Flawless Desire

“It’s not like that,” I protest, even though it’s true. But not the whole truth. “I’ve gotten to know Caleb. He’s a good man.”

“You mean, he’s a good fuck.” Olivia rolls her eyes. “I get it, I’ve been there,” she adds. “But you can’t let that cloud your judgment. He doesn’t mean any of it. Not a single word. I know him, Juliet,” she insists. “He’s a liar, and anything he’s saying to you, promising you, isn’t real. That’s a fact.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “Maybe you’re right, but I’m not spying on him any longer. I won’t help you anymore.”

Olivia shakes her head sadly. “You’re making a mistake, Juliet. He’ll break your heart. Mark my words.”

Maybe. Maybe he will. But as I leave her house, I can’t help feeling lighter. Olivia’s games are behind me now. And once I come clean to Caleb about everything…

There’ll be nothing standing in our way.

* * *

Back at my apartment,I’m hunting in my bag for the keys when Kelsey throws the door open. “Oh.” I stop, blinking in surprise. “What are you doing back from work so soon?”

“I’ll tell you later,” she says. “But for now, you have a few visitors.”

Our apartment isn’t the biggest. We even had trouble fitting our two-person couch in the living room. Right now, it’s so packed with bodies, it looks like a Saturday night rave. “Who are these people?” I ask, confused.

A woman with blonde curls says, “We’re here to help you get ready for the gala. Hair, makeup, wardrobe.” She points around the room.

“Is this all necessary?” I ask, hesitant.

The woman gives me a look. “Mr. Sterling said you might try and send us away. Believe me, all eyes are going to be on you tonight. You’re going to want to look your best.”

“If you think that’s over-the-top, check out what’s on the table,” Kelsey adds.

I go look. There’s a massive box, from a designer brand I can’t believe. And inside, there’s a stunning strapless black ballgown. Elegant. Chic. Timeless.

And mine.

I feel a thrill of excitement. They’re right. This is a big night, not just for me, but for Caleb, too. I know how hard he’s worked, and I want to do him proud.

“OK,” I say, turning to the team. “Let’s do this.”

I hop in the shower, and then let the glamming commence. It always looks like fun in the movies, but I soon find out, it’s like being caught in a rather uncomfortable storm, people prodding and poking, curling and painting. But when they finally stand back, the woman staring back at me from the mirror looks like a million bucks.

“Wow,” Kelsey says, watching me. “I guess this is what money can buy.”

I turn, confused by the edge in her voice.

“You look great,” she adds quickly.

She smiles again, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes. There’s something off with her. She’s normally so upbeat. I wonder if she’s a little jealous, but I guess I would be, too, if I were in her shoes.

I give her a hug. “Next time, you’ll be my plus-one,” I tell her. “In fact, I’ll insist of it. And I have some pull with the CEO,” I add with a wink.

She smiles again, for real this time. “Knock ‘em dead.”

There’s a knock, and then Caleb is standing in the doorway, looking hot as ever in his tuxedo.

“How many of those do you have?” I ask, amused. “Or do you keep black tie outfits the way I keep old jeans?”

He doesn’t reply. His eyes are drinking me in, and there’s a new expression on his face. Almost reverent.

“You look beautiful,” he says simply, and I melt.

“I had help,” I say, gesturing around. “Thanks for that, by the way.”