“Look how tiny your waist looks.”
Looks. That’s the important word there. The top is a little tight all the way down to the waist, as it flairs out, covering up my birthing hips. The sleeves aren’t too short either, going down to my elbow. The top is a deep V-neck, but it’s not too deep. I’m showing some cleavage, but thanks to the bra she loaned me, my girls are locked up tight. “The color is perfect too.”
“Green is in.”
It’s a deep forest green that looks good with my tan sandals. Tan sandals I’ve never worn before because I’ve never had the right thing to wear with them.
I run my hand over my hair. It’s smooth and flat thanks the flat iron. “I like my hair like this.” It’s too bad it takes me forever to do the same thing. I don’t have time for it, ordinarily.
Looking up at the clock, I feel nerves rush through me. “I need to go.”
“I can’t believe you’re meeting him for dinner at five.” She giggles.
Giving her my best side-eye, I remind her, “We’ve got plans at seven.”
“Try to enjoy yourdate.” Bella smirks. “You know we can watch it later.”
“It won’t be the same. We need to watch it when it airs like the rest of the people in town.”
“Fine.” She sighs. She knows I’m right. “Have fun. Make good choices. Don’t do anything I would do…,” Bella says with a laugh. “No. Definitely do all the things I would do. You deserve an orgasm or two.”
I feel my face heat up. “Bella.” I laugh nervously. “Stop. He doesn’t want—”
“Yes, he does.”
Shaking off her comments, I reach out to grab my purse. A tiny purse with only room for my keys and my debit card. She insisted.
“I’d better go.” Walking out of my bedroom door, I feel her behind me. “Let’s hope Toni starts.”
“If she doesn’t, I’ll give you a ride.” She touches my arm. “That’s what we should do. I’ll drive you. You won’t have wheels, which means Mr. Hotty will have to drive you home.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’m not doing that.”
“Fine,” Bella mutters.
Outside, I slide into the truck and place the key in the ignition. And wouldn’t you know it. Toni must be in cahoots with Bella. She won’t start.
“Great.” I slam my hands against the steering wheel. “Just. Great.” Opening the door, Bella’s standing close by. “She’s on your side.”
“We women need to stick together.”
“She’s a truck, not a real girl,” I grumble. “A truck I’ll need to sort out when I get home tonight.” Otherwise, I won’t be able to get to work.
“Maybe you won’t be home tonight.” She raises her brows up and down. “You could end up in bed with one smoking hot Chase Ryder.”
“Mm-hmm.” I won’t, but I’ll let her have that.
CHAPTERTEN
CHASE
I barely recognize her.Of course, I notice her when she walks in the door; every man in the place has. But there’s no resemblance to the woman I met at the old house with the one across the room. No, this woman is the kind that draws me in like flies on, well, I’m drawn to that type. The sexy-as-fuck type in a dress that compliments all of her curves while also being elegant and tasteful.
As she makes her way toward me, several other customers stop her to talk as several men do double takes, which tells me this look, that dress, isn’t something she wears often. Which means, she’s wearing it for me.
Finally, I’m getting the kind of reaction I’m used to from the opposite sex.
When she reaches the table, I stand and pull out the chair for her. She thanks me and sits. Her nerves are on full display now that she’s close enough. Her cheeks are flushed, and she’s doing everything she can to look everywhere else but at me.
