Arranged to My Best Friend

4.

There was a knock on the door of my apartment and I opened it with my toothbrush in my mouth. (Yes, I know it was almost five in the afternoon and I was now brushing my teeth. I wasn't seeing anybody special today.) Ryder stood in the hall, dressed in black slacks, a nice button-up, and a sports jacket. His hair was styled spikily and his feet were decked out rebelliously. He was in a pair of Nikes, not leather loafers.

"Why you dressed like that?" I asked, wiping at my mouth. "Lovin' the shoes by the way."

He cocked an eyebrow. "I told you yesterday."

"I must have not been listening."

"We have a family dinner tonight and I thought it was perfect to introduce you as my girlfriend," he told me.

My eyebrows raised. "How did I miss this vital information?"

"You were too busy watching the newest Assassin's Creed trailer."

"Yep, that explains it." Then I had an important thought cross my mind. "I don't have a dress. Your mother will have my head entering her house without a dress on."

He smirked. "Good thing you have me."

He pulled a zipped up clothing bag from behind him, holding it to me. I took it reluctantly, letting out a relieved breath. "Guess you do come in handy."

I laid the bag across the kitchen counter, unzipping it and opening the flap. My jaw dropped. The dress was midnight blue, one-shoulder and knee-length. It lacked lace and ruffles, which was a plus. I glanced at Ryder on my right, not hiding my smile. Even with my hatred for dresses, this was beautiful. Midnight blue was my favorite color.

"Based on the look on your face, I did well," Ryder commented smugly.

I smacked him on the chest. "I would say no just to deflate your ego, but I'm feeling a little sentimental. Yes, you did very well. It's gorgeous."

"Why don't you try it on?"

I bit my lip. "Because I feel like I'm cheating on my jeans."

He looked amused. "I'm sure you're jeans will understand."

"If you say so," I said hesitantly.

He put his hands on my shoulders, pushing me into my bedroom. After the door was closed, I pulled on the dress and went straight to the full length mirror on the back of my closet door. I started feeling self-conscious because my legs were clearly visible and it showed my shoulders which I'm picky about. Yet at the same time, the dress was conservative and modest, hugging my figure without sculpting itself on. I just wasn't used to seeing this much skin from me.

I went to the bathroom and did a quick hair brushing before wrapping it up in a bun. I dusted a little bit of natural foundation on my cheeks and forehead, giving me some color. I did a soft coat of eyeshadow and mascara. Instead of lipstick or lip gloss, I swiped on Chapstick. I didn't like a lot of make-up. I didn't want to resemble a clown.

Shaking off any nerves, I grabbed the black heels from the back of my closet and left the comforting contents of my room to get Ryder's opinion. I reached the living room and got startled at the sound of loud clapping. I jerked my head to my left and Ryder was leaning against the wall, a dazzling grin on his face.

"You look..." His eyes met mine and I turned pink at the proud glint in them. "Baby, I'm speechless right now."

I smiled. "Thanks, Ry."

He took a few steps forward and slapped a hand to his chest where his heart laid. "I am one lucky man."

"Well duh, you have me."