Chapter 33

Chloe

I can barely think straight as Kayleigh whizzes around me like a tiny fairy. She's cleaned up my face, made sure my legs were freshly shaved, and even waxed my eyebrows.

Still, I don't really know what's going on except that it's apparently part of the sake and sushi thing at Opal.

"Kayleigh, this is insane. Just tell me what's going on."

I laugh through the complaint, but I'm getting a little nervous about what to expect.

"Don't worry about it!" Kayleigh smiles as she pulls out the dress, and my mouth falls open. "I had a feeling you'd like it."

Completely awestruck by the grandeur of the gown, I walk up to it, totally mesmerized.

The deep green tulle and satin of the base remind me of forests and trees, which is perfect as there are dozens, maybe even a hundred, gold embroidered leaves scattered across the dress.

They're thickest at the top and straps where they work to provide coverage against the sheer fabric and thin out as they tumble down the dress.

"Oh my God, Kayleigh. It's like something out of a fairy tale." I continue to marvel at the thing, finding hidden crystals sewn into the hearts of the leaves and speckled across the bottom. "Like something Titania herself would wear."

Kayleigh furrows her brow. "Who?"

I just laugh. "Never mind. It's fabulous. You did amazing."

"Well, I'd love to take total credit for it—" she sighs "—but Dom is the one who picked this one out of the options I brought him."

My eyes go wide. "Really?"

"I know. I would never have guessed he had it in him. But I guess with the proper motivation…"

Kayleigh wags her eyebrows at me, and I shake my head. When I reach out to feel the weight of the gown, I'm pleasantly surprised to find it's quite light.

Considering the temperature is actually getting warm here now, finally reaching the low seventies on the first day of summer, no less, I'm glad the dress won't be too hot.

"Well, let's get you dressed, shall we?"

Kayleigh's grin is infectious, and I'm actually starting to relax a little myself. Allowing my worries over, well, everything to take a back seat for a moment.

My fairy godmother for the evening helps me into the gown, securing the snap and zipper at the back where the tulle hides some hidden boning.

The structured top helps me feel less likely to fall out of the thing, and I like the smoothing effect beneath the gentle flow of the blousy fabric.

Still, my not-so-tiny boobs certainly fill the thing up.

"Are you sure this looks okay? I feel like the only thing people are going to notice are my tits."

With a giggle, Kayleigh fluffs up the skirt of the dress, which, while reaching the floor, actually reveals quite a bit of my legs, thanks to the transparent tulle.

"Not only your tits. You also have a great ass."

She winks at me, and I can't help but chuckle in return.

"Well, at least I know Dom will like it."

Kayleigh nods, tracking the look up and down with her eyes. "Girl, you'll be lucky if you get five feet before he throws you down on something."

"Kayleigh!"

"What?" She smirks. "Am I wrong?"

"No." I shake my head. "What's next?"

Gesturing to sit in front of the large mirror in Dom's bathroom, she smiles. "My favorite parts—hair and makeup."

I take a seat, facing my reflection.

The top of the dress is constructed in a large V , the straps sitting on the very edges of my shoulders, so it would be equally appropriate to wear my hair up or down.

Kayleigh decides that up is the way to go, wanting to show off as much of my skin as possible.

I can't help but laugh through the entire process. I haven't been the center of attention like this since my high school prom.

And even then, I didn't have the skills of someone like Kayleigh behind me.

After about thirty minutes, Kayleigh has whipped my hair into an elaborate updo with long spiraling tendrils of hair that tumble down my neck and back.

There's an almost Grecian element to the style, and she's tucked a gold headband with leaf accents into the mass of curls piled atop my head.

"Okay, I'm thinking no necklace because that cleavage should not be interrupted, but maybe these earrings?"

She hands me droplet earrings with long chains that hang from the back in matching gold. I slip them in and smile as I take a peek in the mirror.

"Yup, those look killer. Okay, makeup time."

Kayleigh spins me around this time, not wanting me to see until the entire look is complete. I can't tell what she's doing that way, and after what feels like an eternity, she's finally done.

"All right, doll. Have a look."

I turn around, and for a moment, I don't recognize myself.

The makeup Kayleigh has done is all in similar gold tones of varying brightness with no shortage of sparkle.

She's chosen a deep brown mauve for the lip, accentuating the full curves of my mouth.

"Wow, Kayleigh. I look…"

"You look gorgeous, is what. Damn, I am good."

We both giggle a little, and I stand up off the chair she's pulled in here, admiring the full look, from the dress to the hair to the makeup.

"God, you really are. I don't know how to thank you for all this. You definitely didn't have to."

She just smiles. "It was my pleasure. I like helping, and Dom is like another brother, which makes you sort of like a sister."

Warmth blooms behind my chest, and I feel a tiny sting in my eyes before I blink it away.

"Which is nice because it's been a boy's club over here for way too long."

Chuckling, I wrap my arms around her and hug tight. "It is nice. I haven't got a sister, either."

"Well, look at that. Perfection."

"Thank you, Kayleigh. Truly." I'm about to leave when she stops me.

"Wait, you goof!" She reaches for something on the floor that I can't see because it's hidden by the bed. "Shoes!"

Kayleigh runs over, holding a pair of gold strappy sandals that lace up the calves. Another perfect touch for the look.

"Whoops!"

She helps me get them on and then offers me a simple black clutch to hold my things.

"Are you coming?" My brow furrows as I wait for her response.

