Page 68 of Tempted

“I’m no Prince Charming, Ellen.”

“But you can be.”

She sits in the chair opposite me and staresimploringly. “For one night, you can be her prince and make herfeel like a princess. It’s just for a few hours, Gage. A few hourson your part that will give her a lifetime of good memories.”

Fuck.I eye the suit once more. Thatnight at Scythe flashes in my mind once more.Fuck.

“Fine. I’ll wear the suit.”

***Raven***

I practically float around the diner. Noteven the crankiest customer can get me down today. My birthdayparty is tomorrow. After that, Gage and I can be together – trulytogether. No more hiding and sneaking around, and we can finallymake love. My body tingles as I think about it. Plus, I get to havemy two best friends here to celebrate with me. Toni gets here thisevening, and I can’t wait to see her. The icing on the cake has tobe that Lonnie has been M.I.A for days. I’ve spoken to the managerat the apartment complex and my dad’s lawyer. Everything is prettymuch in place. I’m almost done packing. It’s not like I have muchto move.

“Aren’t you a ray of sunshine today?” Milliesmiles at me.

“I’m really looking forward to my partytomorrow, even though I have no clue about what’s going on. I knowEllen and Chrissy are working on it, so at least it won’t be bikersand rock music.”

“Oh, I think you’ll like it. I’m giving youthe day off so you can get your hair and nails done andwhat-not.”

“Thank you! Just a hint, Millie.Please?”

“Nope. You’ll know soon enough.”

“Ugh! Fine.”

On my break, I head outside and callGage.

“Babe,” he croons.Dios, me encanta suvoz. And when he calls me “babe”.

“Hey.”

“What’s up, doll?”

“Nothing. Just wanted to hear yourvoice.”

“Is that so?”

“Yup. I’m so excited about tomorrow. I don’tknow what to do with myself.”

“Me, too. I swear I’ve tried balancing thesebooks a million times. I get halfway through and have to start allover.”

“You’re still not going to tell me anythingabout the party?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“How am I supposed to know what to wear?” Icounter.

“I got it covered.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. Your outfit will be waiting for youwhen you get back from all your hair and nail shit tomorrow.”

“You covered that, too?”

“I’m just cutting the checks. Ellen’s been abusy bee.”

“So, I guess Ellen’s the one I should go homewith tomorrow night then.”