An Armored Heart by RC Boldt

Author:RC Boldt [Boldt, RC]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RC Boldt Publishing LLC
Published: 2023-05-10T18:30:00+00:00

41

ELLA

Wednesday night

With one final makeup touch-up, I survey myself in the full-length mirror on the back of my bathroom door.

Lightly running my fingertips over the satiny fabric of my dress, I can’t help but wonder if Steele played a role in choosing the color of this one, too.

Stop it! I need to steer clear of that slippery slope. More of a challenge, though, is the effort to stifle the flood of excitement that’s spread through my veins. Because while I do feel like an imposter in this dress, I also feel like a princess.

In a vibrant shade of royal blue, the strapless dress’s bodice is adorned with tiny silvery beads. My left leg is bared just above my knee, the satiny folds of the fabric playing peek-a-boo with it, while the asymmetrical hemline gradually grows lengthier at an angle before stopping at near ankle length.

One thing is undeniable: this will be the first birthday party I’ve ever attended where formal attire was required.

After grabbing my phone off the counter, I head toward the living room where my purse and shoes await. My phone rings when I’m en route to them.

When I glance down and see Steele’s name, my hand flies to my stomach where a sudden fluttering has incited.

“Get it together, Ella,” I mutter disgustedly before swiping the screen to answer. “Hello?”

The rapid click, click, click of a turn signal greets my ears before his deep voice sounds. “I’m almost to your apartment.”

My brows scrunch together as I wait for him to expand. When he doesn’t, I slowly prod, “Is there something you need in the meantime?”

A pause precedes his response. “You left your hair down?”

“I did.”

“Good.” Another pause lingers before he clears his throat. “It’ll complement the dress better.”

I glance down at myself. “I guess so.”

“Are you wearing the bracelet?”

I extend my arm, and the small track lighting mounted above me makes the blue stones and smaller set diamonds in the bracelet sparkle.

“I am. And it’s beautiful. Thank you.” I swallow hard, and my dry throat makes it painful. Still, I force my words to emerge as smoothly as possible. “I promise to return it with the other one…at the end.”

Silence greets my words before he mutters, “I’m parking out front now. See you in a minute.” Then he ends the call.

Hurriedly, I slide on the shoes that were delivered with the dress, bracelet, and wristlet purse. I snag the small handbag, slide my phone inside, and grab my keys in time for Steele’s knock at my door.

My fingers tingle, and I flex them, attempting to assuage the nervousness battering away at me. I open the door and automatically step back to allow him to enter.

Whoa. Steele’s tall form hovers in my doorway, his broad shoulders covered in a pristine white shirt, complemented by a black bow tie as he steps inside my apartment.

When he closes the door behind him, leaving us in the small entryway, my eyes drink in the sight of him.

Black slacks accentuate his narrow waist,

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