Chapter 35

Chloe

I'm so full, way more than I expected possible in this getup, and as Dominick turns his back to chat with someone, I refill his glass with my champagne.

It's been quite the trick hiding my lack of drinking. Still, with this incredible evening, I'm just not sure how Dom would respond to the news that he's potentially going to be a father.

I'm still not one hundred percent behind the idea myself.

So, I play that one close to the vest and keep switching our glasses when I can get away with it.

All in all, however, this evening has been absolutely incredible. I know Dom still has one more surprise planned for me, and I have to believe it has something to do with this outfit I'm wearing.

I looked reminiscent of a fairy before, but now I look like I could perform as one in a play.

As our plates are cleared away, Dom helps me to stand up from the low cushion, and we head toward the open area of the main floor.

Usually, there's a crowd of people dancing or milling about there, but right now, it's empty. Even the slow dancing has stopped.

Everyone else in Opal appears to be waiting for something, and as I look around, I notice all the attention I'm getting.

A few stray eyes land on Dom, but I can't help but think the people looking over at me are expecting me to do something.

Suddenly, the whole place goes dark before a spotlight moves on the center of the floor. Stepping into the glow is a man dressed like it's the 1600s.

Lilting music starts up from the club's system, and I'm distracted for a moment as Dom maneuvers me through the crowd to sit at one of the booths off to the side.

I can't see what's going on, and an odd tremble starts up in my fingers.

"Dom," I whisper, "what's going on?"

"Just wait, you're about to find out."

As the quiet settles back in around us, I hear Shakespeare's familiar words come from the center of the room.

"I will walk up and down here, and I will sing, that they shall hear I am not afraid."

My heart thunders behind my ribs, tears stinging my eyes as I look up at Dom, finally putting together how all the decorations and this costume are related.

"You didn't."

He grins. "I did. You up for it?"

I hear the lyrics of Bottom's song from A Midsummer Night's Dream sung just a few feet away.

I'm woefully underprepared, and yet, I know exactly where we are in the play, what lines to say, and how to say them.

Choking back the desire to sob out of sheer gratitude and disbelief for how incredible this man is, I just nod.

The man playing Bottom finishes, and another light comes down on me. The crowd around us parts, and I struggle to take in a shaky breath.

I find the courage, though, speaking the Bard's line for Titania, Queen of the Fairies.

"What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?"

The people around me clap lightly, several of the servers and even Sean among them. I can't keep the massive grin from my face, and as I survey the room, doing my part to play Titania, I see Dom standing next to Anthony.

He's smiling just as big as I am.

The rest of the scene plays out to perfection. I only stumble over one line, which seems to impress the other players quite a bit.

And as I close out the scene, ushering the maids of Titania to bring Bottom to her bower, a huge ovation fills Opal.

Dom rushes over to me, swinging me up into his arms before getting me to take a bow, and then the lights return to normal. The remainder of the sake and sushi party kicks back into gear.

"I can't believe you did this for me." I kiss Dom like it's the last thing I might do. "You're…you're crazy and incredible."

He smirks, but there's an uncustomary bashfulness to it I've never seen Dom wear.

"I wanted you to feel special. You deserve to feel special."

I hold his face in my hands, those damn tears threatening to break free again.

"I do. You did." I shake my head with a laugh, realizing how silly I sound. "I can't believe you did this all for me."

Dom wraps an arm around my waist. "In case you haven't noticed, I'd do anything for you."

We kiss again—and again. Then I feel a tap on my shoulder.

When I turn around, Kayleigh is there, and I squeal happily.

"You trickster! You should have been up there playing Puck."

She laughs, giving me a hug. "You were amazing. And you know, I'm just doing the costume changes. This was all Dom's idea."

We both look up at him, and he just nods, content to stand there and smile at me.

"Anyway, would you like assistance getting back into your other dress? I have a feeling it'll be a little easier to sit."

I sigh gratefully. "Yes, please! This one's gorgeous, but it does make any prospect of going to the bathroom a daunting one."

Following Kayleigh back to the locker room, I wave at several of the talented actors who helped put on this little show.

The man who played Bottom comes over with a gracious smile.

"You were really good. Chloe, right?"

I nod. "Yup. I'm guessing you know Dom."

Pointing toward him, the men wave.

"Yeah. I'm Taylor."

He shakes my hand.

"I was really tickled when he called with his request. I had no idea how this was going to go, but he was paying us well enough to give it a try. Now? You can color me very impressed."

Putting a hand to my chest, I shake my head. "Oh, really. Well, thank you. It was wonderful sharing a scene with you."

"If you're ever interested in giving it another go, our company does community theater of all of Shakespeare's plays."

My eyes flare wide as my mouth drops slightly. "Oh, well, hey. Thank you. I'll…I'll consider it. This was really fun."

"Great. I hope to talk to you soon, then."

"Okay." I wave as Taylor heads off toward the rest of his troupe.

Kayleigh loops her arm through mine, pulling me into a walk as she guides us to the lockers.

"Well, look at that. If you can't return to teaching, you can always start up acting."

I laugh. "Something tells me they don't pay as well."

After a few minutes, I go back out to find Dom, all changed and ready to go. As I find him chatting with some people near our table, I see how many of the women's hungry eyes are pinned to his trim, muscular frame.

I don't blame them at all. Dom cleans up damn well, and that suit fits him like a glove.

When he notices me approaching, Dom's eyes lock on me, and I can visibly see him forget about everyone he was just talking to.

Talk about making a girl feel special.

But turnaround is, of course, fair play, and as people eye me from my peripheral vision, I pay them zero attention. I've only got eyes for Dom.

"Well, hello there."

I smile as Dom steps toward me. "Hi. So, was that the big kicker, or are you still planning something else?"

With a devilish smirk at maximum appeal, Dom leans over, lowering his mouth to the shell of my ear.

"Oh, I have plans for you, all right."

A shiver moves through me, and then Dom snakes his arm around my waist, dragging me away from the crowd and toward the stairs that go up to his private office.

My mind splinters for a moment, considering the news I still have buttoned up inside me. Still, in a rare selfish streak, I decide not to say anything tonight.

I want one evening of perfection, and dammit, I'm going to get it.