New Year

I couldn't believe my eyes as I stood before the full-length mirror in the bedroom. Brandon had called a stylist to take care of my hair and my makeup for the party. And now that I'd added the outfit we'd picked the day before, it was like seeing another person in the mirror. Hand to heart, I had no idea I could look so pretty.

He came to stand behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders, looking up and down my reflection with his warm smile.

"Look. That's my favorite top model ever," he whispered in my ear.

Before I could argue, he produced his phone and circled my waist with his arm, sticking to my side for the classic mirror picture.

He turned to me and his eyes slid down to my lips. "Fuck. I should let you at least get to the party with your makeup untouched, right?"

"You better," I replied, dying to kiss him.

He raised a finger and hurried to his bag, from where he came back with a longish black velvet case. My frown made him smile.