dinner anyway.”
It was almost as if I could hear Hailey’s thoughts coming through the phone.
“There are a million reasons why it would never work between me and Landon, Hailey.”
“Really? Name one.”
I tried. I actually tried to think of one…and couldn’t.
“I thought so. You can deny it all you want, Emme, but sooner or later you’re both going to pop, and when you do…the sparks are going to fly!”
I glanced at the clock. “Landon will be here soon, and I’ve still got to get ready. Just trust me when I say I was in a weird place, but I’m okay now. I do not have romantic feelings for Landon, and I know he doesn’t have them for me.”
God, even I didn’t believe the words coming out of my mouth.
“I have a feeling you’re going to be eating crow sooner than you think.”
I needed to end this call so I could get my head in the right place before Landon got here. “See you later tonight, Hail.”
“Bye-bye.” There was that sing-song voice again. Was there a bit of sarcasm in there too? I decided to ignore it as I made my way into my bathroom to give myself one more look over.
My black ALYCE Paris dress fit like a glove. It was gorgeous with its off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and stunning bead work. It had a Queen Anne neckline with a tight bodice that showcased my curvy figure perfectly. I wasn’t stick thin, but I did have an athletic body, and I loved how sexy this dress made me feel.
Turning to look at my back, I grinned. The V-cut back had more beautiful beading, and showed just enough skin to give it a naughty feel while still keeping it classy. The A-line skirt had layers of chiffon with a slightly longer train in the back. My silver high heels added the perfect touch.
While most of the other committee members would likely be wearing their expensive designer gowns and Jimmy Choo shoes, I didn’t make that kind of money. And honestly, I couldn’t see paying seven-hundred dollars for a pair of shoes, only to be scared to death I would damage them. So my silver Jessica Simpson embellished stiletto pumps were perfect for me. Less than a hundred bucks and stunningly beautiful.
The doorbell rang, and I checked my hair quickly. I had pulled it back into a low, tight bun. The diamond earrings Landon had bought me for my twenty-first birthday hung from my ears. I pressed my red lips together once more and then made my way to the front door.
Landon and I were taking a limo to the charity event and planned on staying at the same hotel as Hailey, Mike, and our folks.
When I opened the door, I nearly choked on my own damn tongue. The statement I’d made only minutes ago about not having any romantic feelings for Landon flew right out the window with one look at the insanely gorgeous man who stood in front of me.
This wasn’t the same Landon I had grown up with. Not at all. He wasn’t the same guy I had cried to so many times with a broken heart, or the same guy who brought me Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to cheer me up when I was feeling down about something. He wasn’t my best friend whom I could share anything with.
No, I take that back. Landon would always be my best friend. I just couldn’t share how I felt about him to him. At least, not yet. Not until I figured it out myself.
But looking at Landon now made my insides come alive and burn with a desire I had never felt before in my life. He wore his dark brown hair in that slightly messy way of his that still looked amazing. It was like he styled it and then ran his fingers through it, not liking the idea of it being too perfect. He hadn’t shaved today and had the beginning of a five o’clock shadow. My fingers twitched to see if it was as soft as it looked. His eyes seemed more blue today, reminding me of the Texas sky after a storm had cleared away the clouds and left a brilliant shade of indigo blue that took your breath away.
I took in his perfectly fitted tux, fighting the urge to let out a moan. His broad shoulders seemed to be even more defined in the evening wear, giving him a sex appeal that would make any woman