Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 396(@250wpm)___ 330(@300wpm)
Brayden: Also, I’m blocking you right now, so I won’t get any texts or messages. Sorry/not sorry. See you at 8, beautiful.
CHAPTER 27
Alex
There was a loud knock on my hotel room door.
I looked out the peephole to find a woman holding a large package. “Delivery for Miss Jones?” she said as I opened the door.
Oh my God.
He really did it.
“Yes, that’s me. Thank you.”
She handed me the white box. It had a black satin bow. My hands were practically shaking as I took it over to the bed to open it.
Inside was the most gorgeous black-lace mini dress. From the label, I knew it was also quite expensive. The box also contained a shoebox, which I opened to find the perfect pair of black stilettos with peep toes. Both the dress and the shoes were exactly my size. I’d never mentioned either to Brayden, so this entire transaction had Wells written all over it. I was certain he must have been utterly amused to help.
Who knew I’d come to Seneca Falls to work and end up feeling like something out of Pretty Woman? I’d worked my butt off at the house today and had just showered, intentionally staying in my robe since Brayden had offered to send me something to wear. Still, I couldn’t believe he’d actually made that happen.
More than that, I didn’t understand what had gotten into him. It was like a switch had flipped while he was out in Pennsylvania. I wasn’t sure how to handle that, but no way was I going to disappoint him after the days he’d had—finding out Landon had died and then visiting Ryan’s grave. I would be what he needed me to be tonight.
Removing my robe, I took the dress over to the mirror and slipped into it. It had a straight neckline and cap sleeves. It was fitted at the waist with a subtle flare to the skirt, which ended just above the knee. The dress fit my curves perfectly—though I had underwear and a bra underneath despite Brayden asking me to go bare. I’d have to think on that one for a minute.
The shoes elongated my legs even more and went perfectly with the outfit. I turned around, checking out how the dress made me look from behind. I smiled, realizing just how sexy, wanted, and loved Brayden had made me feel today. And with that, something inside me shifted.
I closed my eyes a moment, feeling emotion rush through me. I knew in my heart I couldn’t deny this anymore. Just like everyone around me had been saying, I needed to stop running away from Brayden and deal with any possible fallout later.
When he’d texted me earlier that he was madly in love with me? My heart had nearly combusted. I’d been trying to figure out the perfect way to respond, but then he’d blocked my messages, taking away the responsibility of having to say anything at all. It was just as well, because I hadn’t been able to put into words how he’d made me feel. I still didn’t know how I was going to handle being with him tonight, but I was certain I wouldn’t be fighting my feelings anymore.
A knock at the door startled me.
I checked my phone—still an hour before Brayden and I were supposed to meet for dinner. Nonetheless, I peeked through the peephole to find him standing there.
My heart skipped a beat as I opened. “Hey,” I said, my voice breathy.
He smiled. “You look absolutely beautiful, better than I could have imagined you in that dress.”
“You’re early. My hair and makeup aren’t even done yet.”
“You don’t need a damn thing. You look perfect.”
“How did you and Wells manage this?” I asked, looking down at my dress.
He chuckled. “It was that obvious that I had a little help, huh?”
“Yeah, just a bit.” I laughed.
“On my way home, I stopped at a mall and FaceTimed him. He helped me pick everything out. Then I had it wrapped up and paid a hotel worker to deliver it to you.”
“I can’t believe you did this. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
Brayden wore a black blazer over a button-down shirt. He looked so delicious, I wanted to scream. “You look very handsome. But you’re early.”
He nodded. “I know. I couldn’t wait to see you.”
“What happened to you in Pennsylvania?”
He took a step toward me. “I lost all the fucks I had left to give, Alex.” His eyes sparkled as he looked into mine. “Hearing about Landon’s passing reminded me that I don’t have forever. I already knew that, but it was yet another harsh reminder. There’s one thing I want in this life, more than anything right now. And she’s standing in front of me. And I know with every fiber of my being that you feel the same. Alex, I’m done trying to live my life as if you don’t exist. I can’t erase you. I’ve tried.”