Riley’s giggles turn into full-blown laughter, and a grin spreads across Sophie’s face, as well. “Oh, good.”
I lift my chin in a valiant attempt to preserve my dignity. “So, obviously, I used it. In the shower.”
“And?” Sophie prompts.
“While I was in the shower, using it, I… maybe, sort of, said something… incriminating.”
“What do you mean,incriminating?”
“Imighthave said his name.”
“Youmighthave?”
More heat flares in my cheeks, and I duck my head. “I’m not sure. I wasn’t really thinking at the time.”
Sophie shakes her head, chuckling. “Okay. So what? That’s not a huge deal, right?”
“It wouldn’t be, but I’m pretty sure he heard me.”
Both of them howl with laughter, rolling on the leather seats. I rub my forehead, trying to ward off a headache.
“Glad you guys are finding this funny,” I grouse.
“I’m sorry, Olivia,” Riley gasps between cackles. “But… it’sobjectivelyfunny.”
“Thank you for your support.” I sigh, leaning back against the headrest. “I can never show my face in that apartment again.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about it so much,” Sophie says once she’s calmed down a little. She’s still grinning from ear to ear, but the fit of laughter has subsided. “You’re totally fine.”
“What do you mean?”
“Isn’t that exactly what the gift was for?” she reasons. “To take the edge off, right? He’s probably glad you’re using it.”
“Yeah,” Riley chimes in. “Why would he get you a vibrator if he didn’t want you to use it? Just to put it on your shelf?”
Instantly, an image flashes through my mind—Reed, standing at the foot of my bed in his penthouse, watching me use the vibrator. His gaze locked on mine, eyes hungry.
I squirm, suddenly hot and bothered, and press my legs together. Time to change the subject.
“Where are we going first?” I ask.
Riley and Sophie exchange a glance, amused by my transparent attempt to divert the topic of conversation, but they both indulge me.
“There’s a few couture shops a couple blocks ahead,” Sophie tells me. “We’ll look for some dresses, then maybe check out a jewelry store for the ring.”
I take a deep breath, allowing myself a moment’s excitement. It’s been a long time since I’ve been shopping, and today, I get the chance to find myself a pretty ring on Reed Eastwood’s dime. Sophie was right. I should do my best to just enjoy this.
The car comes to a stop, and I move to leave, but Sophie puts her hand on my shoulder and shakes her head. “The driver will let you out. Remember?”
A few seconds later, he opens the door closest to the sidewalk, and the three of us pile out of the car. I give him a grateful nod, and he dips his head in return.
“There’s a steep learning curve, isn’t there?” I say to Sophie and Riley, both of whom chuckle.
The three of us head into one of the boutique shops. I recognize the name on the sign from some reality TV fashion show; the designer of these dresses is a big deal. The store is stocked with their most recent collection, a series of beautiful gowns in burgundy and black.
Immediately, all three of us dive into the racks headfirst, sifting through the gorgeous dresses. I’ve never seen such beautifully-tooled clothing in my life. My idea of a fancy dress was a decent one from an outlet, three or four years out of season. This is something else. These designs are brand new.
Riley holds up one, a maroon, off-the-shoulder number with a chiffon top and embroidered skirt. “This is such a good color for you!”
