That’s all Ace’s message says after I text him my address. He’ll be here at nine. My heart skips a beat. I don’t think I’ve ever so looked forward to a specific time in my entire life.

When the phone buzzes again with another message, my hand shoots out to grab it and I realize I’m holding my breath. Be ready for me.

A thrill runs down my spine. Be ready for him. What does that mean? Obviously, I would be dressed and ready to go. Why wouldn’t I? I’m not one of those girls who makes a man wait for her, just to be certain he knows who’s running the show or some nonsense like that.

Be ready for me. A very interesting quartet of words. Bossy, but in a good way.

It is the words ‘for me’ that linger in my head as I slide the dress over my head, careful not to destroy the hair I just spent a whole hour perfecting. I’ve never been able to pull off a sexy, curly look before. It’s always turned out too curly or not curly enough. But right now, my hair is hanging over my shoulders in soft, gentle waves which frame my face in quite an attractive way, if I say so myself.

I almost don’t want to leave the apartment for fear of a stiff breeze ruining the entire thing. But then, nobody would be able to see how good it looks.

And this dress. The fabric is smooth, fluid, and it’s cut to flow over my curves like water. The black satin makes my skin glow a warm color. The way it’s draped over my breasts gives the illusion that it might fall and expose them at any second. In actual fact the straps are firmly sewn and there’s a bit of support expertly hidden beneath but the untrained eye would never know it.

I remember when I bought this, I thought it was hot, sexy, provocative. I thought it might help stir something up between James and me. Yeah, it stirred something up, all right. One of our worst fights, and one of the low points of my self-esteem.

You really think you can pull off a dress like that?

I can still see him sitting there on the edge of the bed when I pulled the plastic from the hanger, revealing what I had just purchased on a rush of hope. I mean, that sort of thing is for…

He didn’t need to finish the statement. I knew what he meant. This sort of dress is for a thin girl, a fitter girl. Not for a girl with full breasts, hips, butt, thighs. Not for a girl who enjoys dessert, and eats whatever she wants.

And so the dress lived in the back of my closet.

I smooth the silky material over my hips. Yes, this beautiful, gorgeous dress which looks like a million bucks, lived in the darkest part of closet because of him. It is just another piece of me self-esteem and confidence which he tried to take away, but I’m now taking back.

I turn to take a look at my rear view. Hot damn. “Screw you,” I whisper with a grin. “You wish you could get your hands on this now.”

I slip into a pair of strappy gold heels and clip on a pair of dangly earrings. It was fun, going out today to buy them once I knew James was good and gone. Not to mention picking out the frilly, almost nonexistent thong I’m wearing beneath the dress. It’s like having a sexy secret nobody else knows about.

Ace will know, if he plays his cards right. We don’t even have to go to a party, as far as I’m concerned. I’d be just fine with a little more of that hot, steamy lovin’ I got last night. We can stay right here in the apartment. Maybe a lot more of it, in fact.

I touch up my mascara and I notice the way my hand trembles ever so slightly. Truth is I’m nervous. Very nervous. I can’t remember the last time I dressed like this. “You’re gorgeous, and don’t let anybody else tell you different. Remember how he treated you last night. Remember how much he wanted you. And the ice cream…”

Well, now my panties are wet.

By eight-fifty-nine, I’m standing by the front door. Maybe it’s stupid, but I want to open the door right away when he rings the bell. I take a step back. Maybe I shouldn’t be so eager? Am I expecting a gold star from the teacher? Maybe I can hand him a shiny, freshly-polished apple while I’m at it. “Dawn, you are so stupid,” I mutter, turning away from the door.

Then, the bell rings and I turn right back to it, my heart fluttering in my chest.

How did he get up from the street without me so much as hearing him? It could be the blood rushing in my ears, since my heart’s been pounding all night.

I fling open the door and…

He’s stunning. Oh, God. Beautiful. If a man can be described as beautiful. I don’t see why this one couldn’t because holy moly, he’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

And damn, can he wear a suit. I can’t imagine how much it must have cost, cut just for his body, and fitting him like a glove. The deep red of his tie matches my nails and I want to wind it around my fist as I yank him toward me. I want this man all over me. I want to enjoy him while I can.

“My God,” he murmurs, his sparkling blue eyes raking over me as he starts at my head and works his way down to my feet, then back up again. “You’re so fucking gorgeous, Dawn.” The way he says my name makes it sound like a song. A seductive song I can’t get enough of.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” I whisper, then kicking myself. Why must I always say such inane things? Why can’t I be clever and witty?

But he doesn’t seem to mind one bit as he reaches for my hand and raises it to his lips. The touch of them against my skin sends crackling bursts of electricity shooting through my arm. My nerves dance and sizzle.

“You’re absolutely delicious,” he murmurs, staring deep into my eyes. “I almost want to say screw the party, let’s go into my bedroom and only come out for food.”

“I think you said that last night too,” I say, and immediately flush hard.

He chuckles. “Yes, your taste is still on my tongue, heaven”

I don’t know whether to carry on blushing harder, or throw myself into his arms and never let go. He helps me into my coat, resting his hands on my shoulders when he’s finished. “You are truly the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispers into my ear. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to do anything tonight but fantasize about the things I want to do to you after the party.”

It looks like this is going to be a very nice start to the new year.

He leads me downstairs, to where a limousine is parked at the curb. More than a few pairs of eyes linger on it as people walk past. My cheeks glow with the knowledge that they’re jealous, and of me. Indirectly, anyway. I want to scream and jump up and down to get their attention. It’s me! I’m the one getting into the limo with this delectable man! Yes, he’s real! I didn’t create him in a lab even though he looks like I did because he’s so damn perfect!

The driver closes the door behind Ace once he slides in beside me. “This is incredible,” I murmur, running my hands over the supple leather. It even smells so good in here. I feel luxurious, swanky.

“You’re so incredibly beautiful, Dawn. I almost can’t believe you’re real” He leans over, taking my chin between two fingers and pulling me toward him for a soft, lingering kiss that makes my very toes sizzle.

“Careful,” I whisper with a breathy, shaky laugh. “You’ll smudge my lipstick and end up with a face full of it yourself.”

“I wouldn’t mind having you all over me when we walk into the party,” he growls and oh, my God, my stomach literally flips inside my body at the heavy meaning behind his words.

“Maybe not, but I do think you’ll hate looking like a clown.”

He laughs. “I guess I’ll have to learn to wait. I’ve never had that problem before you.” He rests a hand on my knee, and goes no further, which is possibly the worst torture I can imagine because I’m aching for more.

And he knows it, if the sexy smirk he can’t seem to wipe off his face is any indication.

This is going to be an interesting night.