***
Bella is waiting for me with a mischievous smile and a martini when I walk into the kitchen from work. I drop my bag on the counter and raise an eyebrow at her. “Are we celebrating something?”
“Nope,” she pops the p. “We are going out.”
I cock my head. “We are?”
“Yep. We haven’t gone out just the two of us since you got back and I think it’s time we change that.”
Huh, she’s right. Every time we have gone out since I moved home the other girls’ have been with us and our girls’ nights have been crashed by the guys.
Normally, I’d rather spend time at home, whether it be reading a book under a blanket or watching a movie with Bella, but tonight the idea of going out and spending time with my best friend sounds like exactly what I need.
I take the drink from Bella and sip from it. It’s a vodka martini and judging by the burn in my throat as I swallow it, a strong one at that.
“Go get showered and changed and then we can go,” Bella says, shooing me out of the kitchen. Her excitement is contagious, and I find myself giggling as she pushes me into the bathroom.
I take an everything shower, washing my hair and taking extra time to shave my legs and the rest of my body. Once I climb out, I moisturise, brush my teeth and even paint my toenails, all while shaking my head and mentally berating myself.
I don’t know why I bother making the effort. No one has or will be seeing any part of my body anytime soon.
I let my hair dry naturally, the dark waves falling in loose curls down my back, while I meticulously swipe some mascara over my eyelashes before riffling through my closet for an outfit.
When I’m done, I eye myself in the full-length mirror. Although the only bar in town is The Dusty Boot, I’ve opted to dress up a little more than I usually would. Light blue denim jeans that hug my figure so well, they appear painted on, paired with a square-cut, black bodysuit and matching open toe heels to show off my freshly manicured toenails. To complete the look and stop me from freezing my ass off in the cool spring air, I’ve thrown on a black cropped blazer.
I stand there for long minutes, just looking at my reflection. I barely recognise the girl staring back at me. It’s been so long since I’ve made such an effort with my appearance that it raises questions within myself. Am I going to all this effort because I’m hoping to see a certain someone tonight? And if I do, will the outfit get his attention?
God, I’m pathetic.
Bella’s voice drags me from my self-loathing. “You ready?” She freezes in the doorway, her mouth dropping open. “Wow.”
My cheeks heat as she roams her gaze over me.
“You look… unbelievable.”
“Thank you,” I reply, feeling oddly shy. “So do you.”
“Let’s go,” she says, holding her hand out for me. I take it and let her drag me out of the house toward the cab waiting at the end of the driveway.
With a deep breath, I push all negative thoughts away and vow to enjoy a night on thetown with my best friend.
CHAPTER 23
KILLIAN
My phone rings on the coffee table, startling me and I mute the hockey game playing on my TV before reaching for it.
My sister’s name flashes across the screen, and I frown, swiping to answer it.
“Hello?”
“Heeyy, big bro,” Bella slurs and my shoulders slump in relief that there isn’t something wrong.
“What can I do for you, Bella?” I ask, peeved that she interrupted my game.
A hiccup sounds through the phone, followed by some giggling. “Can you come pick us up?”
I sit up in my chair. “Us?”
