“Yes,” I said, smoothing my hands over my skirt. “I bought it last week.”
“You look like you’re trying too hard, Elena,” he said, adjusting his collar. “A woman your age in bright green. People will stare.”
“Let them stare,” I said, though my voice cracked slightly.
“I won’t let such a beautiful evening go to waste,” I added.
Damon let out a short, sharp laugh. “You always get so defensive about everything. I just care about you. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself in front of the kids.”
He turned and went down the stairs without waiting for my answer.
I stood at the top of the stairs, resting my hand on the smooth wooden banister. I could hear him downstairs, rustling his keys. I hadn’t changed. I ran down the stairs, opened the front door, and followed him out onto the driveway.
