I snorted a laugh. “I do and that’s the problem! I don’t know how I feel about anyone checking you out in this outfit. I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do, and now I don’t want you out in public wearing that.”
“That’s very sweet, but a deal is a deal, remember? And now we both shall suffer.”
“That doesn’t seem fair.”
“That’s what the other women will say when they realize that you’re the only one who gets to see me out of this dress.”
“Okay. Idolike that fact. Fine, we can go. Can you even walk in those? You look like a newly birthed baby giraffe.”
She laughed. “Yeah, I think I can handle them. Where are we going anyway?”
I smiled. “Just to the bookstore.”
She frowned. “Justto the bookstore? Whereallof your friends happen to be ninety percent of the time? Great, that sounds like a wonderful time.”
I laughed and kissed her, loving how she melted into it instantly. If we kept going, we wouldn’t be going anywhere. Which is exactly why I broke the kiss once she started to lift my shirt up.
“Nice try, baby. You’re not getting out of this, I’m afraid. I’ll help you take it off later.”
“Oh I love the sound of that. Let’s hurry then so we can come back.”
I walked into the bookstore and was elated to see not only Kaia and Daisy, but Drea, Blair, Fallon, and Mackenzie all happened to be there talking at the café.
They all waved when they saw me walking in. “Hey, love! What are you?—”
Drea was cut off when I assumed she noticed Vera behind me. I turned to her to try and gauge her thoughts on everyone staring at her, but she held her head high and smiled like nothing was different.
I didn’t want her to be ashamed or outright embarrassed to where she was upset by any means, but I wanted a little reaction at least.
We walked closer and all eyes were still on Vera when we sat down. “What’s going on guys?” I asked.
Everyone had finally taken their eyes off Vera and looked at me with a smile. Everyone except one person. The last person I expected, to be honest. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hey, Cara. Uh, what’s going on here?” Blair asked.
I shrugged. “Oh nothing. We were just in the neighborhood and decided to stop by.”
“Vera, love. Don’t take this the wrong way, but did you lose a bet or something?”
Vera finally showed some emotion and sighed a little. “Yes. I did, actually.”
“Mackenzie? Are you okay over there?” I asked, trying not to laugh.
Mackenzie had been staring at Vera since we walked in, like everyone else, but she still hadn’t taken her eyes off of her.
Fallon nudged her wife’s side who finally took her gaze away from Vera’s arms. “Yes, darling. Are you alright over there? Do you see something you like?”
“What?! No, of course not! I mean, no offense, Vera. You’re lovely. I mean, I don’t know what I mean. I?—”
“Mmhmm.” Fallon scowled at Mackenzie, but her smile gave her away. “She’s definitely paying for that later. Anyways back to the bet?”
I smiled. “Yes. She bet I couldn’t go a whole day without my phone.”
“Wait, youwonthat bet? How?” Blair laughed.
“It wasn’t easy, but when she said I could dress her up, determination hit. She took me hiking, which ended up great for the both of us. We got caught in the rain, but after that… Anyway, I won the bet.”
“Okay, now I know you’re lying. You went hiking? You? Cara Brianne Wells. Went hiking? No.” Mackenzie shook her head in disbelief.
