The Ties That Bind

chapter thirteen

When Annalise comes, I hear a sharp intake of breath from Deacon. I have to stifle a laugh. Her short hair falls under her chin and she wears a veil that covers half of her face. She has on a strapless dress with ruffles starting at her knees and end just below her feet. Deacon is practically drooling at the sight of her.

A few models later, Hayden comes around the corner. Her dark hair is styled into a low bun. Her dress has lace sleeves and a form-fitting bodice. One thing's for sure, these girls can rock the runway.

My chest constricts when Olivia graces the stage. Her golden brown locks are pulled back into a loose updo with two curled pieces to frame her face. Her tanned skin contrasts nicely against the soft white lace. The dress has thin straps and a plunging v-neck that displays just enough cleavage to give a sexy, yet sweet look. As she walks, a small grin plays on her face. Her makeup highlights her sparking, golden eyes. I would do anything to kiss those glossy lips.

When she gets to the edge of the runway, she poses and turns back around, giving the audience a view of her round bottom. I'm convinced she's a fucking angel. "Damn, I think I just fell in love," I subconsciously say.

Deacon pats me on the back. "What took you so long?" he teases.

Olivia disappears around the corner and the music comes to an end. We all stand and applaud when Vera Wang reappears. "First off, I want to thank you all for coming. I am overwhelmed by the support you all gave me. Secondly, I want to acknowledge those who helped me with the pieces shown, today. Lastly, I want to thank the gorgeous models for bringing my vision to life. Also, props to them for walking in those heavy gowns and high heels." Everyone laughs and applauds extra loud.

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There's an after party they invited us to in the ballroom next door, so we're waiting for the girls in the hallway. I'm grateful that I decided to wear a dress shirt and black slacks because everyone has formal attire on. Definitely, a vast difference from my usual joggers and dri-fit shirt.

The girls walk out of the ballroom with cocktail dresses on, of course, photographers trail behind them. I immediately march over to Olivia and place a possessive hand on the small of her back. I lean my mouth next to her ear. "Hi, Golden Babe."

She smiles. "Hi, Baby Daddy," she whispers back. Unable to resist, I kiss those pouty lips. Mmm. Her shoulders shake with laughter as my lips move on hers.

"That was one hell of a greeting," she says as I pull back.

"Wait until we get back to my place." I wink.

Hayden narrows her eyes at us. "Keep it PG," she says then breaks out in a smile.

We head into the other ballroom, purple and blue lights shine down on us. Everyone has drinks in hand as they bounce to the beat of the music. One second I feel like I'm at a wedding, the next, I'm back at my high school prom.

"I'm starving," Annalise says. "I don't want hors d'oeuvres."

"I second that," Miles says. "Are there burgers?" Deacon slaps him on the back of his neck.

"There's no burgers, you imbecile." Hayden rolls her eyes.

"Hey, I'm not an imbecile," Miles argues. "You can't blame a professional hockey player for wanting to eat more than a bite-sized meal. Plus, I'm allergic to seafood."

An evil smile overtakes Hayden's lips. "Oh, then I definitely suggest trying that." She points to the server holding a plate of shrimp. We all laugh.

After a few drinks—non-alcoholic for Olivia—and dozens of hors d'oeuvres later, we walked over to the dance floor. Even in heels, Olivia is still a better dancer than me. This girl surely knows how to move her hips. I wrap my arms around her from behind. "You're killing me." She wiggles her butt into my hardness, provoking me even more.

I place my hands on her hips, turning her body to face mine. Despite the chaos happening around us, the world seems to stop when I look into Olivia's eyes. There's an intense feeling radiating from my chest. I wasn't kidding when I said I fell in love.