Trace + Olivia Series Boxed Set (35 page)

I dried my body with one of the fluffy gray towels, and dried the ends of my hair as well, then redressed in what I was wearing earlier.

Avery was raising her hand for another round of knocking when I opened the door.

“‘Bout time,” she smirked. She grabbed my hand and pulled me back into the bedroom. “Sit,” she pointed to the bed.

I grumbled but did as she said.

She turned a blow dryer on and grabbed one of those huge round brushes with the spiky bristles. I cringed. Those things always hurt like hell when they touched your scalp.

Avery used the blow dryer to aid in straightening my hair but since it couldn’t get rid of all my natural waves, she ended up having to use a flat iron as well.

Once each strand of hair was straightened to perfection, she brushed it through, and started my makeup.

“I’m going for a dramatic look here, so don’t freak out,” she warned.

“Telling me
not
to freak out, instantly makes me freak out,” I grumbled.

“Just go to your happy place, Livie. Think of rainbows, and butterflies, and unicorns…and,” she grinned wickedly, “fun times with Trace.”

“I hate you so much right now,” I frowned.

“You won’t hate me when you look so hot that Trace comes in his pants when he sees you,” she chortled.

“Filter yourself, Avery.
Filter
.”

“Eh,” she shrugged, rummaging through her ginormous makeup bag, “I think not. I prefer to say what I want to say, when I want to say it. Now close your eyes,” she warned.

I whimpered, glaring at the makeup brush in her hand. “What color are you using?”

“It’s plum, chillax. It matches your dress.”

I closed my eyes and kept my mouth shut while she worked.

She finished my eyes and patted a light layer of concealer on my face. I felt her swipe a streak of blush across my cheeks and prayed that I didn’t look like a clown.

“Pucker up,” she warned and I felt lipstick touch my lips. She wiped the excess off and said, “Open your eyes.”

She held a mirror in front of me and I gasped in surprise at my reflection. I looked like an actress ready for her red carpet appearance. My hair and make-up was flawless. All I was missing was the dress.

“Wow,” I gasped. “I look-”

“Drop dead gorgeous,” Avery inserted. “I think I should’ve been a cosmetologist.”

“I-I-” I stuttered.

“I’m still waiting for a, ‘thank you, Avery,’” she smirked, with a hand on her hip.

“Thank you, Avery,” I replied mechanically, fingering my straight hair.

“You’re welcome,” she did a little twirl and began gathering up her stuff. “Oh! I almost forgot. Wanna see your dress?”

I nodded.

Grinning, she unzipped the garment bag. I watched with wide eyes as she pulled out the most beautiful dress I had ever seen.

It was floor-length with cap sleeves and the rich plum color was beautiful. It cinched in at the waist, with jeweled detailing, that surprisingly, didn’t take away from the beauty.

“That’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen,” I gasped. “Is it yours?”

She nodded. “I got it for an event I had to attend with my parents. I only wore it once.”

I fingered the silky fabric. When it moved, it shimmered in the light.

“Are you sure I can wear it?” I asked.

“Of course,” she laughed.

The door to the apartment opened and Trace called out.

“We’re in here!” I hollered.

He appeared in the doorway and his eyes widened when he saw me. “You look beautiful, Olivia.”

“You haven’t seen her in the dress yet,” Avery smirked.

Trace stalked forward and wrapped a hand around my waist. “I don’t think the dress will make a difference,” he replied. “I still think you’re the most beautiful, with no makeup, and walking around my apartment in my shirts,” he whispered in my ear.

I blushed and he moved to kiss me, but was cut off by Avery stepping between us, and pushing his chest.

“Nuh uh! I’m not letting you ruin all my hard work!” She warned.

“Alright, alright,” he grumbled. “I need to get ready anyway.”

He moved around Avery and opened his closet door. He pulled out a tux and started for the door.

“I’m guessing you didn’t rent that,” I laughed and he stopped in the doorway.

“No,” he chuckled. “This is mine.”

“You go to these fancy parties all time, don’t you?” I questioned.

“Maybe,” he winked and left the room. A moment later, I heard the bathroom door close.

“What time is it?” I asked Avery.

She glanced at her phone. “Six o’clock.”

I guffawed. “You mean, you’ve been playing beauty stylist all day, and I didn’t even notice?”

