoo!”
“Oh, my God. I forgot about Didi,” Joey whispered.
“Just keep quiet and maybe she’ll go away,” Jax suggested.
“Nice try.” Joey extricated herself from his arms and opened the door.
Didi, in all her platinum blonde glory, sashayed inside followed by a parade of people carrying boxes, bags, and what looked like colorful tackle boxes.
Didi whistled as she peeked around the room over her sunglasses. “Not bad, Jax. Not bad. Now which way to the bathroom?”
Jax pointed the way and Didi clamped a hand on Joey’s wrist and tugged her along. “We’d better get started! You don’t even have your nails done yet.”
