The Dazzling Place
Fenella’s POV
I looked at myself in the mirror. I don’t know how long I spent making sure my appearance was perfect, as Oscar had requested.
I styled my hair with a curling iron to give it a bit more thickness and waves. I also applied styling cream specifically designed to add volume and smoothness.
Following Oscar and Alan’s final choice, I wore a red lace lingerie set. Then, I put on a shimmering gold minidress that reached mid-thigh with a low-cut neckline. I didn’t forget a small black purse with a gold chain strap to hold my phone and credit card wallet. My ensemble was completed with a set of gold earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet.
All were designed by Oscar de Ragetti.
I clicked the heels of my ankle-high glittery black boots. I looked at myself in the mirror and furrowed my brow for a moment. If people didn’t know about the spontaneous dance arrangement, they would think I was overdoing it.
I mean, this attire is more suitable for divas performing on stage!
“It’s okay, Fenella. You look stunning.” I reassured myself.
There was no time left to feel insecure or embarrassed. Today was a crucial turning point for me as I advanced my career. Oscar’s party guests would include stars, fashion magazine editors, and fashion designers. That’s why I had to look stunning tonight.
The doorbell of the apartment rang. When I opened the door, I immediately saw Laird with his bright smile. He seemed stunned when he saw me.
“Hi, Laird,” I said enthusiastically.
“Whoah. Hey, Fenella. Wow.” Laird continued to gaze at my appearance.
Laird himself seemed to have dressed up to look more luxurious. I could recognize the branded clothes he wore. A black leather bomber jacket with silver zipper accents, a white t-shirt, black jeans, a watch, and black sneakers. Laird’s entire ensemble screamed a born-rich aura.
“You look cool, Laird.” I complimented his appearance.
“A thrift store salesman gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” Laird shrugged with a crooked smile.
I laughed at his joke. A son of the Evans family wouldn’t possibly buy all that at a thrift store. Plus, I could clearly see that his clothes and shoes were the latest models from famous designers.
“Do I look beautiful?” I asked jokingly, spinning around for effect.
Laird chuckled. He continued to look at me with a wide smile. It almost felt like I could catch fire if he didn’t stop staring at me with those emerald-green eyes.
“Dazzling.” He grinned crookedly.
“Sorry, I couldn’t find a fairy godmother to give me a Cinderella gown,” I said with a shy smile.
“No worries. I couldn’t find a stallion either. Ready to go now?” Laird asked.
“Yes. I’m ready.”
I closed the apartment door, and it automatically locked. I linked my arm with Laird’s just like I did on prom night.
No, wait. I shouldn’t reminisce about prom night. Tonight, I wouldn’t waste my chance.
I would show all the changes in me. I would show Fenella Baxter version 2. 0 with a successful career as a model. I would make Laird kneel before me with my appearance tonight.
That’s what I thought as I put on those clothes. In reality, things turned around again. I was surprised again when Laird opened the car door and invited me into the red Ferrari sports car parked in front of my apartment.
“You said you couldn’t find a stallion,” I teased as I got into the car.
“I prefer to think of it as a mare.” He closed the car door and walked with confident strides.
As he got into the car and started the engine, Laird paused for a moment in his seat. He turned to look at me and continued to examine my face closely.
“Wow. You’ve really come a long way, Fenella,” Laird said, his eyes still gazing at every line of my face.
“Yeah, I’ve grown more mature. We’re not kids anymore,” I said with a crooked smile.
“Not just that. You look stunning. Much more beautiful than in high school,” Laird’s hand brushed a strand of hair falling on my cheek.
“I should have brought you flowers.” Laird’s voice lowered as his gaze remained fixed on me.
God, I blushed at his words. Laird’s words and his continuous admiration made me feel heady. It was like a confirmation that Laird was crazy about me.
Without thinking, I leaned forward to kiss Laird’s lower lip. He was momentarily startled, but soon joined me in exploring the depths of each other’s mouths with his tongue.
One of Laird’s hands cupped my cheek, while his other hand stroked my waist down to my thigh. We tasted all the sensations on our lips and tongues. God, his kiss was intoxicating. Our interlocked lips felt perfect and complemented each other.
It didn’t take long for me to reach the tip of passion within me. How easily I was ignited by desire when alone with Laird. When we were out of breath, I pulled away.
“We’re going to be late,” I said.
I knew if I didn’t stop this, we wouldn’t make it to the party. It would be bad for me.
“Of course,” Laird quickly replied between his rushing breaths.
He seemed amazed by our kiss, as if reluctant to stop. There was something deeper behind our momentary desire. But it seemed my words made him realize again that our night was far from over.
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Throughout the ride, we talked about many things. I told him about some important people we would meet at the party: my boss Alan, my agent Jessy, Oscar as a client, and a few other model friends.
Of course, I didn’t spill the secret about my appearance tonight. I wanted him to be even more amazed and crazy about me. My dance instructor was very confident that I could charm any man I wanted after they saw my performance on stage.
Plus, with the hype about spontaneity echoed by Oscar, I would look more like a woman who naturally had sexy dance talent. Even though everything was actually planned and rehearsed.
The roar of the Ferrari’s engine attracted a lot of attention in front of the club. Everyone turned to look as we arrived.
“Ugh, look at those journalists and paparazzis,” I groaned.
“I’d rather hide from them,” he mumbled while squinting his eyes.