12
Iplant a wide smile on my face as I pose beside Audrey while Alex snaps a few pics. Mom already took some at the house, which I sent to Reeve, and he replied with a quick message telling me I looked gorgeous and he was proud of me. I almost broke down in tears when the stunning corsage he ordered was delivered. He chose white roses decorated with pretty diamante stones encased with red ribbon. Little swatches of greenery add an extra bit of color, and it looks elegant on my wrist.
“You two are, hands down, the hottest babes in the room,” Alex says, sliding his cell in the pocket of his dress pants. “I’m no expert, but you did a fucking amazing job with the dresses, Viv. You are very talented.”
“Thanks, Alex.” I am really pleased with how both dresses turned out. I’m wearing a high-necked, sleeveless, figure-hugging, floor-length red dress. It’s a pretty classic design except for the few sequined strips—around my neck, edging my breasts, and running from the curve of my hips to the floor—and the open back which showcases my skin and a subtle hint of side boob. Audrey opted for a halter-neck gown in deep purple with a fitted top and full skirt. Alex is wearing a tie in the same color, and he and Audrey make a striking couple.
“I know you’ve decided to major in English rather than costume design, but I totally think you should set up a side business designing dresses,” Audrey suggests, taking a sip of the spiked punch.
I’m sticking to nonalcoholic cocktails because I want to avoid another drink-fueled disaster. “I’m considering doing a costume design course after I graduate with my degree,” I confess, but nothing is set in stone. I’m passionate about writinganddress designing, and while it makes sense that I’ll build a career in the movie industry, I’m still exploring all my options.
“Do you think they did all this for Reeve?” Alex waves his hands around the extravagant ballroom.
“Probably,” Audrey agrees.
Prom is being held in a top five-star hotel, and the prom committee spared no expense transforming the ballroom into a Hollywood-themed backdrop. It’s so cliché, and the irony isn’t lost on me either. Walking the red carpet, getting accosted by “paparazzi” as we arrived, being surrounded by movie props, a large golden Oscar trophy, and the myriad of classic movie posters framed around the walls all serve to remind me ofmy enemy. Because that’s who Hollywood represents to me tonight.
Hollywood has stolen my Prince Charming, and I’m like a lost Cinderella wandering aimlessly around the room while everyone around me parties hard. I’m trying to put a brave face on, but I’m struggling. Watching couples sway on the dance floor is especially difficult, because that should be Reeve and me. “You two should dance,” I say, swiping Audrey’s drink. I push her toward Alex. They open their mouths to protest, but I don’t give them the opportunity. “Go on. I don’t need you to chaperone me all night.” I flash them my brightest smile, only letting it go once they have hit the dance floor and they are satisfied I’m not going to fall apart.
I glance at my cell, grateful it’s almost eleven. I’m hoping I can make my escape in an hour or so and retreat to the sanctity of my bedroom. Removing my locket from underneath the top of my dress, I rub my fingers over it, wishing it was a genie’s lamp and I could summon Reeve as one of my three wishes.
A guy from the football team approaches and asks me to dance, but I decline, like I’ve declined the other couple of guys who asked me. While most everyone came with a date, a lot are just friends, and it’s clear there are plenty of single guys on the prowl. Even if it was innocent, there is no way I’m dancing at prom with anyone but Reeve.
I danced with Alex earlier when he stepped in for Reeve after we won prom king and queen, only because it was expected. I honestly couldn’t care less about the award. It’s meaningless without my boyfriend. However, I am still wearing my crown so I don’t come across as a total Debbie Downer. While I promised Reeve I would try to have a good time, sticking to that promise is challenging. It’s hard to enjoy myself when he’s not here and I’m missing him so much.
“Hey, Viv. Want to dance?” Nate asks, approaching me with a cocky smile.
“Go away,” I snap, not even looking at him.
“C’mon, Viv. I’ve said I’m sorry. Are you going to avoid me forever?”
Sighing, I turn to look at him. “I’ve told you I forgive you, but we can’t be seen together. You know I have a spotlight on my head right now, and I won’t do anything to cause issues for Reeve or give the trolls another reason to hate me. Even talking to you is freaking me out,” I admit, scanning the room to ensure no one is recording us. My paranoia has reached new levels in the past few weeks.
“That’s no way to live your life,” Nate says, and I don’t disagree.
“It’s the way things are.”
“I hope he appreciates all you sacrifice for him.” There’s an edge to his tone I don’t like. Nate has always been jealous of Reeve, but I didn’t realize part of it was connected to me.
“I love him, and I’d do anything for him,” I say, grabbing my purse from the table. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”
I exit the ballroom into the swanky hallway and make my way to the ladies’ restroom. After attending to business, I touch up my makeup and wash my hands before heading back out. Only another hour and I can make my escape.
Hands wrap around my eyes from behind, and I shriek as a hard body presses up against me.
“Don’t scream,” he says, in that husky voice of his. “It’s only me.”
My heart is jackhammering against my rib cage as he releases his hands, and I spin around in his arms. Butterflies roam free in my chest as we come face to face for the first time in two months. Happy tears leak from my eyes as I fling my arms around Reeve’s neck, squeezing the living daylights out of him. His large hand lands on my lower bare back as he holds me close. Familiar citrusy notes wrap around me as we cling to one another, and I close my eyes, savoring the feel of him against me, letting his warmth sink bone-deep, eradicating all the heartache.
Sweeping my hair to one side, he buries his face in my neck. “I’ve missed you so much, baby,” he murmurs while planting feather-soft kisses in that sensitive spot just under my ear.
“Reeve.” My tone is breathy as I angle my head, granting him better access, while my hands roam his back through his suit jacket. “I have missed you so damn much. It’s been the worst pain.”
“I need to taste you,” he says, lifting his head. Emotion seeps from the hidden depths of his ocean-blue eyes before he clasps my face in his firm hands and his lips collide with mine. Grabbing his jacket, I tug him close as he makes love to my mouth in a desperate marriage full of longing and lust and pain. I willingly open my mouth when his tongue prods against the seam of my lips, demanding entry. He presses his erection against my stomach, and I moan into his mouth when his tongue tangles with mine in an erotic dance I feel all the way to the tips of my toes.
We fall back against the wall, grinding against one another as we kiss like we’ll never get to kiss again. Desire floods every corner of my body, and my panties are wet with need for him. My heart is swollen with love, and everything feels right in my world again.
This is what I’ve needed.