“Ben,” she gasped, knowing exactly what it was, well, not the specifics, but she’d been given jewelry before.
He opened the box and presented her with the diamond necklace and matching earrings. Her hand went to her mouth as she stared at the stunning jewelry.
“This is my gift to you, for being such an amazing, strong woman,” he said.
She shook her head. “You are too good to be true. I feel like I should pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”
“I’m very real, sweetheart. Can I put the necklace on you?”
She nodded, blinking back tears as she turned around, lifting her hair so he could clasp the necklace. Once on, she took the earrings out and put them in. She felt beautiful, like a real princess. She was living out a fairytale.
“They’re amazing,” she said, still in awe.
“Come on, there’s a mirror in the hall,” he said, taking her hand.
She followed him, pausing to look in the mirror. The earrings were too pretty to be hidden under her hair.
“I’ll be right back,” she said, walking into one of the guest bathrooms. It only took her a minute to quickly twist her hair into an updo, showing off her necklace and earrings.
When she walked into the hall where he was leaning against the wall waiting, he smiled. “Damn, you are stunning.”
“Oh, this old thing,” she cooed.
He laughed and wrapped her in his arms, kissing her before they walked back out to the waiting limo. They snuggled and kissed as the limo moved along the busy streets. She didn’t care if they missed dinner altogether. She was perfectly content to hole up with her man, even if they were dressed to the nines.
Ben used his clout to get a table at one of the best restaurants in town. They laughed and ate, enjoying a bottle of wine as they celebrated their successful day.
“Stay over?” Ben asked, as they walked back to the limo.
“I would like that,” she replied.
“Good, because I don’t want this night to end,” he whispered, kissing her gently.
Katherine closed her eyes, chalking the night up to another memory she never wanted to forget. This was how her life was going to be. She could certainly get used to living a life with Ben as the main star.
/> Chapter Twenty-Six
Ben
THEY WERE FINALLY GETTING to double date with Will and Rachel. His friends were supposed to be going to some charity event, but Will had bailed at the last minute, more interested in a night out as a foursome than sitting in some stuffy ballroom wearing a tux. Since they’d had so much fun at the bar the last time they all went out, they had all voted to go back again.
Rachel and Katherine returned from their bathroom visit and sat down at the table. Ben loved that they were becoming friends. They were very different in many ways, but they were part of his circle. They helped balance him, each of his close-knit group of friends bringing a little something different to the table.
“Ahhh!” Katherine screamed, throwing her hands into the air when the first few twangs on the guitar filled the bar.
“What’s wrong?” Ben asked, looking around the crowded room.
“I love this song!” she screamed, acting like a teenager at a rock concert, swaying her arms back and forth, her loose hair hanging down her back as she lost herself in the music.
It took him a few seconds to realize it was Sweet Home Alabama. The crowd sang along, some danced while others just kicked back and enjoyed the music. Katherine was doing a combination of all three. He loved watching her wild abandon as she stood up, shouting the chorus with many of the other bar patrons. When the song was over, she collapsed back in her seat.
“I really love this place,” Katherine said, shouting to be heard over the music as the band rolled right into another classic.
Rachel nodded her head. “Me too. We have to agree to come here at least once a month. We’ll make it our thing.”
They all toasted to the suggestion, agreeing to set aside at least one night a month to hang out together.
“Let’s dance,” Will said, grabbing Rachel’s hand and leading her out onto the dance floor.