"Nah. Sake isn't really my thing. I'm way more of a homebody, anyway. I'm going to relax in a warm bubble bath with a glass of wine and a book."

I'm a little shocked by her response. She doesn't strike me as the stay-at-home type of girl.

"Really?" I hold her stare. "You sure? You wouldn't rather come out?"

She shakes her head with an easy smile. "Nope. I'm all about helping you two look fabulous. My idea of the perfect night is one spent comfortably in my digs."

"You are quite the enigma, Kayleigh." I hug her once more. "Thank you."

"Anytime, doll." She nods at the door. "Now, shoo. Before you're late."

With a grin so big my cheeks start to ache, I hurry out to the front area of Dom's penthouse, eager to see how he looks—and his reaction to my ensemble.

"And you're right next to the water? That'll be really nice, Dom. Classy as hell, one might say."

I hear Anthony's voice as I reach the living room, where he and Dom are chatting.

"What are you guys talking about?"

Both of them turn as they hear me, and it's a delight to watch their mouths fall open. With a smirk, I hold up the edges of the dress and swish it gently.

"What do you think?"

Anthony is quick to smile, coming over in his own tux and giving me a gentle hug. "You look stunning, Chloe."

"Thank you." I grin as heat pools in my cheeks.

"But jeez—" he holds a hand up, gesturing toward my chest "—I don't know if that shit's legal."

"Anthony!"

We're both laughing as I elbow him in the ribs, but then I look over at Dom, and he's just staring at me without saying a word.

I walk up to him, and Dom's eyes track me the entire time.

"Is it that bad?"

He quickly blinks and shakes his head. "No! Not at all."

Clearing his throat, Dom finally gives me a smile.

"You look incredible. I…I don't know what to say."

The awe on his face is enough to make a girl swoon, and I lay a gentle kiss on his lips.

"I think that's a good sign."

Footsteps come from the other room, and I turn to see Kayleigh with her bag all packed up.

"Told you he'd lose his shit."

Dom slides his hands around my waist. "Damn straight, I did."

For a few seconds, it's just him and me. Everything else in the world falls away, and I am all too happy to just stare into his eyes.

"Um, well, we should probably go, Dom, Chloe."

We both blink out of the haze, and I look back at my brother. "You got a date?"

Anthony sighs. "That would be a no."

"So look while you're there. Or, you know, be a free agent." Kayleigh winks.

"And what are you up to, kiddo?"

I watch Kayleigh roll her eyes, and I can tell she's as much of a fan as I am of Anthony's tendency to still see the both of us as a kids.

"I'm as old as your sister, asshat." She squints at him. "And I'm going home. Have fun!"

With that, we all gather our things to head to Opal. I can't deny the excitement lacing through my veins, even if there are still one or two rather important things on my mind.

"You ready?" Dom offers me a hand to help me out of the car, and I shake my head at the sweet chivalry.

"I am." I get out, careful not to snag my dress on anything. "Thank you."

"Of course." He smiles at me, a hint of mischief behind those hazel eyes.

Just as we're about to go inside, my phone rings, blaring from inside the clutch.

"Oh, um, sorry. Let me just take this quick."

I step to the side, and Dom follows as I retrieve my cell from the tight confines of the small purse.

It's a bit later in the evening, but part of me wonders if it's the school. When I look at the number, however, I'm quickly disappointed to see a 1-800 number.

Collections .

I swipe the red icon to dismiss the call, tucking the phone back inside my clutch.

"Oops, never mind, just spam."

Dom cocks a brow. "You recognize the number?"

"It's just one of those stupid car warranty things. No biggie." I force a bigger-than-necessary smile. "Let's go."

Dominick hesitates for a moment but then just takes a deep breath and holds out his arm for me to take.

I laugh once more, that old-fashioned gesture getting the best of me, and I allow him to lead me to the door.

At first, I'm surprised we don't just go around back.

Still, as I hear music playing from the inside that is very much not the typical club tunes, I can understand this is a special night Dom wants me to experience as a guest, not an employee.

As we wait behind another couple who is getting checked in at the door, my mind drifts back to the call.

I can't keep dodging them forever, but I still haven't saved enough to pay them off.

I know Dom would help in a heartbeat, but there's something about asking for yet another handout that makes me sick to my stomach.

Although, that feeling could be because of something else.

My mind is a swirling mess as I consider just how bad in debt I am and how a tiny human is currently trying to grow inside me.

They're not really even a person yet, and I'm already screwing up as a mom.

Shit, do I even want to be a mom?

I know I don't have long to sort this all out, but still…

I can't deny the idea of having a child with Dom is appealing. I think he would make a great dad, but what if that's not what he wants?

I've already dumped so much into his lap. I couldn't bear it if this was the last straw, and he couldn't take anymore from me.

"Next. Okay, tickets, please." The attendant at the front looks up as Dom escorts me forward, and his eyes go wide. "My apologies, Mr. Shaw. Head right in. The table you requested is already set up."

Dom looks down at me with a grin, and I shake my head. "Private table? It must be nice knowing the owner."

He smirks all the harder, and I can't help but notice just how much more Dom has been smiling tonight. I like it.

"It is, indeed."

As Dom leads me past the front door, I take a steadying breath. I want to enjoy tonight.

All the other stuff can wait until tomorrow.

"Right this way—" Dom puts his hand on the small of my back "—Glowy Chloe."