I chose the first dress on the rack and turned to go change in the dressing area.
"No, Sarah."
I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at him, his steady stare unflinching.
"Try them on in front of me."
I felt self-conscious because he had never seen my body in such bright conditions. The sun was beaming into my room and Joshua would be able to see every flaw. My heart was pounding as I undressed in front of him and tried on the first dress.
"Do you like it?" My question hung in the air unanswered as his eyes roamed over my body.
"Next dress." His terse tone shocked me and even annoyed me a little bit. He can be such a jerk sometimes.
We went through this routine for each dress, and each time Joshua still did not answer me. Finally, on dress number 18, he said something. It was a dark pink strapless Valentino full-length gown. It hugged me in all the right places and it was my favorite so far.
"That's it. That's the one." Joshua got up, walked over to me and led me to the full-length mirror. He stood behind me as we looked in the mirror together.
"This is beautiful on you Sarah. You look stunning." His warm breath on my neck sent tingles down my back. "One of the best hairstylists and make-up artists in the Beverly Hills will be here tomorrow to help you get ready."
He turned me around to face him. He slowly ran a finger down my arm and leaned in to whisper to me. "I am going to have my eye on you all night. Remember, you belong to me."
I looked him right in the eye and said the words I knew he wanted to hear.
"Yes sir."
CHAPTER 7
My hairstylist did a beautiful job and my makeup artist was putting the finishing touches on my lipstick when there was a knock at my door. She opened the door for me and Joshua stood there looking gorgeous and dashing in his tuxedo. He was perfection head to toe. So beautiful. I was really looking forward to this party.
"You look beautiful Sarah." I saw the guarded yearning in his eyes and wanted to put my arms around him.
I smiled at him wishing so badly we could be a real couple. I'll just have to cherish the time we have together.
"Thank you." I started to feel nervous as he held his gaze on me and my throat felt dry. We had to get to the party or I was going to want to attack him right there in front of my makeup artist.
"Shall we go?" Joshua held out his arm for me and I happily put mine through his. As we walked down the winding staircase to the party, I felt so beautiful standing beside Joshua. My gown fell perfectly around my feet as I glided down the stairs. Vivienne was the first person I saw as we joined the party and she looked green with envy.
"Sarah, how lovely you look." Her forced smile did not fool me. I can fake it too sweetheart.
"You're too kind Vivienne. You look stunning, I love your dress." I flashed her a smile that should have won an award. "Where is Jake?"
"Did I hear my name?” He leaned down to kiss me on my cheek. “Sarah, you take my breath away. You look gorgeous."
Jake was so sweet and I could see that Vivienne was nearly pouting. She’s boring and a brat? I don't know how he deals with that.
"Jake you're too sweet. Thank you kind sir." I gave him a mock curtsy as he chuckled at me. Vivienne was now seething.
"Joshua, dashing as always."
"I can say the same thing to you my favorite brother."
"Your only brother," Jake chuckled.
I really enjoyed the comfortable banter between them and it was evident that they cared about each other. No sibling rivalry at all. It was so refreshing.
"Shall we go find mother?" Joshua led the way as we all walked over to Bunny.
"Happy birthday mother! You don't look a day over 35." Joshua leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
"Yes mother, you are ageless and you look beautiful. Happy birthday!" Jake leaned down and gave his mother a kiss.
Bunny was beaming with pride.
"My two handsome sons. I'm so happy you're here to celebrate with me." She gave them a big hug. As she stepped back, she glanced at Vivienne.
"Vivienne." That's all she said! Wow, she really does not like that girl!
“Happy birthday Bunny.” Vivienne looked embarrassed.
Then Bunny looked at me and a huge smile spread across her face.
"Sarah, you look absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for being here." Bunny gave me a big hug.
"Thank you Bunny. I am so happy to be here to celebrate with you. Happy birthday!"
"Please help yourselves to refreshments. The waiters are making their way around the ballroom with trays of hors d'oeuvres and glasses of wine and champagne. I must go mingle with the guests!" And off she went. Bunny looked like such a social butterfly and she seemed very happy.
I turned to Joshua and Jake. "Your mother seems to be in her element."
"She loves to entertain. I think throwing parties is her favorite past time."
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the golden boy and his groupies."
Ethan's sarcastic voice rang out behind us. As we turned Joshua put his hand on the small of my back. Ethan was sneering at Joshua. Even with that nasty look on your face you are so damned good-looking. This family has incredible genes!
I could feel Joshua stiffen. I looked up at him and his jaw was clenched, his face like stone.
"Ethan. I hope you're staying out of trouble." Joshua's tone was cordial yet firm as he shook his hand.
"Of course dear cousin. I wouldn't dare start any trouble at my adoring aunt's birthday party."
I could see that Ethan's cocky smirk put Joshua on edge. Jake stepped in to smooth things over.
"Ethan, let's go grab a drink."
Ethan seemed to be placated by Jake and he walked off with him to the bar.
"Ethan is not so bad Joshua."
Both Joshua and I were shocked to hear Vivienne come to his defense. I couldn't help but say something.
"Oh really, Vivienne? Because I just saw a very rude display. Do you know him very well?" My eyes captured hers as she tried to look away. Oh no, no missy. You're not getting out of this one.