CHAPTER 23

When I heard Joel's voice downstairs and a fresh round of welcomes, I mustered up the confidence to face the music.

She was waiting for me as I made my way down the last set of steps. My breath caught in my throat as she turned her back on me.

She opted for white over all the other colors she might have worn.

Why had it been white?

She was dressed in a beautiful summer dress that showed off her lovely legs and ended just above the knees. The top of the dress was composed of the same material, and at the top of each shoulder, fine ribbons tied it together. I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to untie those ribbons and let the dress fall softly to the floor or flow about her waist.

Her real, dazzling grin welcomed me as our eyes met across the room, briefly fooling even me. Hello, Mr. Ramirez.