His Shortcake

Chapter 11

Tamara Ramirez

Seeing Rory again was like stepping into a time capsule, back to when she and Alec would chat with me on Skype. In those days, Rory felt like the big sister I never had—her spirit was infectious, full of life and laughter, always able to lift my spirits no matter the situation. Sadly, her patience for Alec's antics ran its course, and their paths eventually diverged.

After she took my measurements, Rory had me choose a color for my Charity Gala gown, a black-and-white affair that required a touch of elegance. I opted for a pearly white dress with an open back, its simplicity promising to make a statement. Rory assured me it would be delivered to my house before Friday night, adding her special touch of excitement to the upcoming event.

With a final embrace, Rory waved us off, her smile lingering in the rearview mirror as we drove away from her boutique.

"You look better than you did this morning," Dustyn noted, his eyes on the road but a smirk playing on his lips.

I could feel the corners of my mouth tugging upward in a grin that felt permanently affixed. "I feel better! Thank you, Dy."

He smiled back at me, that familiar warmth in his voice. "You're welcome, shortcake."

Reality set in as we drove the familiar route toward my house. I groaned, realizing the impending lecture. "Ugh. Alec has probably already told Dad about last night. I'm going to get an earful!"

Dustyn chuckled, glancing over at me with a teasing glint in his eye. "Consequences of your actions."

I pouted, playing the part of the innocent younger sister. "But you'll save me, right?"

His eyes softened, and his voice dropped to a reassuring tone. "Always, shortcake."

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned away, unsure of the sudden flutter of emotions inside me. Dustyn's words always had a way of making me feel safe, but this time there was something else, something I couldn't quite put my finger on—a strange feeling that made me question what was happening between us.

The rest of the drive was filled with a comfortable silence, though I could sense Dustyn's occasional glances. I was grateful he didn't press me to talk; I wasn't ready to untangle the complicated mess of feelings swirling around in my head.

As we pulled up to the house, the sight of our double doors wide open sent a wave of nervousness through me. From the car, I could see Alec and Dad in the living room with Amelia, who was clearly enjoying the drama about to unfold. Her smirk was unmistakable as she watched me emerge from the car, with Dustyn following closely behind.

"Dad," I mumbled, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. I avoided Alec's gaze, knowing full well he wasn't thrilled with me. I tried to act casual, but I could feel the tension in the room.

"Jack, good afternoon," Dustyn said smoothly, taking the initiative to greet my father. "I am so sorry I kept Mara out for far too long today."

Dad's gaze shifted to me, his eyes searching mine with a question I could only imagine. Hope? Disappointment? Perhaps a bit of both. "Were you with her last night?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

Dustyn remained calm, unfazed by my father's stern demeanor. "I was, sir. I picked her and her friends up from the party. I couldn't bring her home because I had a conference late last night."

"You should have called," Dad reprimanded, casting a sharp look at Dustyn.

"I did call Alec," Dustyn replied, a playful glint in his eye as he turned the tables on my unsuspecting brother. "He must've forgotten to inform you."