Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
A frown creases her brow. I guess that wasn’t a very enthusiastic endorsement.
“Molly!” Remy shouts.
“We’re good,” I reassure Kyla. Then, impulsively I add, “Just be careful, okay?”
Her frown shifts into confusion. “Duh.” She shrugs and hurries over to share her news with Hayden.
The low rumble of voices from the foyer sends butterflies flapping through my stomach. Griff’s here.
I hurry to slip my sandals on and meet him at the door.
Oh. Oh, wow.
My greedy eyes gobble him up. Something about his tux looks different than the faded, floppy ones I’ve seen my classmates renting. It’s darker, crisper, fitted to Griff’s body perfectly. Even under my brother’s mocking scrutiny, Griff stands tall—broad shoulders back, chin lifted, and mild amusement rippling over his handsome face. Confident, even with Remy’s sarcastic jabs.
“Did you escape from the Secret Service?” Remy steps back and slices his hand through the air. “You look like the bodyguard assigned to watch the president’s daughter.”
Griff’s gaze shifts from my brother and lands on me. My heart beats faster.
“Molly,” he rasps.
As if he forgot my brother’s standing in his way, he brushes past him and walks toward me. His bow tie perfectly matches the deep purple satin of the bodice of my dress. In his hands, he holds a clear box with something red inside.
“What do you think?” I tug on the layers of tulle skirt tickling the backs of my thighs.
Griff’s hot gaze slides over me from shoulders to toes. He stares for so long, I pluck at the bow on my shoulder. Did I tie it tight enough? I glance at my other shoulder. Are the bows even?
“Stop.” Griff steps closer and rests his warm hand over mine. He pries my fingers away from the bow. “It’s really nice.” He closes his eyes and briefly shakes his head. “I’m struck dumb here, Molly. It’s…perfect on you.”
I tug at the skirt again.
“It’s a little on the short side,” Remy snarks, obviously trying to bait Griff.
Griff’s eyes narrow, and he glances over his shoulder. “No one’s asking you to wear it. Or for your opinion.”
There’s nothing but sweet, loving appreciation in Griff’s eyes when he faces me again. His gaze drops to my bare legs. “Turn around for me.”
I execute a perfect spin in my clunky shoes.
“You’re…” He whistles. “Stunning. I’m really glad I never went to my own prom.” He holds out his hand to me and I take it.
“You didn’t?”
He shrugs and pulls me outside onto the front porch. “Things were too chaotic for me.”
The late afternoon air cools my overheated skin. “It’ll be silly. You’ll probably be so bored.” I shouldn’t be dragging Griff to something so childish.
“No, I won’t. I want you to have fun with your friends.” He takes two steps back and sweeps his appreciative gaze over me again. “Trust me, I won’t be bored as long as I’m looking at you.”
“I don’t know about that.” I make two V shapes with my thumbs and index fingers and press them to my waist. “Kyla’s dress has all sorts of strategically placed cut-outs.”
He snorts as if he couldn’t care less. “I’ll still only be interested in you.”
“Hayden went with bright pink sequins.” I wave my hand toward the living room window. “You might be blinded before the night is over.”
The corners of his mouth twitch. “She does love pink.”
“I’m sorry you have to hang out with my friends all night,” I mutter. Griff’s high school days are way behind him. Hanging out with all my classmates will probably feel like torture. Although, I do have some things in mind to make up for it later. When we’re alone.
“Molly.” He grabs one of my hands and gently squeezes until I lift my gaze to his. “I’m just happy to be with you. I don’t dislike your friends.”
“They’re kinda immature sometimes.”
He cocks his head toward the front door where I still sense Remy’s hovering out of sight. “You’ve met my friends, right?”
A giggle escapes me. “Okay, yeah.”
“Good. Now, stop worrying so much.” He lifts his eyebrows and glances at my feet. “Are you going to be comfortable in those all night?”
“I think so.” I wave my thumb toward the front door. “I have sneakers and stuff to change into later.”
Heat flares in his eyes for a second, stirring prickles of desire over my skin.
He holds out the clear box to me. “Here.” A hint of excitement flickers over his lips. “This is for you.”
Up close, I can finally examine the corsage. I pop the lid open and squee in delight. “It’s so pretty!” Two red roses and two purple roses are nestled in silver metallic lace with purple ribbons. A tiny silver crown charm rests in the middle. The whole arrangement looks suspiciously familiar. “How’d you know?”
His lips curve up. “The woman at the flower shop asked me for my date’s name and said she’d make sure they matched.”