Hardpressed by Meredith Wild Page B

slid her hands down my upper arms and gave them a little squeeze.
    “It’s perfect.” I ran my hands over the fabric, loving the mix of soft and rough textures, from the velvet to the silk. The dress fit me so well. Somehow my mother had managed to give me a truly beautiful gift without even knowing it.
    Before I could get emotional again, the door buzzed in the kitchen. I shuffled out of the bedroom to answer it. A few seconds later I let in the courier. He was holding a pink box with a black sheer bow. His eyebrows rose as he examined my too-formal-for-midday outfit.
    “Sorry, wardrobe change,” I joked nervously.
    “No apologies needed.” He gave me an obvious once-over before fishing a piece of paper out of his pocket. “Um, I just need you to sign for this.”
    I scribbled my signature and took the box. I shut the door behind him and set the box on the table, eager to open it. I retrieved the tiny card tied to the bow and read it.
     
    Erica,
    Spoil me and wear this tonight.
    Love, B
     
    My heart sank a little. Shit, what if he’d bought me a dress? I couldn’t part with this gown. The gala was still hours away but I already didn’t want to take it off.
    Reluctantly, I tugged the edge of the bow and pushed away the layers of pink tissue paper until I reached a pile of delicately folded black lace garments. I took out a strapless bra with matching panties and lace topped silk stockings. The man had expensive taste, and lingerie was no exception.
    Marie came up behind me and let out a whistle.
    “Okay, that’s my cue. My work here is done.”
    Suddenly embarrassed, I dropped the garments back into the box.
    “You’re officially my formal attire savior. Thank you so much, Marie.”
    “Anytime, baby girl. I’m glad I could help. Please take pictures! Oh—actually on that note. I forgot to tell you that Richard will be there with a photographer who’s covering the event. Maybe he’ll give you a plug in his piece.”
    “Awesome, I’ll keep an eye out for him.”
    “He’s tall, dark, and unwilling to commit. You can’t miss him.”
    I laughed.
    “Seriously though, he’s seen photos of you all over my apartment, so I’m sure he’ll introduce himself at some point.”
    “Got it. I’ll be on the lookout.”
    She gave me a quick kiss and headed out, leaving me alone with nothing but the overwhelming anticipation of the night to come.
     
    *
    I’d slipped on the lingerie that Blake had given me and did a little spin in front of the mirror, assessing myself. My hair was pinned up, and loose curls framed my face. I wore diamond studs that had been my mother’s and matched the diamond bangles that Blake had given to me.
    What a lucky girl I am, I thought, giddy with anticipation. But trying to network with all this sexual anticipation was going to be interesting for sure.
    Alli had taken off for New York already and Heath was now staying with Blake. Maybe that was a good thing. He’d mentioned props recently, and the thought of being subjected to his arsenal of dominating toys intimidated me a little. We could do enough with our bodies alone. Surely we didn’t need help.
    Just then, Blake’s silhouette filled the doorway. My breath caught as I sized him up. The green in his eyes glowed against the stark black and white of his perfectly tailored tuxedo.
    I watched his reflection as he walked slowly toward me, drinking me in from the back.
    “You’re early.”
    He stopped behind me, catching my gaze in the mirror. “I may have underestimated how tempting you would be in this little getup. Those panties do fantastic things for your ass.”
    “Serves you right,” I teased, taking a step back so I could feel the heat of his body, perilously close.
    He sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. He rested a hand at my hip and pulled me back so our bodies met.
    “I couldn’t wait to see you in it.”
    “I missed you too.” I smiled and leaned in, rolling my hand back, relieved to have him with me