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makes me want to touch the fabric. It’s so soft and luxurious. I also notice it’s very low-cut, and my cleavage will be on full display.
    “It’s beautiful.” I can’t deny it. She picked out a stunner.
    “You like it?” I nod in reply. Who wouldn’t like it? “It looked like it was made for you. I couldn't pass it up. Black is the color for mourning. You need to be colorful tonight, Kathryn. I'd love for you to wear it."
    I sigh, knowing she means well, but I hate to be pushed into anything. Deep down I know the dress would’ve drawn my eye, too. So I cave and take it from her, holding it up to my chest.
    “Look at yourself in the mirror.” She places her hands on my shoulders and gently spins me toward the vanity mirrors. “That color green, your light complexion, and the color of your hair. It’s like the designer had you in mind when they created it.”
    “Thanks, Mother.” I turn to face her and reflect her beaming smile. Who can turn down Ava Swanson when she’s happy like this? I can’t because her enthusiasm is contagious.

Chapter 5
     
     
     
    The new green dress is wrapped tightly around my body, fitting like a glove. Gathering at my lower back, it highlights the curves Mother Nature gave me. Underneath, I’m wearing a black satin corset from a charming boutique I frequented in Paris.
    The feeling of being confined by the tightly strung lingerie, with my breasts positioned high in my dress, is an erotic blend. My breathing is more labored than usual, and I can't place all the blame on the corset. The plain and simple fact is I need sex, because dammit, I’m strung up tight, literally and figuratively.
    I can’t remember the last time I thought about taking a few shots of tequila before I went out for the evening. But the idea tempts me now. Instead, I shake off the thought and prepare to leave for the night.
    I place a sheer black wrap around my upper body in hopes of keeping the evening’s chill away. After tossing one end of the wrap over my shoulder, I grab my clutch off the hallway table and walk out the door.
    Tonight my mother’s driver is taking me to the foundation event. He brought her to Lincoln Center a couple of hours ago, and now his entire evening is free as he waits for the event to conclude. I do love Armand, her driver. He’s always on time, which means he’s likely waiting for me outside the building since I’m running a few minutes late.
    Once I’ve made my way to the lobby, I see the first other human being since I closed my door earlier. From the look on my doorman Carl’s face, I believe this dress was a perfect choice because the usually talkative Carl is stunned to silence. His jaw also dropped open to his chest.
    In a flirty fashion, I wave and blow a kiss as I pass by Carl. Between the hair and makeup perfection at the Red Door, my mother’s gift of the dress, and the snug corset, I feel a sense of expectancy. Although I have no idea why or what I am really expecting to happen. It’s likely the fact that I need to get out more and also this sexual drought I’m experiencing. I think finding the bar will be first on my list tonight.
     
    *****
     
    The crowd in the reception room at the event is starting to grow. I see a few familiar faces as I sip my wine. I scan the room, looking for my mother and wondering if she needs any help, when to my right, someone calls my name.
    “Kathryn Delcour.” The rather loud and boisterous voice I recognize instantly belongs to Trudy Patrick. We were inseparable during our years at the Dalton School. She’s been trying to set me up with every rich, single man over thirty-five she knows.
    “Hi, Trudy.” We exchange the obligatory side-to-side air kiss as we greet each other.
    “Look at you.” She pulls away and examines every inch of me as though she’s trying to find my hidden barcode. “Your dress is classic with a touch of scandal to it. You are hot as sin, Kathryn.”
    “Back at you.” She does look great,