Page 99 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

It suddenly occurred to me that I never asked why she stopped by to begin with. “Jessamine, why are you here? Can I help you with something?”

“Just Jess. My friends call me Jess. And I do hope we can become friends.” She stood up and popped Reina back in her bag. “I was hoping you might be free tomorrow.”

“I guess. I’m here to work, but I’m ahead of schedule right now. What were you thinking?”

“I’d like to take you dress shopping. Get to know you better.”

I laughed. “I’m not sure why I’d need a dress.”

Jess frowned. “There will be people decorating the house all day tomorrow for the event.”

“What event? Does Jaxon know?” I felt my eyes widen more and more with each word I spoke.

“He was in the dark until tonight, too.” Jess gave a regretful sigh.

“What do you mean?”

“His parents came here to throw a charity event. My parents told me it was because the renovations on his parent’s house weren’t done, but I have my suspicions that it might be something else.” Jess frowned, looking lost in thought.

“A charity event?” I swallowed hard.

Jess turned back to me and clapped her hands together in glee. “Yup. You’ll need a formal ballgown.”

I blanched. “I’m not really into fancy events. Not that it’ll matter. I’m sure I can just hang out in my room, and it’ll be fine.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “So, you’re okay with Jaxon being there all alone, having to not only fend off his parents, but other women who are only into him for his money?”

My eyes flashed fire, and I was pretty sure I let out a soft snarl.

Jess laughed. “I thought so. Be ready to leave by 10:00 a.m. I have a friend who I think can help.”

“I should check in with Jaxon first.” I hedged.

“Oh, honey, you will not want to be around him tomorrow. Come with me. We’ll get you all dolled up so you can knock his socks off.” She smiled and let herself out of my room.

I tossed my robe and bra on the chair to the vanity before I climbed into bed with Patches snuggled up by my feet. My mind churned as I tossed and turned, and I realized how lonely I was. I missed Jaxon’s warm embrace, holding me close and secure while we spooned.

I huffed. If this is how I felt after three weeks of dating, what was I going to do at the end of our time together when he decided he was done with me?

Because no matter how much or how often he told me he wanted to see where this could go, my past experiences wouldn't let me believe it.

***

THE NEXT MORNING, Isipped my glass of champagne and studied Jess as she consulted with the young woman who owned the boutique. The owner seemed close to me in age, and she was gorgeous. Her dark black hair cascaded over her shoulder, and the sound of her sweet laugh cascaded throughout the room. The store was lovely, and the clothes were stunning. Both women flipped through racks of high-end designer gowns, speaking in low voices, and sneaking occasional glances in my direction as if they were sizing me up.

I already knew how difficult it was to dress a curvy body and doubted there was anything in the store that might fit. Although, I hated to admit there was a kernel of hope lodged in my heart. Jess was a curvy girl herself. A sexy girl, who used clothing and accessories to highlight and play up her best features. Unlike me, who bought the latest fashion off the Target mannequins that were work-appropriate.

I glanced over at Alden who stood by the door, keeping watch on the street outside. Occasionally, his gaze would stray to Jess, and I wondered if there was something going on between the two. I could cut the tension between them with a knife.

While waiting for Jess and the saleswoman to decide on dresses for me to try, I pulled out my phone. I was already on my third glass of champagne and was feeling a little tipsy.

Me: Hi

Jaxon: Hi.

Me: You doing okay?

Jaxon: Yeah, I’m glad Jess took you away from the madness happening here. Patches is going nuts.