The first store they hit was Victoria’s Secret, and Sage found herself blushing at the things Grace was holding up for her to examine.
“Are you crazy? I can’t wear that. He’d think I was a hooker,” Sage said as she looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was paying attention to them.
“You’ll make him so hard, he’ll drop to his knees and beg you to be his forever,” Grace said, holding out a bright red corset and garter belt. “Besides, you definitely want to be wearing a garter belt for much easier—and faster—access.” She offered up her best wolfish grin.
“Why don’t we just buy the split undies and make the access instantaneous?” Sage snapped.
“Now that’s an idea . . .”
“Look, Grace, I’ve never worn a corset or a garter belt. I don’t know if I can even make the dang things work. I’d probably mess everything up.” Sage eyed some pretty bra and panty sets that weren’t quite so wanton.
“You will wear this, and then you will report to me how far his jaw drops when he sees you in it. Got it?”
Grace grabbed Sage’s hand and the lingerie and led her to the dressing room in the back. Sage was absolutely mortified when an employee had to explain to her exactly how to wear such a getup.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE how innocent you are,” Grace said as they drove back to the apartment that afternoon. “You missed out so much on crazy, down-and-dirty college romps.”
“Um . . .” Sage wasn’t used to this sort of banter and had no idea how to respond.
When Grace swung her head around to stare intently at Sage and say, “We are going to take your innocence, stomp on it, and toss it in the trash, as of tonight,” the car swerved violently.
“Watch the road!” Sage squealed, her heart pounding triple time. She’d never make her date with Spence if Grace went on like this.
“Oh, the roads are fine. The rock trucks came and got them nice and clear,” Grace said, waving her hand.
“Well, they aren’t deicing the ditches, Grace, and that’s where you’re headed if you don’t pay attention.”
“Quit being responsible for five minutes straight, Sage Banks. I want confirmation that you’re going to let it all go and live a little, and I swear I will land us in a ditch if you don’t agree to this date with this guy.”
“I’m worried, Grace. We had that epic failure at sex once, and then I threw myself at him a second time, and what if it’s all me and I’m just horrible at the whole sex thing?”
“Oh, honey, you will rock his world. He was in shock at finding you a virgin. That’s understandable. And then he was doing the right thing the other night. Only a cad would have taken you to bed when you were so vulnerable, so upset at losing that little girl. But tonight, you both know what’s going to happen, and it will be beautiful. The reason it will? Because it’s obvious that you’re in love with him.”
“I think I am falling in love with him. It’s just that he’s so . . . so . . . I don’t even know how to describe it. He’s romantic, funny, sweet, understanding. He always knows what to say, and he seems to know exactly when I need him the most. I’ve really started to fall hard for him. I hope it’s not all just a big joke on his part.”
“There’s no way, sweetie. He would be a total and utter fool if he dared to play a game like that with you. I’d most certainly have to kick his ass right into Idaho!”
When they arrived at their apartment complex—safely, somehow—Sage practically floated up the steps with her purchase clutched tightly in her hands.
“We only have a couple of hours until he gets here,” Grace said. “It’s time for me to work my magic.” She led Sage to the kitchen and sat her down.
It didn’t take long for the curling iron, flat iron, and Grace’s huge cache of makeup to come out. Sage had a feeling she’d feel like a Barbie come to life by the time her best friend was done. Maybe Spence wouldn’t even recognize her. But she had to admit that, for tonight at least, she rather wanted to feel like an entirely new person.
The dress fit like it was made just for her. Of course, this was from Spence, so it most likely had been. She didn’t want to know how he’d gotten her exact measurements. Still, the image of him sliding his hands around her body and sneakily writing down the details was far from an unpleasant one. Heck, the thought made her sigh and giggle at the same time.
Once she was all dressed up and ready to go, Sage looked in the mirror with a critical eye. But there was nothing to be critical about. Beautiful wasn’t a word she often associated with herself, but right now, at this exact moment, that’s the way she felt.
Her wavy red hair had been tamed—not an easy task—and her makeup, though subtle, highlighted her eyes, cheekbones, and lips. She looked ready to walk the red carpet and hoped Spence didn’t think she was trying too hard.
Knowing that she was wearing the sexy lingerie underneath the dress made her feel even bolder. This was the night—she could feel it to her very bones. They were going to make love and it was going to be spectacular.
“You are a vision, an absolute vision,” Grace said from the doorway, her eyes tearing up. “I take full credit for the hair and makeup, but the total package is indescribable, and it’s all you.”
“Thanks, Grace. I never could have pulled this off without you.” Sage gave her best friend a hug. “He’ll be here anytime. I’d better get downstairs.” She took one final look in the mirror and headed toward the living room. The doorbell rang just after she slipped on her borrowed shoes from Grace. Right on time—something she appreciated in a man.