Page 5

What’s in the box?

I only have two piano classes scheduled for New Year’s Eve because all of my other clients canceled for the day. So, I return to my empty apartment in the afternoon and head straight to the kitchen. Feeling the need to wallow, I grab a jar of peanut butter and my plastic honey bear out of the cupboard.

Scooping out a large spoonful of peanut butter into a bowl, I squeeze copious amounts of honey over it and stir the mixture thoroughly before heading to the couch.

Covering myself in my favorite blanket, I hit play and settle in for a long session of Outlander reruns. Although I don’t find red hair attractive on men, I was willing to overlook it with Jamie. However, I secretly rejoiced when I noticed that his hair eventually faded into the actor’s natural blond color as the seasons progressed.

Taking a scoop of the sweet mixture, I turn the spoon upside down and lick it like a sucker. Nothing beats that combination when I’m feeling down.

Hours into the second season, I’m startled by a knock. Staring at my door, I keep silent, hoping whoever it is will go away. When they knock even louder and call out “Delivery!” I inch toward the door to look through the peephole.

I see a deliveryman holding a large black box with a silver ribbon. Intrigued, I unlock my door, keeping the chain bolt secure, and open it a crack. “Yes?”

“I have a delivery for Sophie Lane,” he states, thrusting the box forward.

“But I didn’t order anything.”

“Must be a gift, then.”

Certain that Noah is trying to get on my good side by sending a gift, I tell the delivery guy, “Return it to the sender.”

“Can’t do that,” he states curtly.

Sliding the lock back, I reluctantly take the box from him. Looking for a return address, I’m surprised when I can’t find one. “Can you at least tell me who sent this?”

“No idea, ma’am. My orders were to deliver it to this address.” With that, he turns and walks away.

Closing the door, I put the unwanted box on the counter and head back to the couch. Snuggling up in my blanket again, I hit play while fuming to myself. If Noah thinks he can bribe me with a gift when I deserve a heartfelt apology, he has another thing coming!

I’m surprised when I get a text from Gwen several minutes later.

I’ve got five minutes before I go back on stage. What are you up to???

I glance briefly at the box before texting back.

Just watching Outlander.

Don’t tell me you’re eating that peanut butter concoction?

Embarrassed that Gwen knows me so well, I laugh out loud.

As a matter of fact, no…I already finished it.

She sends a crying-laughing emoji, then follows it up with a question.

So, what do you think?

I snort when I answer.

Jamie in that kilt still makes my heart melt.

There’s a long pause before she texts again.

Did you get the box?

I look at the oversized box and smile. That was from you?

Of course! Who did you think it was from?

I hesitate before replying. I thought Noah sent it.

And you didn’t open it?

I feel weirdly disappointed that the box isn’t some kind of grand gesture from him. Especially when he hasn’t bothered to call me today.

I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction, G.

OPEN IT

Okay, but I really didn’t need you to send me a pity present.

NOW!

I giggle as I get up, certain she’s sent something to make me laugh. Ever since we were kids, she’s always hated to see me sad.

Untying the silver ribbon, I lift the lid expecting something utterly ridiculous. Instead, I’m shocked to see it’s a garment bag from the boutique we visited.

“No…” I mutter out loud.

My hands start trembling as I unzip the bag and see the white gown. Running my hand over the beaded material, I whisper, “This is too much…too much…”

Grabbing my phone, I text her back.

I seriously can’t accept this, G. It costs way too much!

No need to get your panties in a bunch, girlie. I didn’t buy the dress.

What do you mean?

I shared the picture of you wearing the dress with the shop owner, and she forwarded it to the designer. When he saw it, he told her to loan it to you for the New Year’s Eve party tonight.

I frown and text back. But you already have a date.

I did. But I uninvited him after you told me what Noah did.

I suddenly feel sorry for the guy. Poor Everett!

It’s no big deal. He really isn’t a partygoer and was chill about it when I promised to go on a yacht excursion with him next month.

I glance at the gown in disbelief.

G, I can’t believe I’m going with you tonight!

Honestly, I did this for myself as much as you. As soon as rehearsal is over, I’m headed to your apartment so we can get ready together.

I stare at my empty bowl of “peanut butter sadness” and shake my head at the sudden turn of events.

You really are too much, you know that?

Just promise me you won’t give Noah another thought. You’re my date tonight!

I grin, liking the idea of that. I promise!

Yikes the director just pointed at me gtg

Carefully taking the dress out of the box, I notice another package tucked inside. I giggle in delight after I unwrap the bundle and recognize the silver heels I wore when I tried the dress on.

I murmur to myself in disbelief, “I really am Cinderella.”

I pamper myself with a long bubble bath in preparation for the big event. I’ve never been to anything as formal as this, and have no idea what to expect. Being a wallflower, I’ve always preferred to be an observer rather than a participant in large gatherings.

So, my plan tonight is simple: I want to stand back and take in this New Year’s Eve party as if I’m watching a movie. Thankfully, Gwen is a social butterfly, so all of the attention will be spotlighted on her. With everyone focused on my bestie, I won’t have to worry if I make any social blunders with the elites who are going to be in attendance.

