Chapter 12

“I’m not wearing the tie,” he announced, like that made all the difference. Taking a step back, he surveyed his reflection in the mirror over the dresser as best he could. The black shirt was the nicest one he owned, and Stacy had ironed it for him after he’d pressed the collar crooked so it looked pretty sharp. He still wasn’t sure about tucking it into his gray wool pants, but Stacy claimed that he didn’t have a gut on him like it felt like he did and leaving it hanging out looked too sloppy.

“You look great either way.” Clambering off the bed, she came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him a fierce hug. “I’m proud of you for doing this. I know it’s not easy for you.”

Her embrace dispelled some of the chilly nerves that had been threatening him. He even managed to smile at her in the mirror. “I’m still not going to ask him to strip again so I can record it for you.”