Meryl's POV
Darkness had already begun to settle outside when we finally returned to the hotel. Andre tossed his keys onto the entryway table with practiced ease while I collapsed onto the plush sofa, sighing as I slipped off my heels.
"Three hours in that boutique," I groaned, massaging my aching feet. "Three entire hours."
Andre's low chuckle filled the room as he loosened his shirt buttons. "Not my problem you looked incredible in every single dress you tried on."
I shot him a look, though I couldn't suppress my smile. "You're ridiculous."
"And you adore it," he called back, disappearing down the hallway.
The gala would begin in less than half an hour, and neither of us had even showered yet. I quickly stripped out of my clothes, tossing them toward the hamper while the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Steam was already beginning to seep under the door, and something about that simple sound made my pulse quicken.
