Free My Only Wish by Anna Robbins

likely haunt me.”
    He chuckled. “You’re welcome back any time.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know it’s short notice, but I was invited to the Governors charity benefit on Thursday. I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
    “The Governor… of California?” She couldn’t help the shock in her voice. She had been lulled by good food and friendly conversation in the sandwich place, making her forget exactly who he was and what he did for a living.
    “That would be him.” He laughed at her blank expression, but sobered quickly. “I’m still that guy from the club, Abby. I’m just a normal person.”
    “I know. It’s just a little jarring. You live a totally different life than me.”
    “Not so different.” He cupped her face in his hands, raising her gaze to his. “I’m just a guy that plays pool in a bar, throws peanuts on the floor with kids, takes gorgeous women for dinner on yachts, and one that looks for any excuse to kiss you.”
    When he bent down, giving her a quick, playful kiss, she laughed, relaxing at his words.   He was right. He was still the same person she had been spending time with. None of that changed because of what he did. Or more important, what he had. “I’d love to go with you.”
    “Great. It’s formal attire. Will that be a problem?”
    “It shouldn’t be.”
    “I’ll pick you up at five.” He leaned down for a soft kiss, and she sighed at the flavor of him. Even the small contact had her pulse jumping. “I’ll see you soon.” He opened the door of her car, helping her in before closing it.
    With a last smile, she drove down and out of the structure, glancing at him through her mirror until she couldn’t see him anymore.
    With a deep breath, she merged into traffic, trying to focus on her route home instead of the fact that she was in love with a man more complicated than anyone she had ever met.

Chapter 8

    Sitting in front of her vanity, Abby applied a slick coat of fire-engine-red lipstick. She wasn’t normally so bold with her make-up, but tonight was special, and she had a feeling she might need the extra boost to her confidence.
    Glancing at the river of ruby silk draped across her bed, she felt a nervous flutter within her stomach. It wasn’t a dress that she would have normally picked, but shopping with Ashley, she had agreed that this dress notched up her wow factor. It fit her in sinful perfection, accentuating her slim waist, drawing attention to her best features while downplaying her less-desirable ones.
    She had already gone to the hairdresser, scheduling the appointment early enough so she wouldn’t feel rushed. This was the one night she didn’t want to rush. At the stylist’s suggestion, she left her hair loose, tumbling down her back in soft curls. It felt airy, light in its simplicity.
    He would be here soon. Another flutter.
    She slipped on her dress, shivering as the cool silk kissed her skin. It heated quickly, adapting to her own temperature.
    It was simple in its design, a hidden zipper at the side, emphasizing the beautiful material with few embellishments except for the gathered fabric at the scooped neckline. The thin straps across her shoulders didn’t have a utilitarian purpose, more artistic than functional, but they drew the eye to her creamy shoulders. The gold chandelier earrings she slipped on finished the look. Sexy, smooth, sophisticated. And not quite safe.
    For the first time in her life, she didn’t want to be safe. She didn’t want to be held back, unable to move forward because of her natural reserve. She wanted to be bold.
    Dylan had touched a part of her that she had never given to anyone before. And no matter how their relationship ended, she wanted to know that she had given him everything and had held no part of herself back.
    “Just enjoy tonight,” she told herself in the mirror. Tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed.
    The doorbell sounded and her lips curved. Checking her gold clutch, she