Settling into the warm, bubbly water, I wonder if I’ll meet someone famous—like the actor who plays Jamie in Outlander! I find myself becoming aroused at the thought and indulge in a little bathtime fantasy…

I’m on a secluded beach with a mysterious lover. Goosebumps dance over my skin when he undoes the ties of my bikini top, exposing my breasts to the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

Grabbing my bar of lavender soap, I glide it over my soft belly, pretending it’s his hand touching me. In my tropical fantasy, he’s skilled at lovemaking and knows exactly how to please me.

Turned on by his passionate foreplay, I close my eyes and give in to his masculine caress. Moaning as I tease myself, I envision him firmly grasping my large breasts in his hands and teasing my nipples playfully.

A burst of electrical current travels to my pussy when he leans over and begins to suck on my nipple. I gasp out loud, my body physically reacting to my sensual fantasy.

I swear I can almost feel the pressure of his lips.

As I lay on the warm sand, I glance up at him hungrily and am surprised to find the face of my mystery lover looking suspiciously like the man I met at the cab outside the boutique.

Startled, I sit up in the bathtub, thinking back on our brief interaction. The power of his presence still lingers with me, and I get butterflies thinking just about him. I wonder what it would be like to be loved by a man with that kind of charisma. How would it feel to be kissed by him?

Still in need of release, I slip back into the warm water and imagine him looking at me with a sensual smile as he leans down to plant his lips on my full thigh and then makes a trail of kisses…

My phone breaks the silence, and I’m catapulted out of my fantasy when I hear the familiar tune of Noah’s ringtone. Dunking my head under the water, I screw my eyes shut as I listen to the muffled sound.

With my heart still racing from the fantasy, I find it kind of hilarious that Noah would choose this moment to call, when he hasn’t reached out the entire day.

Popping my head out of the water, I quickly wipe my eyes and contemplate whether I should answer my phone or not. But I resist, wanting to keep my promise to Gwen.

When it finally stops ringing, I hear the ping to let me know he’s left a message.

I grab my towel to dry off as I stare at the phone. There’s a part of me that’s dying to listen to his message.

Rather than break my vow to Gwen, I send him a quick text so he won’t be tempted to call again.

Super busy getting ready to party at the Luxe Escape. Good luck at your gaming event tonight.

It seems to do the trick and three hours later, I feel like pinching myself as I stand beside Gwen in full hair and makeup outside my apartment when the limousine pulls up. She informed me while we were styling our hair that the hotel had hired a limousine for every person who received an invitation!

I bump my hip against hers when a handsome chauffeur gets out of the limo and walks around to open the door for us. Being the sweetheart she is, Gwen insists I go first. Climbing into it, I giggle like a little kid when I see the colorful lights on the ceiling.

On the drive, the two of us generously sample the fancy champagne the hotel included, and I thoroughly eat up the special treatment. Glancing out the window as I sip the bubbly, I spot the Luxe Escape in the distance.

It’s hard to miss, because the top of the glass building is illuminated with lights, giving the hotel a regal appearance for its grand opening.

As we draw nearer to it, we’re both surprised to see a line of limousines waiting to drop off their occupants. Looking down the street, I notice that the street has been closed off and the area surrounding the hotel is flanked by a line of security personnel, preventing paparazzi and onlookers from getting close.

“Wow, they’re serious about keeping this party exclusive, aren’t they?” I giggle.

Gwen stares out the window, agreeing, “They certainly are!”

Fortunately for us, the line of vehicles moves quickly. It’s not long before I see the red carpet leading up to the entrance, and I gush, “Talk about getting the VIP treatment.”

“You act like this is your first time on a red carpet,” Gwen teases.

“It is for me, fancy pants.”

When our limo finally pulls up to the entrance, our driver lowers the glass separating us. “I will be driving you back tonight whenever you’re ready. Feel free to leave your belongings in the vehicle if you like.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Gwen says, shedding her faux fur coat and setting it next to her clutch purse. Happy to learn that we get to keep our handsome driver for the evening, I do the same with my coat, grateful I won’t have to be seen in the old thing.

Two men dressed in three-piece business suits stride up to the vehicle. One of them opens the door and calls out, “Miss Huntington,” holding his hand out to her.

I watch Gwen take it and effortlessly exit the limo. Peeking through the open door, I see that the red carpet is lined by hotel staff on both sides.

My chest tightens, unsure if I can handle the concentrated attention of all those eyes on me.

As if reading my thoughts, our driver states warmly, “You’re going to enjoy tonight.” I respond with a hesitant smile.

The second gentleman’s thick accent catches my attention when he calls out my name, “Miss Lane.” I’ve never been good at identifying foreign accents, but I find his quiet unusual and alluring.

Taking a deep breath, I reach out and clasp his hand firmly while I exit the vehicle. Although I stumble slightly when I step out, the gentleman’s strong grip steadies me.

I look up at him gratefully and see he’s dressed in a dark gray suit with a blood-red tie. The gentleman not only has broad shoulders and a clean-shaven head, but he has the most intense blue eyes I’ve ever seen.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

He nods and offers his muscular arm to me.

Instead of feeling awkward and embarrassed, I’m filled with a growing sense of ease when I wrap my arm around his. As he leads me toward the entrance of the hotel, I see Gwen disappear inside ahead of me.

That leaves me alone on the red carpet with the long line of people now focused solely on me and my escort…