Say You're Mine (The Gallaghers Book 1) by Layla Hagen (comprehension books .txt) 📕

“Sasha was right. You’re amazing,” I exclaimed. Diana’s makeup was even more subtle than mine usually was, but it highlighted my eyes with the expertly applied mascara and shades of cream and gold on my eyelids. She’d also dusted my jawline and cheekbones with three types of foundation, which defined them so much more. I loved it.

At my request, they also helped me put on the dress; I didn’t want to risk ruining my hair or makeup by doing it myself. Inna zipped me up, and she also secured the straps of my silver sandals around my ankles. Diana gave me small samples from the foundations she used, a lipstick, and the mascara, saying they were included in the price. They fit in my tiny silver clutch perfectly.

“Well, our job here is done,” Toni said. “Good luck tonight. You look fabulous.”

“Thank you all so much. I love everything.”

“That’s our job,” Inna said. “It’s been a pleasure.”

I walked them to the front door. Brayden was sitting on the sofa in a dark gray suit and a white shirt, and I noticed his eyes widen when he first glimpsed me.

He joined me, bidding the team goodbye. The second they were all out, I felt the air thicken with tension between us. He wasn’t saying anything, which only increased the tension. I turned around slowly, looking him directly in the eyes. The heat in them was so damn delicious.

“You kept me out all day.” His tone was accusing.

I put the clutch on the small chair next to the entrance. “I did.”

“On purpose.”

“Hell yes.”

He groaned. “Why?”

“So I could get this reaction.” I pointed at his eyes. “Super-hot look. I was hoping for a growl too.”

He put an arm around my waist, bringing me closer. I pressed two fingers against his lips.

“No kissing,” I said regretfully.

“Why not?”

“You’ll mess up my lipstick.”

“You’re killing me.”

“I’m sorry.” I pouted to emphasize I really meant it.

“If you keep pouting, I’ll kiss you anyway.” He moved his thumb under my lower lip. I pressed my thighs together, exhaling sharply. His mouth curved in a sly smile. “Better yet, I’ll keep you here, have my way with you.”

“You’d miss your own party for me?”

“I’d do a lot more for you than that.”

“Why?”

“I’d rather celebrate this with you alone.”

My sexy, slightly reclusive rock star was putting up walls again. I put my hands at the sides of his neck.

“No can do. Your band needs this, and your fans.” Stepping back, I looked him up and down appreciatively. “I’ve never seen you in a suit. You should wear one more often.” I made a big show of walking around him. “Oh yeah. That ass is just perfection in these pants.”

Laughing, he turned around quickly, but I moved past him. He caught me from behind, burying his head in my hair, kissing my right shoulder. The buttons of his shirt pressed into my back.

“Ready to go?” he whispered.

“I think so. I’m a bit on edge.”

“Don’t be. You’ll enjoy it. Every time you’re nervous, think about how much you mean to me. I love you, Isabelle.”

I sucked in a breath, instantly turning around to face him. My pulse sped up. I realized I’d clasped his shoulders in a tight grip. I sealed my mouth over his. I needed to kiss him and connect with him. He groaned, taking control, tilting my head backward with one hand, touching my bare back with the other. Feeling his rough finger pads against my skin sent a jolt of heat through me, energizing me all the way to my toes. I couldn’t get enough of him. The way he kissed me was simply addictive. The more he gave me, the more I wanted.

Only after we paused to breathe did I remember about my lipstick. Glancing at my mouth, Brayden burst out laughing.

“Hey, don’t laugh, or I won’t tell you that I love you too.”

“Oh really, you won’t?” he asked between fits of laughter.

I shielded my mouth, afraid I was going to scare him away. “Yes, I love you. Now stop laughing.”

He didn’t, of course.

Grabbing the clutch, I headed to the bathroom in the guest bedroom where I’d been with the team today. I sighed in relief when I glanced in the mirror. I didn’t look like Ronald McDonald. I’d made a mess, but it wasn’t that bad. Diana had told me it was very resistant to wiping, but I didn’t really believe it.

I was pretty sure I’d removed three layers of skin as well by the time I’d gotten the smudges Brayden made off. I wasn’t sure if the skin around my mouth was red from all the rubbing or because there was still a hint of lipstick left. I carefully applied foundation around my mouth, then lipstick on my lips. It didn’t look as perfect as when Diana had done it, but it would do. I didn’t have any make-up remover. I’d packed it and my overnight things in the small bag Peter took to the Waldorf Astoria. We were spending the night there because the band was expecting reporters to wait for them in front of their apartments after the event, so it was a way to avoid the madness.

Brayden flashed me a huge smile when I joined him, fixing his gaze on my mouth.

“So much for not kissing.”

“You made me lose my head,” I admitted.

“I know.”

“Hey, a love declaration will do that to a girl. Don’t judge me.”

“I don’t. I think you’re adorable.”

I pointed a shaky finger at him. “Don’t make me lose my head again.”

“I’m tempted.”

“No, no. I won’t have any of that. Let’s go.” I tried to keep my resolve, but as we walked out the penthouse door and stood at the elevator, I couldn’t help but think what a lucky girl I truly was. But would this last? Brayden’s world was so different from mine, and I wasn’t sure if I was really going to feel comfortable with it... or if I’d fit in.

Chapter TwentyIsabelle

Twenty minutes later, Paul dropped