Free Embrace by Melissa Toppen Page A

breathe, completely caught off guard by my appearance. The dress is tight, most definitely, but not in a way that looks like it's too small or anything. Actually, it hugs to every curve I have perfectly and really accents my round hips. Ending about four inches above my knee, it's the perfect length too. Short enough to be sexy but not so short that it's slutty.
                  “Told ya.” Emma chimes from behind me, nodding her head in approval. “Am I good or am I good?”
                  “You're good.” I admit, running my hands along the smooth material.
                  “I have a necklace that will go perfectly. Hang on.” She sings, disappearing again. Reaching up, my fingers settle on the silver compass that Kyle bought me. I have not been able to take it off since Ian sent it to me a few weeks ago and the thought of doing so now leaves me with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
                  “Taking it off isn't a betrayal Grace.” Emma says from behind me, reading my exact thoughts as she catches sight of me gripping the charm in my hand through the mirror. “It's okay to wear a different necklace for one night.” She reassures me.
                  Nodding, I reach around and unclasp the chain, leaning over to lay it on the top of my dresser. Stepping up behind me, Em drapes a black lace choker around my neck and secures the clasp before handing me a pair of black drop earrings.
                  I pull out my silver hoops and put Emma's in their place, taking another look in the mirror once my jewelry is in place.
                  “You look amazing!” Emma sings from behind me. “But...”
                  “What now?” I whine, turning to face her.
                  “It's just, well..... This dress would look even better if you wore your hair down.” She says, eying my stylishly messy up-do.
                  “Let me guess, the makeup is too light too?” I ask, gesturing to my face where nothing but a light layer of mascara and eyeliner have been applied.
                  “Are you kidding? No way. Your makeup is perfect.” She says, smiling widely when she catches my surprised expression.
                  “I'm sorry... come again? Did I just hear you say that my makeup is perfect? I'm pretty sure those are words you have never uttered before in your entire life.” I say, laughing through my words.
                  “Oh shut up. I am not that bad.” She says, grabbing my hand and pulling me out of the room behind her. “Now your hair on the other hand.” She laughs, glancing back at me with an innocent smile.
                  “Yeah yeah. Do your thing.” I sigh, plopping down on the closed toilet seat when she pushes me inside the bathroom.
                  The next thirty minutes are spent letting Emma curl, tease, and spray every square inch of my hair. But I have to admit, it looks amazing once she's done. I may give her a lot of crap when it comes to how particular she is with appearance, but let's be honest, she knows her stuff.
                  By six thirty, I am a ball of nerves. Pacing the living room wondering what the hell I was thinking agreeing to this. It's one thing to be around each other and instinct simply take over. It's quite another to plan to spend time together and try to fight that instinct.
                  In what world does a person agree to go on a date with a man like Zayne rather than just taking him to bed and having their way with him? He's not the type of man that you date. He's not a man that you talk to, share secrets with, get to know on an intimate level. No, he's a man you fuck. A man you fuck and then a man you get the hell away from. So why the hell am I not running?
                  “Would you sit down already, you're making me