Page 96 of Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U)
“You seem tense,” I whisper. I lengthen my spine and hold my chin up high, pretending to be someone we both know I’m not. “Are you sure I look okay?”
He bought the dress for me, something I was—and still am—less than thrilled about. I found the price tag in the bathroom trash. The amount he spent on a stupid dress for his father’s birthday party confirms that we arenotthe same.
His teeth snag my ear as he places tender kisses against my jawline. We’re outside of his house, and it’s bigger than I remember.
“You looktoogood,” he says.
I roll my eyes. “Whatever.”
I gasp when he grabs my hips and presses me flush with his body. My bare back hits the front of his perfectly fitted tux, and my thighs clench with how hard he is.
“I’m going to fuck you so hard after this.”
I’m counting on it.
“And you’re keeping the heels on.”
I shake my head at his demand and refuse, but we both know that Stone has a way of getting what he wants.
“Ready?” he asks, slipping his hand into mine.
I let him help me up the cobblestone steps like a child.Why am I so nervous?I have met his father before. It was a brief introduction. Stone’s dad was always in a rush, never having the time for a full conversation with Evan’s parents. He was married to his job—something that Stephen mentioned a time or two. He also mentioned that Daniel Foster was one of the top defense lawyers in the United States, and after taking in the pristine entryway of his home, I would guess he is one of the wealthiest too.
“Good evening, Stone.” A butler appears out of thin air.
People actually have butlers?
“Hello, Gerald. It’s good to see you.”
The older man smiles, and I almost trip after seeing Stone return the favor with his own smile.
“Your father’s party is out back.”
“Thank you.”
My heels click against the shiny marble when Stone drags me forward. I’m still in awe over his genuine smile. He doesn’t smile nearly enough.
“Wow.”
Stone stops, but the closer we get to the party, the more tense he becomes. “What? You’ve never been to a fancy party before?”
“Well, no. But that’s not why I said wow.”
His eyebrow rises, and I’m half tempted to run my hand through his gelled-back hair. He is too handsome for his own good.
“I just didn’t know you were capable of smiling.”
I giggle at his glare, and suddenly, I’m crushed into his chest. His hand cups the side of my cheek, and he smiles again, only this time it’s directed at me. It takes my breath away.
“I love it when you laugh.”
Butterflies fill me, and I know my cheeks are pink.
“Let’s go. The sooner we get through this, the sooner I can strip you out of that dress.”
My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and I flush harder, but all thoughts of Stone undressing me leave when we make it through the open archway. It’s beyond clear that we hadverydifferent childhoods.
The backyard is as big as the trailer park I grew up in, but instead of half-broken, flickering street lamps lighting up the area, there are string lights hanging from every tree, casting the prettiest glow over everyone. Waiters come from every direction, holding their shimmery silver trays filled with champagne glasses, bubbling with a golden liquid, and enough food to feed a village.