A Very Exclusive Engagement

“Anything else, sir?”

“Yes. I want her to be the most stunning woman there. She is gorgeous on her own, but I’d like her to have a dress almost as beautiful as she is. And as such, let them know there’s no price limit.”

Eight

Liam had wanted to escort Francesca to the gala, but she’d insisted she had to go early and that she would just meet him there. He anticipated that she would be running around for most of the evening. That meant loitering on his own. Normally that wouldn’t bother him, but lately being separated from Francesca brought on an awkward tightness in his chest. The only thing that would cure it was holding her in his arms.

As he walked through the front doors of the hotel’s grand ballroom, he was greeted by the sound of a ten-piece orchestra accompanied by the dull roar of several hundred people mingling. The light was dim, but his eyes quickly became accustomed to it. He searched around the room for Francesca, but he began to think it was a lost cause. She was a needle in a haystack.

Despite the fact that he’d paid for the outfit she had chosen for tonight, he had no idea what she would be wearing. She had been exceedingly pleased with the gift and had thanked him in several ways over the past week, but the only details she would share was that it was a Marchesa and “molto bellisima.”

Then the crowds parted near the bar and he saw her. There was no mistaking this needle in any size haystack. The personal shopper from the department store had certainly taken Liam’s requests into consideration. Francesca was the most stunning woman in the room tonight. He didn’t even have to look around to check. He knew it in his gut.

The gown was black and gray with a swirling design. It was off the shoulder and clung to each curve all the way to the knee, where it fanned out into a delicate cascade of black marabou feathers. Her breasts were tastefully showcased by the neckline of the gown, which was trimmed with more feathers—there wasn’t so much showing as to make him jealous of other men looking at her, but it was enough to make him notice. Her hair was swept up, making her neck look impossibly long and ready for his kisses. Her only jewelry was a pair of sparkling diamond dangles at her ears and a bracelet on one wrist.

When she turned to speak to someone, he noticed the feathers continued into a short train that draped behind her. It was grand, elegant and extremely sexy. And the best part was that his fiancée was wearing it.

He’d tried not to think too much of her that way. It implied more than there was between them, but he felt a surge of territoriality rush through him when she started talking to another man. He had the urge to rush to her, kiss her senseless and stake his claim before anyone got any ideas.

Then she held up her hand to show off her engagement ring. Even across the room, he could see the massive gem sparkle as her hand turned and she smiled. At long last, she radiated joy like a future bride should. The man said a few things, then they parted ways and she started walking in his direction.

The second her eyes met his, she stopped in her tracks. With a seductive grin curling her ruby lips, she held out her arms to showcase the gown and did a little turn for him. Lord, he thought, curling his hands into fists at his side. It was even more incredible from the back, where it dipped low to showcase her flawless, tanned skin.

Liam closed the gap between them as fast as he could without running across the ballroom. Up close, the dress sparkled as the lights hit little crystals sprinkled across the fabric, but it didn’t shine as radiantly as she did.

“What do you think? Did I spend your money wisely?”

Not caring if he ruined the look she’d so carefully crafted, he leaned down and kissed her. He couldn’t help it.

When he pulled away, Francesca smiled. “I guess so.”

“Incredible,” he said.

“Thank you for buying it for me. Having the woman from the department store just show up with gowns was perfect. I felt like I was an Oscar nominee with designers fighting for me to wear their looks on the red carpet.”

“Hollywood is all the poorer for you not being on the big screen.”

“Oh, stop,” she said, smacking him lightly on the arm. “There’s no one around to hear us, so you don’t have to lay it on so thick.”

Liam shook his head. “I mean every word. It wouldn’t matter if we were all alone. I’d say the same thing. Of course, I’d be saying it as I unzipped you from the gown.”

Francesca smiled and slipped her arm through his. “Let me show you where we’re sitting. People are still milling around the silent auction tables, but the event should be starting shortly. You’ll give your speech after the video plays about the youth facilities.”