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He was right. The cowl neck makes the most of my moderate cleavage, but it’s the way the sleek satin material clings to my small waist and full thighs that really steals the show.

Not in a million years would I have picked this out.

“Yep?”

“Did you by any chance go dress shopping with your sister back in London?”

He huffs out a laugh. “Nope. She’d rather die than parade around in front of me.”

I think about Ollie and how accurate that statement is. “Well, maybe it’s beginner’s luck, but I think you nailed it the first time around.”

Jack clears his throat. “Well, I guess I’d need to see to be sure.”

My stomach flips. Obviously, I’ll be wearing this in front of hundreds of people on Saturday night, but something about walking out in front of Jack feels way more intimate than it should.

I pull back the curtain and step out in the strappy sandals I picked for the other dresses, but somehow, they suit the length of this one much better.

“What do you think?” I say, turning around slowly and feeling like an idiot.

When I complete the circle, Jack is standing only inchesaway from me, his eyes roaming my body. If I didn’t think this was the right dress before, there can be no doubting it now.

He shakes his head, a sweet smile tracing his lips. “It doesn’t matter what I think, Kendra. How doyoufeel in it?”

Despite myself, I can’t deny the way it makes me feel. My eyes drop to the flowing gown. “Amazing.”

“Then that’s all that really matters.”

With a finger under my chin, Jack pulls my attention back to him. Right here, in the middle of an empty dressing room, is the closest we’ve ever been. His breath fans my lips right before his eyes drop to them.

I’ve only ever seen the playful side to Jack Morgan, but from the way he’s currently looking at me, I know there’s so much more lurking behind the light exterior he portrays.

“Is this how you would treat your real girlfriend?” My voice is breathy, and I’m unable to stop the question as it tumbles from my lips.

“No,” he replies, his voice more of a rumble.

Bringing his hand to my left hip, he pulls me closer to his body, and any air left in my lungs leaves in a whoosh.

“The dress is stunning, but if you were mine, the only place it would be right now is the floor.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

JACK

“You weren’t lying when you said you love chili,” I say with a smile that’s been plastered on my face the entire day.

Kendra picks up a corn chip and scoops a generous helping of chili and sour cream, swallowing it in one bite.

I haven’t touched my enchiladas since the server brought them out a couple of minutes ago, and I’m painfully aware of the reason—I can’t stop staring at the girl in front of me. Truth be told, I’ve never been able to tear my eyes from her. But seeing her step out in that dress earlier and knowing she’ll be wearing it while on my arm this Saturday? It’s safe to say the feelings I’ve always harbored for Kendra are no longer at risk, but certifiably fucked.

I know none of this is real to her, even if I find myself questioning the way her cheeks flush and her breath catches. She might find me attractive, but I know that’s as far as it goes. She’s fresh out of a relationship with an asshole, and I can’t say I blame her for wanting to find some fun after four years of bullshit.

Trouble is, I was sure I could be the one to give her what shewanted instead of searching for it via dating apps. Now all I can think about is not just showing her what it’s like to date the right type of guy. I want to be him.

“It’s superior. I could probably go for it multiple times a week if our nutritionist let me.” She picks up another chip and crunches down.

It’s only lunchtime, but the dim lighting in the restaurant I chose makes it feel like an evening date, the soft glow of the candles scattered around our table warming Kendra’s face.

She picks up her mocktail and takes a sip, pointing to my food. “You haven’t eaten any of yours, birthday boy.”