Runaway

Chapter 09

11.26.2019

"I found this old dress for you to wear. I don't want you ruining my event of the season with your cheap dresses," Irene scoffs as she hands me a corseted black tulle dress.

"This was before I got my new boobs so it should fit you," she walks out without giving me a chance to say a word.

I stare at the strapped dress that reaches just below my knees. Even though Irene had called it old, it looked as good as new. And it looked expensive. I had brought a much fancier dress to wear than last time but it still was nothing compared to this. Besides, Irene would find something wrong with it anyway so it was best to wear what she wanted and not give her a chance to humiliate me again.

I had learned something from Emma when she would glam me up for any event at school so I was a lot better at applying make-up now. I settle on a smoky-eye with a nude lip and tie my hair back into a sleek bun. Luckily, I had brought black, block-heels with my dress so I put them on. When I look at myself in the mirror, I can at least say for certain that I won't be underdressed this time.

When I step out of the room, I almost slam into Nick. My eyes are focused on the bracelet I'm trying to clasp around my wrist so they don't notice the six-foot specimen walking by.

"Sorry," I mumble, looking up at him. He is dressed in a black suit with a black, silk tie. And whatever scent he's wearing is enough to intoxicate all of my senses.

"Wow," he whispers so low, I almost miss it. My cheeks blush under his gaze.

He looks almost nervous when he realizes he's staring.

"I mean, you look nice," he clears his throat.

"Thanks. So do you," I smile and return my focus to the silver bracelet and begin walking.

I don't notice him walking beside me until he speaks up again.

"Do you need any help with that?"

I stare at him through my lashes. "No, no. It's fine," I stop walking to focus my attention on the bracelet that keeps slipping from my hand.

His hands reach for my wrist and when they brush against my skin, the tingles travel all the way to my chest.

"Here, let me," he offers grabbing ahold of the bracelet.

I let it go, looking up at his focused face. My heart pounds in my chest at his close proximity.

"There," he clasps the bracelet into place and presents it with my hand still in his. He holds onto it as his eyes find mine. Butterflies erupt in my stomach and my knees almost betray me. My eyes rush to where his hand is holding mine, his skin brushing against mine as gently as a feather, and then return to meet his gaze.

"Thanks," I stutter, pulling my hand away from his grasp in an attempt to clear the thick fog of tension in the air.

He doesn't say another word and bolts downstairs without looking back. 

The dinner passes by rather quickly as I spend most of my time talking and catching up with Harry.

Everyone has moved from the dining room when we step outside and people are gathered all around. Harry leaves to find his friends. After attending almost every single event with the Graysons, he had made plenty of friends in their circle. I spot an empty couch near the fireplace and head over. 

I had avoided Oliver after our awkward encounter last Thanksgiving. He, on the other hand, had completely ignored it and continued texting me as usual after I returned to college. At first, I was confused but then I realized, maybe I was overthinking the whole situation. So, things between us went back to normal, as if nothing had happened. And maybe it hadn't and it was all in my head.