“I told you I wasn’t going to let you stress tonight, didn’t I?”
He gave her a quick kiss and headed for the door, as if he hadn’t just swept her off her feet again.
Chapter Twenty
DASH TUGGED AT his bow tie, pacing the living room in his white tuxedo jacket and black slacks. Amber had gotten ready in the guest room because Indi had insisted she make a grand entrance. But Indi had left half an hour ago, and Amber still hadn’t come out. He went to check on her and stopped at the end of the hall, unable to speak past the awe of Amber walking toward him in a long, shimmery midnight-blue gown with a plunging neckline, her fingers trailing over Reno’s back. Her hair was gathered over the front of one shoulder in old-Hollywood style cascading waves. She was stunning when she wore little makeup, but with winged eyeliner and red lips, he had no words.
“Do I really have to share you with other men tonight?”
That innocent, sexy smile he loved curved her lips, and she ran her fingers nervously along the exposed skin between her breasts. “It’s not too much? I’ve never worn anything like this.”
He took her hand, kissing the back of it. “Sweetheart, you are always gorgeous, but in that dress you literally take my breath away. I might need to wear my football gear to keep hordes of men away from my girl.”
She laughed, a melodic, sweet, nervous sound.
“You’re just missing one thing.” He reached into his pocket, withdrew a long black jewelry box, and opened the top, revealing a gold necklace with a diamond acorn pendant he’d bought her.
Her jaw dropped. “Dash…?”
“I couldn’t let this weekend pass without commemorating our first trip to New York City together. And I knew you’d feel a little naked without Reno or your necklace. Hopefully, this will help.”
Her eyes teared up. “Thank you.” She fanned her face. “I’m going to ruin my makeup.”
“You’ll still be the most beautiful woman there.” He moved behind her to put it on and kissed the sexy freckles on her shoulder. She touched the necklace as he moved beside her, a single tear sliding down her cheek. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tissue. “I had a feeling this might happen.” He dabbed at the wetness and kissed her temple. “Still stunning.”
She blinked several times, clearly trying not to cry. “I love it. Thank you so much.”
“And I love you.” He leaned in for a kiss but stopped short to avoid ruining her lipstick. “You’re in for trouble after this event if I have to look at those lips all night and not kiss them.”
“I like your brand of trouble, my dashing prince.” She tapped her cheek, and he kissed it.
“Shall we go?” He held out his arm. “Your limo awaits.”
“Limo?” She hugged him. “You really do make me feel like the belle of the ball.” She took his arm as they headed for the elevator. “Do you have extra football gear? I think I might need my own with you looking more handsome than Sean Connery in those old James Bond movies.”
“This double-oh-seven only has eyes for you, baby.”
THE BAD FAMILY had once again outdone themselves. Dash and Amber followed a red carpet to the entrance of the ballroom, where they had their pictures taken beneath a massive HOLLYWOOD sign with red velvet curtains on either side before entering the crowded event. He couldn’t wait to see that picture. He had the woman he loved on his arm, and she’d beamed for the camera. His siblings would have a field day with the unstoppable toddler smile he was surely sporting, but damn…
He was one hell of a happy man.
Men and women decked out in old-Hollywood style mingled as they played blackjack, roulette, slot machines, and other casino games beneath glittering gold and silver stars that dangled from the ceiling. A band was playing, and couples danced on the dance floor just beyond the round dining tables, which were draped in black tablecloths and decorated with elaborate centerpieces of red and white roses and playing cards. Cardboard cutouts of celebrities dressed in long gowns and fancy tuxedos from Hollywood’s golden age were scattered around the room, and enormous pictures of Lorelei Bad and other children who had stayed at the Ronald McDonald House decorated the walls.
“There’s my favorite guy!” Tiffany hurried over to greet them, her burgeoning baby bump covered by an elegant black gown. Her blond hair was twisted in an elaborate updo. She hugged Dash. “Am I seeing things, or did you bring a gorgeous date?”
His mind trampled back to his earlier conversation with Amber, but this wasn’t the time to get lost in that, and he pushed those thoughts away. “You’re seeing things, because I brought the most gorgeous date. This is Amber Montgomery, my girlfriend. Amber, this is Tiffany Winters-Bad, the toughest sports agent around.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Amber said, offering her hand.
“I’ve repped this guy for years, and not once has he brought a date to a function or ever used the G-word. This calls for an awkward-pregnancy hug.” Tiffany leaned over her belly to hug Amber. “Sorry. I’m still learning to maneuver around this thing. You should have seen me trying on dresses. Talk about a nightmare, but yours is incredible. Who made it?”
“Jillian Braden,” Amber said sweetly.
“I knew it. I love her designs. She needs to make a maternity line.”
“I’ll let her know,” Amber said. “I love your gown, too.”
“You look beautiful, Tiff,” Dash said. “I bet Dylan is over the moon. Do you know what you’re having yet?”
Tiffany rubbed her belly. “A linebacker probably, based on how hard this baby kicks.”
“A boy, then? You’re going to name it Dash, right?” Dash teased.
Tiffany arched a brow. “Dashell? I don’t think so.”
“When is your baby due?” Amber asked.
“After the Super Bowl, thank goodness.”
“When is that?” Amber whispered.
“Early February.” Dash pulled her close again.
“I take it you’re not a football fan?” Tiffany asked.
“I’ve always been more of a bookworm than a sports fan, but Dash is teaching me about football, and I really like watching it with him,” Amber answered.
“Amber owns the bookstore in Virginia, where I kicked off my tour,” Dash explained.
“I guess that explains the medical emergency that interrupted the signing.” Tiffany winked at Amber. “Dash met you and his heart stopped?”
Dash held Amber a little tighter. “Something like that.”
“Hey, Dash!” Tiffany’s husband called out, waving from across the room, then motioned for Tiffany to join him.
“That’s Dylan, Tiffany’s husband,” Dash explained to Amber. “The guys he’s with are Johnny Bad and his older brother Kane.”
“I’d better get over there before my husband convinces Johnny to write a song for our baby,” Tiffany said. “I think I saw the Brat Pack over by the blackjack table. Go have fun and spend lots of money. It’s for a good cause. I’ll catch up with you later.”