“Um, yeah,” she smirked. “I’ve got major skills.”

My stomach rumbled with the reminder that I hadn’t eaten breakfast or lunch or dinner.

I headed for the kitchen and Avery trailed behind me.

I opened the refrigerator and a freakin’ monkey jumped on my back.

“Avery,” I groaned, trying to dislodge her. “Get off.”

“No! Not a morsel of food shall pass through your lips and ruin my creation!” She tightened her hold on my neck.

Dear Lord, the girl was going to choke me.

“Ave-” I reached up and tried to pry her arms from my neck. “Let go,” I gasped.

“Never!”

“You’re choking me,” I gurgled, digging my fingernails into her arms.

“Sorry,” she loosened her hold but still didn’t let go.

“Avery, I’m
hungry!
Let me eat something! You’ll only have to fix my lipstick!” I pleaded.

“Fine,” she dropped to the ground. “Eat. Ruin all my hard work. See how much I care,” she pouted, sticking her nose in the air.

“Thanks for caring that I’m hungry, Avery,” I mumbled.

“I’m sorry,” she frowned. “I’m being really insensitive.”

“Ya think?” I raised a brow incredulously.

She grew quiet while I made a bowl of cereal.

I sat down on the couch with my bowl of Fruity Pebbles, and Avery sat beside me, chatting excitedly about her plans for the night with Luca. I tuned her out when she mentioned an edible bra and panties.

I finished my cereal, and cleaned the bowl, reluctantly letting Avery drag me into the bedroom to get in the dress.

She pulled it out of the bag, and I stripped out of my clothes, letting her help me into it. She zipped it in the back and appraised me.

“Looking good, girl,” she turned around and grabbed a pair of black heels off the bed. “But these will make you a showstopper.”

I sat down on the bed and slipped the shoes on.

“Oh, yeah,” Avery nodded. “My work here is complete.” She hugged me and stepped back. “I feel so proud,” she pretended to wipe away a tear. “Oh, and here’s a clutch,” she grabbed a sequined black clutch out of her never-ending bag of supplies. The girl thought of everything.

The bathroom door opened, and a moment later, Trace stepped inside the bedroom.

We both stood staring at one another.

Trace looked impeccable in his smooth black tux. His hair was brushed back from his eyes and his normally stubbled cheeks were shaved clean. He looked nothing like the scruffy fun loving mechanic I was used to, and looked exactly like the billionaire grandson he was.

“I thought you were beautiful before, but damn…that dress,” he shook his head.

“Thanks,” I squeaked, still shocked by his transformation. “You look good too.”

You look good too? That’s the best you could come up with, Olivia. You’re pathetic.

“I mean-”

He chuckled. “I know.”

“Come here,” Avery grabbed us both by the elbows and forced us side by side so she could evaluate us together. She tapped her index finger against her lips and smiled. “You two make one sexy couple.”

“Avery,” I groaned.

“What? I’m just being honest,” she smacked my butt and started packing up her stuff.

Trace ventured out into the living room area and I was left alone with Avery once more.

As she gathered up her various items, she rambled, “I know you’re really nervous, but don’t be. Enjoy tonight and don’t overthink it. Okay?”

“Okay,” I agreed to shut her up. I knew it would be impossible for me to relax.

“Good,” she smiled, and slung her bag across her shoulders, leaving the garment bag behind. “I’m sure you’ll be playing doctor with Tracey-poo later, so I’ll just leave that.”

She didn’t give me a chance to complain about her comment. She hugged me quickly, whispered, “Good luck,” in my ear and headed out the door.

The door had barely clicked closed behind her when Trace announced that it was time for us to go.

He held my hand as we descended the steps, while I silently prayed I didn’t fall, and cut my head open.

He stopped when we reached the bottom step, instead of rounding the corner, and heading toward his car.

I looked up, away from my feet, and gasped.

“A limo? We’re going in a freakin’ limo,” I mumbled.

“Of course,” he smiled crookedly as the driver held the door open.

Trace helped me inside and slid in beside me.

“Unfreakinbelivable,” I gazed around the limo. I had never been inside one before, and found myself mesmerized by the many seats, and the ceiling that glowed with small lights meant to look like the night sky.

Trace straightened his tux jacket, and sat back, holding my right hand tightly in his.

