Page 18 of If You Claim Me

“I know. Thank you.”

Lexi glances at the clock over the stove. “We should get you into your dress. Your car will be here soon.”

“You’re right. Let’s do this.”

The engagement party is being held at Connor’s parents’ house. I assume it’s also a mansion. I wish it was being held at Lucy’s. At least then it would be a little familiar. And Lucy already likes me.

I leave Lexi and Flip in the living room and walk down the hall to my bedroom. The dress is laid out on my bed. It was delivered yesterday, along with shoes, a clutch, and undergarments. How Connor knows my size in everything is a question mark, but it’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.

I strip out of my joggers and T-shirt and step into the buttery soft fabric. I zip it as far as I can, running my hands over my hips. I tried it on yesterday and was surprised at how perfectly it fits. It hugs my curves in all the right places and is my favorite color.

I tug at the hair tie on my wrist out of habit and wince as it snaps back into place. My skin is bruised and raw from the incessant snapping over the past few days. When I was a teen, the habit became a replacement for more dangerous methods of dealing with my anxiety. Normally I have it under control. But this situation is far from normal. I’m engaged—to a man who “doesn’t dislike” me and has agreed to pay me a quarter of a million dollars for every month we’re together. Yeah, it’s pretty fucked up. I quickly slide several mismatched bracelets over my wrist to cover the damage. Then I return to the living room.

Flip’s eyes widen. “Wow, that dress is… You look great.”

Lexi nods her approval. “It looked good on the hanger, but on you it’s…” She makes a chef’s-kiss gesture.

“I can’t fathom what it cost,” I admit.

“Just remember that his family are billionaires, so dropping ten grand on a dress isn’t something they think twice about,” Lexi says.

“Do you really think it cost that much?” I’m sure my horror is written all over my face. “Betty is worth half that.”

“Your car is a trooper.” Flip deposits Dewey back in his enclosure.

“She is,” I agree. “God, I’m nervous.” When I signed the contract, I was in full panic mode, terrified to lose everything. And now I’m terrified by what’s ahead of me. I know Connor loves his Meems and has a soft spot for Callie. But he’s antagonistic and used to being hated. I really don’t know who I’m committing myself to for the next year.I’ve survived so much worse, though.

“It’s in Connor’s best interest to take care of you and make sure you’re comfortable and happy,” Flip says.

He doesn’t know the half of it, but in terms of the health of his team, he has a point.

“He’s obviously trying with the dress.” I just wish I was better prepared. In the week leading up to the party, Connor has texted updates, but we haven’t spent any time together because our schedules didn’t allow either of us to make Callie’s practices or games.

My phone pings with a message.

Connor

The car is there to pick you up. It’s a Rolls-Royce. Cedrick is the driver, you met him when you brought over the books. He’ll alert me when you arrive, and I will come to collect you. See you soon.

I send back a thumbs-up and slide my phone into my clutch. “It’s go time.”

“Let’s get you to your engagement party.” Lexi and Flip take the elevator to the lobby with me. Lexi snaps a couple of photos in front of the garden before they walk me to the waiting car.

“Connor isn’t picking you up himself?” Flip’s brow furrows with disapproval. “I would have driven you if I’d known that.”

“Ms. Reformer, it’s lovely to see you again,” Cedrick says jovially.

“Hi, Cedrick. It’s nice to see you, too.” I introduce him to Flip and Lexi.

“Mr. Grace’s coach and teammate.” He nods. “It’s wonderful to meet you both. Will you be joining Ms. Reformer?” He holds open the door for me.

“We’re just her escorts to the car,” Lexi explains.

“I’ll see you soon.” I hug them both, then climb into the back seat.

Flip is still frowning as we drive away.

We haven’t been on the road for more than a minute before my phone pings with a new message in my Babe Brigade chat.