Hailey's POV
Ian's sparkly blue eyes slowly trailed over my body as he appreciated my outfit. Tonight I had two outfits planned, one for Abi's sake and the other for the party. No way will I let my little goddaughter see me dressed in anything skimpy. I have to set an example as her godmother. She will not learn to sexualize her body because of me.
"Beautiful as always," he answered, continuing to check me out.
"Thank you. Wait until you see tonight's outfit. We're matching." I winked at him.
"Another outfit?!"
I guess I had forgotten to tell him. "Yes, another one. I can't show up to Nacio's party like this. Love me enough to change again?"
Ian sighed, plopping from his side to his back on the bed. "You're killing me, woman. But, of course, I will do whatever you ask of me."
"She just looks so damn cute!" I pinched at Abi's cheeks, seeing her smile at me. Her sweet dress and giant bow were melting me away.
"Just wait until you have your own." Liv laughed, seeing me pale for a moment. I love children, and of course, I want some of my own, but not for another few years at least. Yet Ian makes me want to throw away my timeline and just go with whatever happens. He looked at me with a smile that pierced my heart with pure love. His eyes admired me as if he were thinking about me carrying his child, and the thought somehow got me wet. What the hell is wrong with me? Why is everything making me so damn horny?
"Not for a while, but let me tell you if I have a girl- oh man. That poor girl is going to be dressed up on the daily. I'll design her own little outfits. She'll be unique."
"Just like her mom," Ian added, making my tan self somehow blush red enough for Liv to see and poke my cheek.
"I like this look on you," she said, smiling so wide, her icy blue eyes lit up.
"Oh, leave me be." I swatted her hand away, rolling my eyes at her, but she knew I liked the compliment.
Hanging with Liv and Lucas was nice and really wholesome. I liked all of us getting along and laughing together. It made me happy to see Lucas and Ian interacting and getting along. My eyes were focused on him most of the time, as they seem to be all the time here lately. Ian's smile and laughter were contagious, even from across the room. Oh, my heart, be still.
"Thank you, guys for hanging with us tonight," Liv said, hugging me tightly as we parted ways. We hadn't done very much or stayed very long, but it was clear that Liv was tired. It was hard to tell if it was the pregnancy or the cancer that was causing it, and that in itself was a scary thought.
"Be safe, enjoy the rest of your night. I'll come to your house for Sunday brunch with food from Papi, okay?"
"Sounds perfect." She nodded her head. I kissed her cheek, then Abi's, giving Lucas a hug before letting Ian say his awkward goodbye. It was obvious he wasn't sure if he should hug Liv or not, but she didn't give him a chance to really think about it as she hugged him with Abi in her arms. "You're coming on Sunday too, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it," he assured her, giving me a glance to make sure it was fine. She's his friend, and I may be jealous, but I'm not going to keep them away from each other. I am her best friend, too, and I know she can't lose Ian as her friend.
"Great. Have fun, you two, don't do anything I wouldn't do pre-Abi."
"That limits me too much," I complained, teasing her as we walked away.
"Whatever! I wasn't that bad!" She yelled back, laughing away into the night.
"You're amazing, you know that?" Ian grabbed my hand, kissing it as he stared at me.
"What did I do?"
"Just being you. Now, let's get changed so you can whisk me away into a night of designer parties."
I nodded excitedly, racing him to the car, which, of course, I won as I gave myself a head start. Ian laughed at my antics as we got into the car, playing some Louis Amstring as we drove away, quickly getting back to my building. Ian pretended to eat me like a zombie, chomping on me with his lips over his teeth.
"No, stop! That tickles!" I complained through laughter, squirming to get away as he chased me through the hall towards my door.
I was too busy laughing and trying to get away to notice the tell-tale sign that I shouldn't have come in. Tinita's scrunchie was on the door, but it was too late as I got an eyeful of a random penis. I screamed, instantly shutting the door back in my face and yelling, "Sorry!"
"Change of plans," I said, turning to a stunned Ian. "We have to try and find a clothing store nearby. Let's pray they have something good left."
Way to go, Tinita. Get you some, girl. But also, that image is never leaving my head.
We ran around town, trying to find somewhere with decent enough clothes for a designer party, but the good stores were all closed already.
"Okay, new, new plan."
"We go as we are?" Ian asked hopefully, not wanting to continue searching.
"No, heck no. We will go to a clothing store and I will find clothes that could possibly pass as okay enough with accessories."
"Really?" Ian groaned, hanging his head for a moment, only to lift it back up with a bright smile. "Anything for you, my dear."
He grabbed my hand, spinning me so that I twisted into his chest. I laughed, glad to see he was excited once more. He was a good sport, one I plan to reward when we get back home later tonight. I just have to make sure not to get too shit-faced.