After I had committed every piece of the limo to memory, I relaxed.

My nerves were beginning to bubble to the surface again and I took deep breaths so I didn’t get sick.

“Calm down,” Trace smoothed a thumb over my hand. “Everything will be fine. It’s just a little party.”

I snorted. I doubted this was just a
little party
.

My suspicions were confirmed, when the house came into view, along with a gazillion limos and town cars.

The circular driveway in front of the house, which I hadn’t noticed before, since it was hidden with snow, was filled with limos and cars pulled up to let guests out.

Our driver pulled up to the front and opened the door for us.

Trace slipped outside and held his hand inside the limo to help me out.

He drew me tightly against his side and nodded at the driver before walking inside the open double doors.

We followed the other guests to the massive ballroom.

The tables and chairs that had been stacked against the walls the last time I was here, were now set up with white tablecloths covering them, and white slipcovers over the chairs. A large area in the middle was cleared for dancing, which many people were taking advantage of, and a band played on the corner stage.

People that weren’t dancing, were either sitting, or walking around mingling.

“Thank God you’re here,” a voice said from behind us and we turned around to come face to face with Trent. “If one more person asks me about the holes in my ears I’m going to blow up.”

Trace laughed. “Guess you shouldn’t have gotten the gauges.”

“You have tattoos!” Trent cried.

“So do you,” Trace shrugged. “Just ignore these people,” he indicated the whole room.

“Ugh,” Trent groaned. “I’ll try. But mom wants me to ‘be nice’ and ‘make connections,’” he held his hands up in air quotes. “Whatever the fuck that means. I’d rather be in my room. There aren’t even any hot girls here. Just stuffy old people with no sense of humor.”

“I feel you, man. But we have to do what we have to do,” Trace shrugged.

“Whatever,” Trent cracked his neck. “I hope you two don’t mind company, because I’m about to be a fucking leech and latch on, and never let go.”

“I don’t mind,” Trace shrugged. “Olivia?”

“I don’t care,” I smiled at Trace’s younger brother.

“Thanks,” Trent grinned and stood on my other side.

I felt even shorter than usual, despite the heels I was wearing, standing next to the Wentworth brothers.

A waiter with a tray of food passed us and my stomach rumbled. The cereal I ate earlier had done little to quench my appetite.

I eyed the food longingly and Trace chuckled. “Hungry?”

“Starving,” I bit my lip.

Trace sought an empty table, and pulled out a chair for me, taking the seat to my right, while Trent took the one to my left.

We hadn’t been seated for long, when a waiter appeared with menus in hand, and glasses of water and champagne.

We each scanned the menu and made our choice out of the three options. I opted for the steak since it seemed like the safest option.

I took a sip of the champagne and gagged. The bubbly liquid tasted disgusting. I couldn’t figure out exactly what the flavor was, I just knew I hated it.

Trace and Trent got quite the chuckle out of my reaction. Neither of them seemed to mind the overly bubbly liquid, but it wasn’t passing through my lips ever again, that was for sure.

What felt like an eternity later, our food was brought out.

I ate it like someone was going to come steal my plate before I had the chance to finish.

“Slow down,” Trace chortled, “you’re going to choke yourself.”

“At least if she chokes herself the party will end early,” Trent mumbled.

Trace glared at his brother. “Thanks for your concern.”

“Hey,” Trent put his hands up in defense, “the sooner these stuffy old farts get out of my house, the sooner I can get the fuck out of here, and to the real party.” An older man glared at Trent as he passed. “Yes, Melvin, you’re one of the stuffy old farts I was talking about,” Trent added loudly to the older man.

The man, Melvin I assumed, shook his head and shuffled away.

“At least there will be fireworks at midnight,” Trent took a bite of asparagus. “That’ll be fun.”

“Hey boys,” I heard Trace’s mom, and turned to find Lily striding towards us, from a few feet away. “Olivia,” she added, smiling at me.

“Hi,” I waved awkwardly.

“Mom,” Trace grinned.

Lily stopped beside Trent’s chair and glared at her youngest son. “Melvin Cross just came up to me and-”

“I’m out of here,” Trent jumped up from his chair and ran away.

Exasperated, Lily threw her hands in the air, and scurried after him.

Trace looked at his fancy silver watch. “All this excitement and it’s already nine o’ clock. What’s next?”