“The label is throwing a party tonight,” James told her. “Might be a little fancy. You still have that pink dress from Valentina and Smith’s party?”
She knew what James was telling her, that maybe she should think about trying a little harder than her usual black and white outfits for once. “Valentina emailed and said Tatiana wants me to keep it. I think it’s a fancy designer dress and probably costs a fortune, but she wouldn’t let me give it back.” Ashley had never thought she’d be getting fashion advice from a bodyguard, but given that pretty much everyone understood fashion better than she did, maybe it wasn’t all that surprising. “Do you think I should wear it tonight to the party?”
Just as the photographer encouraged the most stunning model of the group to pucker up and pretend she was kissing Drew, James said, “Yes. You should definitely wear that pink dress tonight.”
*
Ashley was even more nervous tonight than she’d been the night she’d joined the tour. Back then she hadn’t even dreamed of kissing Drew, of him holding her in his arms, of him whispering words like God, you’re sexy to her as desire took them both over. She hadn’t given much thought to her clothes, her hair, or the fact that she wore mascara and lipstick only on special occasions.
She was wearing makeup tonight, along with her new pink dress. She didn’t have any heels, which was just as well, considering that even in her flats she felt more than a little wobbly from sheer nerves. The last thing she needed was to fall on her face in front of the photographer and the people from the record label and the models.
It was funny, she thought as she headed into the hotel to join the party, the only person she wasn’t worried about falling on her face in front of was Drew. Partly because she’d already done plenty of embarrassing things in front of him. But mostly because she knew that whatever happened, he’d just give her one of his gorgeous, teasing smiles and make her laugh about it.
No question, he’d been raised well. In two days, she’d get to meet his father and siblings when they came to New Orleans for his birthday. She’d find out if all the Morrisons were as great as Drew. She had a feeling they would be. She really hoped that the gift she’d been working on since he’d mentioned his birthday in the Valley of Fire would be ready in time.
The valet at the front door took a long look at her cleavage as he held the door open for her. She wasn’t used to that kind of attention—wasn’t quite comfortable with it either, to be honest—but told herself it was a good sign that she might not be totally overshadowed by all the models.
Laughter bubbled out of her at the absurd thought. Of course she would be overshadowed by the models. They were all tall and glossy and perfect, whereas she was just…her.
But he seems to like “just you,” a voice inside her head reminded her. And I thought you were sick of hiding?
As she walked inside, she made herself hold her shoulders back rather than rounding them forward to hide her chest in the form-fitting dress. Insecurity didn’t become anyone, so even though she’d been hit with it big-time as soon as the beautiful women had joined Drew’s photo shoot, she wasn’t going to let it take over.
Not tonight.
Laughter and music were spilling out of the ballroom as two gorgeous women who looked to be her age walked out in sky-high heels and teeny-tiny shimmering dresses. They hadn’t been in the photo shoot, although they were certainly pretty enough to have made the cut. They didn’t even spare her a glance as they walked by, arm in arm, laughing.
The insecurity she was so bound and determined to push away tried to rear its ugly head again, but she’d made it through Smith and Valentina’s party in one piece, even with falling into the pool, hadn’t she? So what if there were dozens of gorgeous women here tonight? All that mattered was that she and Drew had formed a connection. Even James had commented on how well they seemed to fit together.
No, it didn’t make the least bit of sense that a star like Drew would fall for someone normal like her. And Ashley had always worked hard to make sure things added up, both in math class and in life. But maybe everything in life didn’t always have to make perfect sense.
Could some things just be pure, sweet joy and pleasure?
The room was packed, but thankfully James spotted her within seconds. She figured Drew had asked his bodyguard to keep a special eye out for her the way he usually did. “You look great, Ashley.” She smiled at him, really glad to see a friendly face. “I’ll get you a drink. What’s your poison?”
James was drinking a beer, but she’d never been much for alcohol. Besides, she didn’t want to feel at all fuzzy once she and Drew finally got a chance to talk. “Sparkling water would be great, thank you.”