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NAVY

It’s Saturday. The day I’ve been dreading and looking forward to all at the same time.

I regret not asking Penelope to stay a couple of days longer and being my date for the gala.

Because now I’m going with Bodhi—as my date.

Not many moons ago, I would have been kicking my feet in excitement at the idea of accompanying Bodhi as his date to one of these private events. The Strikers Charity Galas are large-scale events, and everybody who knows anybody in Major League baseball attends.

It’s the one time out of the year when sponsors recruit and we get to raise money for a good cause.

Wish 4 Kids.

Tonight means so much, not only to the team but to my brother.

I’m doing this for him.

Being Bodhi’s date under our current circumstances only sounds like a recipe for disaster and a bruised heart in the end for me.

I need to protect myself. He seemed too eager at our family dinner to have me on his arm for the night. Not to mention, he let me put my hands on him.

Jesus Christ. The feel of his thick legs is everything my body aches for.

Typically, I put extra thought into my outfit for these events, but not tonight. I will be a proud outfit repeater, and I don’t care who knows it.

Lizzie McGuire will sneak up in my subconscious to tell me off at any moment.

The charity gala is a formal event, meaning men wear their best suits and women wear gowns.

I’ve never been one to follow the rules, so I have something different in mind. I look forward to the looks and comments I’ll surely get all night.

There’s no doubt in my mind Bodhi isn’t expecting the unexpected.

A thrill runs through me.

Be careful what you wish for, Bodhi St. James.

I’m smarter than I look.

* * *

The day went by faster than I planned. In my free time, I caught up on monotonous tasks around the house: laundry, getting my nails done, prepping my food for the week, and other fun things.

Bodhi should be knocking on my door in a few hours, so I should probably start getting ready now. My hair is a nightmare on washing day (today) and I’m hoping the new products I bought from the beauty store help tame the frizz.

I guess we’ll find out.

Walking into my bedroom, my eyes scan the clutter.

I’m not sure I have an organized bone in my body.

I can keep a home clean, but nothing ever stays organized. It’s much like my brain. At this point, I’m too tired to straighten up, and I’m now on a time crunch.

The litter of lipstick, insulated water bottles, and clothes thrown everywhere will have to wait until Monday, which is always the perfect day to start a new habit.

Right now, I need to shower and assemble my wardrobe for the night.

God, I feel giddy just thinking about the spectacle coming.

Let’s just hope my charade doesn’t lose me my job.

Walking into the bathroom to shower, I freeze upon seeing something incredibly unexpected—a gown wrapped in a garment bag from Lola Lux, a high-end department store in Atlanta.

But from who?

Butterflies consume me at the sight of a handwritten note written once again in my favorite pink berry lipstick across my bathroom mirror.

Terremoto,

You will always be the prettiest woman in the room.

-B

Bodhi.

When did he sneak in here and do this? What does this gesture from him even mean?

He can’t keep showing up for me in unexpected ways and expect me to just forget everything that’s happened—all the ways he hurt me.

We’re in a better place now, but I won’t give in so easily.

This dress, however…

Holy beautiful.

I unzip the luxurious garment bag and find the most stunning lime green gown I’ve ever seen.

My favorite color.

Bodhi seems to know my style well because the gown is exactly what I would have chosen for myself. It’s made of expensive satin that falls delicately to the floor, a halter neck with a small slit right at the cleavage, a tapered waistline that would only enhance my womanly features, and the star of the show—a backless drape.

Yoga does wonders for back muscles.

This gown is elegant and stunning.

But I can’t wear it.

What does it say about me if I give in to Bodhi’s “wishes” without requiring an explanation or anything from him?

After everything with Luke, I told myself that I refused to be a doormat and let any man tell me what to do.

Bodhi is different and means well, but I won’t give in until he explains himself and has the courage to confront my brother.

To claim me the way I know he wants to.

Because I’m ready.

The most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen will have to wait for a more special occasion.

Tonight, I’m ruffling some feathers.