Page 60 of Fated Love with You

He presses a group of thin metal sticks into my palm.

“There are twenty total,” he says. “That’s all you have to do to help me tonight. Any questions?”

“I’m shocked you’re asking.”

“Only because I’m hoping the answer is no.” He smiles, looking me over. “Are you going to take off that coat so I can actually see your dress?”

“I would’ve if this was a real date,” I say, tucking the sticks into my pocket. “I’ll get it done.”

“Thank you. Oh, and when they ask for your name or who you’re here with, say Rush Banks.”

“Rush Banks,” I repeat.

“Good.” He presses a kiss against my forehead and orders the driver to pull the car over.

“Wait,” I say. “You’re not coming with me?”

“I’ll be there,” he says. “But you know I can’t be seen arriving with anyone.”

“So, we won’t get the chance to share a dance together?”

The driver shoots a strange look at me through the rearview mirror, and Ryder looks amused.

“No, Autumn,” he says, his voice soft. “We won’t.”

He opens the door and steps out, and another two cars pull up behind him.

“Call me if you have any problems,” he says. “I’ll be watching.”

An hour later,I’m tucking the metal bars into my clutch and shedding my coat off my shoulders as the driver pulls in front of a mansion that sits on Seattle’s coast.

From my window, I’ve watched women step out in beautiful designer dresses that are far more modest than mine, and I’m wondering if Adeline and I might’ve picked the wrong one. If my choice might interfere with my job tonight.

Swallowing as we approach the valet, I take a deep breath.

It’s fine, Autumn. You’ll be fine…

The driver stops the car, and a man in a white tuxedo opens the back door.

His jaw drops as he looks me over, but he quickly collects himself.

“Good evening, Miss,” he says. “May you tell me your name or invitee name for the guest list?”

“Mr. Rush Banks.”

“Very well,” he whispers that name to another tuxedoed guy behind him. Then he waits a few seconds before reaching for my hand.

“May I?”

I nod and grab it.

The wind blows kisses against my exposed skin as I step outside, and my gown gently falls to the ground.

As I step forward, I can feel more eyes staring in my direction; I can hear faint whispers.

Ignoring them, I take my time walking up the stone steps that lead inside the mansion.

As I enter the doors, I gasp at the lavish sight before me.