Aknockonthedoorjust after breakfast forced me wide awake.I open the door and find a box sitting innocently on the front step of the guest house, and no one in sight.It's wrapped in thick matte paper, elegant, and mysterious.
There's a card on top, with beautiful handwriting scrawled across the thick paper.
Let's go be someone else tonight.– G
My heart stutters.I pick it up slowly, my fingers tracing the edge of the note.The air feels thicker, like the world is holding its breath with me.I glance around, half-expecting to see Gage watching from a distance, but the yard is quiet, sun-drenched, and still.
I carry the box inside and set it gently on the kitchen island.My fingers tremble as I undo the ribbon, peel back the edges, and lift the lid.Inside, nestled in tissue paper, is the most stunning ball gown I've ever seen.Deep red silk, with delicate beading that catches the light like fire.It's luxurious, expensive, and brand new.It’s the kind of dress that lives in dreams and high-end magazines, not in the wardrobe of a broke college student.
There’s a fancy designer label of a hot designer.It's the most expensive thing I've ever owned.My throat tightens.It feels like something out of a dream.A dream I don't deserve but desperately want to live in.
My practical brain reminds me I could consign it later if needed, but the rest of me, the part that aches for Gage, knows I won't.This is more than a dress.It’s a memory waiting to happen.
I gasp softly as I lift it from the box, holding it against me.The fabric is buttery smooth, impossibly soft.Beneath the gown lies a matching mask, red with intricate black filigree, and beneath that, an invitation to a masquerade ball hosted by Club Red.
Sinking onto one of the barstools, the weight of it all presses into my chest.The gown, the mask, the invitation, and his words.
To be someone else tonight, perfect.
I slip the invitation into my nightstand and run my hand over the fabric again.I'll have to figure out how to consign it later.But tonight?Tonight, I'm going to wear this dress and pretend I'm someone else.
Because somewhere in that crowd, he will be waiting.
And I plan to find him.
Gemma squeals when she sees the gown, insisting I get ready at the main house with her.She drags me into her bedroom, all soft lighting and the faint scent of her favorite vanilla candles.Her energy is infectious, and for the first time all day, I let myself smile.
Two girls arrive shortly after, arms full of cases and curling irons, their smiles bright and professional."Hair and makeup," one announces.
I glance at Carter, who's lounging in the doorway with a coffee mug in hand."You didn't have to go all out," I say.
He lifts an eyebrow."I took care of Gemma, but you?That was all Gage."
My breath catches.My stomach flutters with something sharp and sweet.He thought of everything.I've never been pampered like this before.I'm always the one doing the pampering, and Gage knows that.
Gemma nudges me with a grin."Told you he was serious."
When my eyes water, the stylist who is brushing my hair fans my face.
"No crying.It will mess up your makeup, and I promise, honey, we are going to make his jaw drop," she says, getting busy.
While they work on my hair, I sit quietly with my fingers curled around the armrest of my chair.They talk softly while working, one styling my hair into soft waves pinned just so, the other brushing color onto my cheeks, eyes, and lips.They transform me slowly, with care, as if I'm something precious.
Halfway through, Carter knocks lightly and walks in holding a chilled bottle of water and a folded note.He offers them to me without a word, and I open the card.
Take a deep breath, beautiful.Let yourself be spoiled.Tonight is for you, and I can't wait for the moment I finally see you in that dress.All my attention is already yours.Be mine, even just for tonight.I can't wait to lose myself in you.Every second until then will feel like torture.–G
Emotion slams into me, unexpected and overwhelming.I press the note to my chest for a second, trying not to cry and ruin the perfect makeup.
"You okay?"Gemma asks.
I nod, eyes stinging."Yeah.Just...he did all this for me."
Gemma smiles softly."He sees you, Skye.And you see him.That kind of thing?It doesn't come around often."
We finish getting ready, and when I slip into the dress, it hugs me like it was made for me.The fabric drapes perfectly, and the mask fits like it belongs.When we finally look in the mirror, we don't look like ourselves.
If he hadn't sent the dress and known what to look for, he might not find me because you can't tell who I am, not even up close.