You can’t get pregnant in the shower, right? That’s the thought I have as I put on the lingerie that’s laid out on the bed for me.

Patterson has left me in here all day while a team of people came over to make me beautiful. I had my body scrubbed even though he already did a thorough job of that earlier, then I was buffed and polished within an inch of my life. I look down at my perfect nails that are a soft gray color and see that they match the undergarments I’m supposed to wear tonight. I’m sure this is not by coincidence.

My sex clenches when I think about Patterson holding me up against the shower wall as he pounded into me. He came twice before he put me down, and then he licked me between my legs because he wanted to see what we tasted like together. At one point he slipped a finger in my ass and I thought I was going to break into a million pieces. I can’t believe I was so innocent only a day ago. I never thought sex could be like this, and from what friends told me in high school, they must have been doing it wrong. The first time didn’t even really hurt, and then after that it was nothing but ecstasy.

There’s a soft knock on the bedroom door and I hear one of the assistants, Luna, ask if everything is okay.

"Just a second," I say as I slip on the bra and panties and matching garters and slip. This seems like a ton of things that Patterson is just going to have to peel off me later. The thought makes me dizzy with lust and I ache for him to fill me again. He filled an emptiness that I hadn’t know was there.

Once I’ve got everything on, I open the door and Luna comes inside with a garment bag held high. This is the dress Patterson wouldn’t let me try on and now I’m excited to see it. She hangs it up on the closet door and unzips it. She takes the dress out and I’m shocked at how beautiful it is. It’s top to bottom lace that’s a deep plum color and I can’t wait to try it on.

I stand in front the mirror as I step into it, and Luna helps me with the buttons. It’s got long sleeves that are snug the whole way down and the front plunges low between my breasts. The back is the same and there is a small clasp at the back of my neck holding the delicate material together. The dress hugs me all the way to my feet, where it cascades onto the floor. From the way the dress is made, the entire thing looks see-through and the lace is strategically placed in the all the right places.

"Patterson is going to die," I say as I turn from side to side in the mirror and admire myself.

My blonde hair is down with just one side of my hair pinned back. My skin is glowing and I’ve never looked more beautiful. I want to cry.

"Don’t do that. You’ll mess up the makeup," Luna says as she brings over a tissue. "You look—"

"Breathtaking," Patterson finishes for her, and I turn around to see him at the doorway. "Thank you, Luna, I think I can take it from here."

I look down and see he’s holding a pair of heels and I smile at him. I give Luna a quick hug goodbye and thank her for her help. Patterson closes the door after her.

"Maybe you should stay on that side of the room," I say when he comes prowling closer to me. He gives me an evil smile and I hold my hand out. "I mean it. This is the nicest I’ve ever looked and I want to enjoy it for five more minutes."

"Is that all?" he says as he leans in close and kisses me on the bare skin of my neck. "I think I can come up with something to do in the meantime."

He presses his body against mine and his hard cock makes me wet instantly. He has broken the flood gates, because apparently I’m just turned on all the time now. I was interested in sex before, but there was never an opportunity for it. Now that I’ve given myself to Patterson the only thing I want to do is get back in bed.

"Quit looking at me like that. One of us has to have some self-control."

"Not it," I say quickly, and he laughs and shakes his head.

"Come here and let me help you." He takes my hand and leads me over to the bed where I sit on the edge and he kneels in front of me.

He takes one foot and slips on my shoe and then buckles it before he moves to the next. It’s so sweet and personal and I love how he smiles up at me when he’s finished. I lean down and kiss him softly on the lips, careful I don’t get the dark plum lipstick all over him.

"I don’t know if I’m going to make it through tonight." He stands up and pulls me to him as he looks at me in the mirror. His finger traces down my naked back and to my ass, which he grabs. "I’m going to go insane with people looking at you."

"I’m sure there will be a lot of people there. I’ll blend in." At least I hope I will. I’m anxious about possibly running into people from my past and causing problems for Patterson.

He takes my chin and makes me look up at him. "You could never blend in, but especially not in this dress. Now stop worrying about what’s to come. You’re on my arm tonight and the only thing you need to worry about is if your feet hurt."

He always has the ability to read me so well, and while it could be aggravating, it’s kind of a blessing. I like that I can’t hide from him and he’s already at the ready to make me feel my best.

I smooth down the lapel of his tux and straighten his bowtie. "Did I mention you look devilishly handsome?" I ask, and I love his cocky grin.

"I’m here as your arm candy tonight," he says and holds his hand out for me to take. I shake my head and roll my eyes as we walk out of the room.

It’s so easy being happy with him. He’s playful and relaxed and I’ve fallen completely for him. I know it’s soon, but I’ve lived my life on the other side of this coin and I’m not taking anything for granted anymore. I’m seizing my moment, and being with Patterson is what dreams are made of. No matter what happens tonight or in our future, we’ll figure it out. I feel his strength beside me and I know he’s not going anywhere.

The ride to the music hall is quick, but it’s nice to be in the backseat with him. This way I don’t have to drive and think about where we’re going. I get to look at Patterson as he tells me excitedly about his work and this project that means so much to him.

When we get to the event, there are paparazzi set up outside with a red carpet. I’m instantly nervous, but Patterson takes my hand, and we walk right down it without stopping. He waves at a few people, and I can hear the cameras going off, but he doesn’t pay them any attention. I try to draw from his strength instead of focusing on my anxiety and I take a deep breath once we’re inside.

"Let’s get you a glass of champagne," he says when a waiter walks by with a tray. Patterson snags two of them and passes me one.

"There you are, and I see you’ve brought this stunning beauty with you," Simon says, walking over and taking my hand.

Patterson immediately takes my hand out of his, and I laugh as Simon pretends to be offended. Simon introduces me to his husband, and I laugh when Dean gets just as protective with Simon as Patterson is with me.