"You made it!" Nacio greeted us. "Oh, and what's this little yellow number?" he asked, pulling at the skirt of my dress inspired by my favorite character in one of my favorite movies.
"Mia from La La Land," I explained.
"Oh, no, honey, I got that, just wondering why you didn't design it yourself." He arched a brow at me, causing me to feel small.
"I had originally designed our outfits for tonight, but we had to have a change of plans."
"Short notice change of plans, huh?" he assessed as he twirled around me, holding his chin. "It'll do." He pursed his lips as if he were disappointed. Ian squeezed my hand, seeing my own disappointment expressed on my face.
"It'll be more than do, you mean?" Ian surprised me with his attitude, causing Nacio to look at him with a small smirk.
"It'll more than do," Nacio agreed, suddenly changing his tone. "Tell me, Ian, have you considered a career in modeling?" He dragged Ian away from him as he led us inside.
I realized that perhaps I hadn't been invited for me, but for Ian. It seemed Nacio wanted to see Ian about modeling for him over seeing me for my designer skills. The realization was crushing, causing me to head straight for the bar once we were inside. The large penthouse was decorated with chic decorations in purple and black.
There were various lights casting a purple hue on the place, while columns were wrapped in purple tulle and black stars. There were slim standing tables with black tablecloths and satin purple runners. They are adorned with artistic centerpieces of black and purple flowers surrounded by LED candles. A large projector was playing Nacio's last fashion show in the background and light instrumental music played with a pop tune.
"Can I have Purple Rain?" I asked the bartender, seeing the themed drinks on the chalkboard suspended behind him. This cocktail was made with blue curaçao, vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lemon juice, garnished with edible violet petals. The glass was handed to me with a small smile from the bartender.
"Let me get a Purple Paradise Punch." Ian came up behind me, leaning over the bar with his arms on either side of me, essentially caging me in place. His drink was the only drink on that board without alcohol, consisting of grape juice, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda. He took the cup, taking a big drink before looking down at me with an amused expression. "Where do you think you were running off to? I came here for you, not to be left to wolves all alone."
"I'm sorry. I needed a drink."
"Nacio was talking about you to the other designers."
"That bad?" I asked, wondering if I was already out before I ever got in.
"That good! He doesn't have room on his team to hire a designer right now, but he's talking you up to the others, trying to use me as a bargaining chip. So if anyone asks, I am your model." He winked at me, making me the happiest woman here.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, that's why he was hoping you would have your own design."
It seems my insecurities have gotten the better of me, assuming more than I should have. The news was amazing, elating me like never before. This was my moment. Thanks to Ian and Nacio, I was getting my foot in the door, or really doors.
All throughout the night, I was mingling and sipping on Purple Rain or Blackberry Mojitos while Ian continued to drink his punch. I had gotten business cards from a handful of people, to which Nacio would give me a thumbs up from across the room. I felt like a small child being given presents all through the night.
"Let's get you home," Ian said, pulling me away from the crowd.
"But I wasn't done."
"You're about to say more than you should. Let's just leave this here." He took the drink from my hands, placing it on the standing table near us.
"But- "
"No buts, Hailey. I am taking you home. You're wasted."
"Am not!" I argued, tripping over the air that was out to get me tonight. "Okay, maybe a little."
"Yeah." Ian sighed, seeming annoyed.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked, feeling him pick me up as I tripped for a second time. Stupid air.
"No, Hailey, not mad. Just disappointed."
"That hurts," I mumbled, leaning my head against his chest. "I am sorry."
"I just don't want you to ruin your chances. You almost started sharing our sex life with people. Hailey, you need to watch how much you drink. Do you even know how many drinks you had?"
"Well, Dad," I joked, booping his nose. "I had this many." I held up my hand, showing him my 5 slightly blurry fingers.
"Wrong, you had 8 drinks and 3 shots."
"That many?" It didn't feel like I had drunk that much. I had been riding on cloud nine all through the night, and I hadn't been paying much attention to how many drinks I drank.
"Yes, that many." Ian nodded his head toward Nacio as his way of saying goodbye. Nacio gave me the same look Ian was giving me. I fucked up.
"I'm sorry." I felt tears start to well in my eyes as we left the penthouse.
"I love you, Mi Luz. You just need to be more mindful. There's nothing wrong with having a few drinks, just make sure you're keeping up with them, okay?" He lightly tapped my forehead with his.
"Okay." I started to relax, feeling sleepy as he held me against his chest. "Ian?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for everything. I love you so much. You're going to be a great dad."
"I'll always take care of you. Are you saying you want to have my kids, Hailey?"
"I'll have all your kids. Fill me up, over and over and over." I couldn't open my eyes as they suddenly felt like weights had been placed on them.
"Not tonight, but I will, if you remember this conversation tomorrow."