The Invitation - Book cover

The Invitation

Teddy

Chapter 2

“You’ve looked great in everything you’ve tried on, Wills.”

It had been dress after dress after dress that just wasn’t right for Willow, though Lorie had different opinions.

“This is so dumb. I don’t even know why I’m doing this,” she said from inside the dressing room.

“Because you’re hot, I’m hot, and we’re going to have a great time.”

Willow rolled her eyes before taking a deep breath and stepping out to show Lorie the last dress.

If this didn’t work, she would just give up and spend her Saturday night at home on the couch, watching Supernatural re-runs on TV.

Lorie’s eyes went wide, a slow smile spreading across her face, as she said, “Now that’s the dress.”

The gown was floor-length and black with a slit that went dangerously high up her thigh. The entire back was open, and it had a plunging neckline accented with tiny crystals. The entire dress flowed off her beautifully.

“I suppose you’re right,” Willow murmured in agreement, a bit shocked at her own reflection.

She looked sexy.

“She’ll take this one,” Lorie yelled over at the shopping attendant.

***

Later, Willow and Lorie sat in the kitchen fully dressed. They sipped cheap prosecco as they waited for the chauffeur to arrive.

“You know what’s weird?” Lorie said, “All the other times I’ve gone to a party at the estate, they never sent a driver to pick me up.”

“Maybe they’re changing things up for their guests?” Willow suggested.

“Or you’re about to have the most magical night of your life,” teased Lorie.

As soon as the clock struck 10:30 p.m., the doorbell rang.

Willow and Lorie both perked up.

“Here we go,” Lorie grabbed Willow by the arm before she could run away and hide.

On the other side of the door was a tall man in an all-black suit.

“Ms. Bridges,” he began saying, “I am here to escort you to Heathcliff Estate on behalf of Mr. Damon Banes.”

“I will be accompanying Ms. Banes,” Lorie mock curtsied. Willow slapped her on the back of the arm and gave her a warning look.

“Very well,” the man nodded. “If you’ll please both follow me.”

***

“This was such a bad idea,” muttered Willow, following Lorie and a few other guests who’d arrived just before them up the large, ornate staircase to the Heathcliff Estate.

Willow had to be careful not to trip over her long dress. It trailed behind her dramatically.

At the top of the stairs were hundreds of lanterns. They shone in the dark, bathing their skin in gold.

A waiter offered Willow and Lorie a flute of champagne.

When Willow took a sip, she immediately knew this was nothing like the cheap prosecco they drank at home.

“This stuff is liquid gold,” whispered Lorie.

Now, as the doorman was opening the door for them, Willow half-wished she could just turn around, sprint down the stairs, and go home.

Maybe it was just the champagne, but Willow suddenly had butterflies in her stomach.

She took a step back nervously.

Lorie seemed to sense her train of thought, though, and took her hand in her own, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

The door dramatically swung open.

Right on the other side of it, standing side by side, were the three Bane brothers.

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