words to say because she knew and accepted all of me.
“About fucking time you two figured things out,” Cork said, gliding toward us, and we both laughed.
It was joy and laughter now, unbelievably, amazingly, miraculously so. But as soon as I got Lotus alone, it was going to be all of that, only better with us without any clothes on.
Lotus
I LOOKED IN the mirror, and a bold, beautiful, brave woman stared back at me—Storm Journey Hardy’s woman.
I was my best self with him. I could be her, do anything because of him. Not that he let me do much. Since our declarations to each other a few days ago, he’d barely let me out of his bed.
The sheets of my bed were rumpled, probably still warm from our earlier activity. He barely had to touch me to set me off. I anticipated the sizzle and then the fireworks . . . he was that good.
My cheeks warmed at the memory of what we’d done earlier. When I reached up to touch my hands to my face, all my girlfriends huddled in my room to help me get ready for the concert gasped.
“Don’t,” Penny said. “You’ll mess up your makeup.”
“I’m not sure about the makeup or the dress.” I glanced down. The lined white cotton minidress featured a one-shoulder silhouette with crochet accents and a tonal white-on-white pattern on the rest.
“Get sure. It looks fantastic, and it was a steal at a hundred dollars,” Tess said. She and I were just getting to know each other away from work.
It hadn’t set well with Ash, the way Mr. Macari had treated me. Plus, the Dirt Dogs didn’t like their favorite hangout being managed by an asshole. So they’d bought the Deck Bar, fired Mr. Macari, and put Tess in charge. She’d rehired me for the same pay I made at Chill, and I could wear my overalls and flip-flops again. No skimpy outfit necessary.
“It’s easy to pull on. Easy to pull off too. Storm will love that part.” Sophia grinned. “It looks so pretty on you. What’s not to like?”
“I’m just not sure it’s me,” I mumbled.
“You’re a work in progress, honey.” Sophia placed her hands on my bared shoulders. “We all are, transforming as we grow like those plants you love so much. Conditions having gone favorable with Storm, you’re more beautiful than I’ve ever seen you look, and that’s saying something. Because you, my bestie, are a complete knockout.”
“The white looks amazing with your tanned skin,” Tess said. “And Storm will be able to find you easily in the audience. You’ll stand out at the concert.”
“And the frosty pink lip gloss and matte-rose eyeshadow are meant to go with that dress.” Penny moved closer, and the red petticoats on her black-and-red polka-dot dress swished around her slender calves.
“Thanks, you guys. And thank you, Penny. My hair and makeup are perfect.” I reached for her hands and squeezed them, then looked at Tess. “I’m really nervous. I appreciate all of you coming over to help me get ready.”
“We’re going to the concert too,” Tess said.
Penny nodded. “Along with most of southern California. I’ve seen the demographic projections.”
A door slammed, and we all jumped. I must not be the only one on pins and needles. This concert was a big deal.
“Hey, all.”
Storm appeared in the doorway to my bedroom, making me catch my breath. Damn, he was fine to look at. My skin sizzled as he gave me an intense once-over.
He whistled low. “Fuck, you’re hot.”
“So are you.” My cheeks warmed. “I, um, I’ve never seen you in a leather jacket before.”
“The stylist wanted me to wear it. I thought it was dumb without a shirt underneath, but the way you’re looking at me right now, I don’t give a shit if it’s dumb.”
“Not dumb,” Penny said quickly, then cleared her throat. “You should listen to Lenore when it comes to fashion. She knows what she’s doing. But hey-ho, I gotta go.”
She gave me a one-armed hug.
“Stay close to him,” she whispered. “To the people who feel like sunshine.”
“I will,” I said, thinking she was one of those as I watched her move toward the door.
“I’ve gotta take off too.” Tess pulled me in for a hug, then leaned back. “I’m in charge of beverages since you’re going as a fan tonight.”
“Thanks, Tess,” I said, so relieved that Ash had asked her and not me about bartending tonight.
“Happy to do it.” She gave me a firm look. “I’ll see you there.”
She took