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You're mine, Cadence.

And at that time, Keiran had believed it would always be so.

But he was wrong.



















Cadence

PRESENT TIME

I finally know what's inside the garment bag Keiran handed me earlier.

Because it's what I'm wearing now, and it's what has me pacing back and forth for the past five minutes.

He really wants me to wear this. Seriously?

The powder room in my restaurant has a full-length mirror, and my reflection on it has me alternately cringing and wincing.

This is just...this is just not enough to cover a human being, for crap's sake!

A red shimmery slip of a dress with spaghetti-thin straps, a deep V neckline that dips dangerously low, and a thigh-high slit on one side that makes me feel like I'm one wrong move away from a wardrobe malfunction.

Oh, let's just get it over with, Cades!

I march out of the room with my chin held high...and myentirestaff does their best to snort back their laughter. Most supportive team ever?NOT.

"Knock them dead, boss," Gemma calls out from the corner.

Not if I die first,argh!

"But not Grant! I really think he'd die if he sees you in that."

Cripes!

I trip over my feet at the mention of Grant's name, but unlike before—-

Keiranisn'tthere to catch me, and I end up flailing my arms for several long seconds before finally managing to grab the back of a chair to keep myself from falling.Phew.I almost thought I'd end up kissing—-