Page 5 of Dating the Bad Boy

Alice grabs my arm, wheeling me toward the first store before I even have a chance to breathe. “We need to find you the perfect outfit. The perfect outfit to wow your bad boy!”

“Right,” I murmur, suddenly feeling a little sick to my stomach. “That’s what we’re doing.”

We’re soon rifling through racks of clothes; Alice pulls out a sheer skirt that could barely serve as a belt. “This one! This will look amazing on you!” She holds up a napkin-sized piece of material.

I shake my head vehemently and sidestep. “Nope. Not happening. I’m not going out in public in that.” I point at the black piece of material.

She rolls her eyes dramatically as we continue shopping. She drags me toward a store with a shimmering façade and a diverse array of clothing options, each one more eye-popping than the last. “This isn’t the right store for me.” I look around, noticing all the skinny, half-dressed mannequins.”

At the next shop, Alice yanks me toward a few skirts, some significantly too short for my liking. “How about this?”

“Still too much.”

“Okay, okay. We can compromise. How about a dress?” She pulls a stunning blue sweater dress from the rack. “This one will hug your curves and still keep some mystery.”

I take the dress in my hands, running my fingers over the soft fabric. “Is hugging my curves a good thing?”

“You’re gorgeous and you should show off your beautiful figure,” my friend huffs. “Just try it on.” The determination in her voice makes me laugh.

Setting my insecurities aside, I wander into the fitting room, quickly shedding my work attire and slipping into the dress. Wow. It actually feels and looks great! It accentuates the parts I like while hiding what I don’t. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and suddenly feel a surge of confidence. I can totally pull this off.

I step out, twirling a little for Alice, who looks at me with stars in her eyes. “Oh my, you look incredible! He’s going to drop dead when he sees you!”

I definitely hope so.

I can’t believeit’s finally Friday. I usually look forward to my half days at the dealership, but today, my palms are sweating. By the time I hit my front door, I’m a nervous wreck. I’ve been vacillating between excitement and dread every time I think about what I’m doing tonight.

I stumble in, kicking off my shoes and tossing my work bag haphazardly on the couch. “Time to pull up my big girl panties and get to work,” I mutter to myself, heading for the bathroom.

I crank the water up hot enough to make my skin tingle and stand under the spray, letting it wash away the office grime and stress. The steam wraps around me as I mentally prepare for my date.

After showering, I whip my hair into some semblance of order before tackling my makeup. A few swipes of eyeliner and mascara later, I catch my reflection. Courage and charm meet in the determined sparkle of my eyes. “Not today, insecurities,” I tell myself. “You’re not ruining this chance for me.”

I throw on the blue sweater dress I picked out and stare at myself in the mirror. Alice was right; it clings to my curves perfectly. For a moment, I admire myself, my body bathed in the flattering blue fabric.

I grab a pair of high heels and slip them on. Feeling like Bambi on ice, I wobble through my small house. “How do people dothis?” I mumble to no one in particular. The heels definitely scream ‘date night,’ but I’m not ready to roll the dice on breaking an ankle in front of Asa. No way, no how.

With rapid movements, I ditch the heels in favor of a pair of cute leather flats that may lack height but compliment my newfound confidence. With one last glance at myself—briefly pleased but still wrestling with anxiety—I dial Alice’s number.

She’s been on board for this whole chaotic journey and deserves to know everything. She answers on the first ring. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes.” I glance in the mirror and turn side to side to make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be. “Now, I’m just trying to stay calm until it’s time to leave.”

“I’m glad you decided to drive yourself,” Alice tells me.

“Me too.” The matchmaker balked when I insisted on driving myself to the theater, but I refused to bend on this.

“I want all the details!” Her enthusiasm radiates through my phone. “Call me as soon as you get home no matter how late it is.”

Rolling my eyes, I can picture her bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Yes, Mom, I promise.” I chuckle as she gets another call.

“I have to go, but don’t forget to call me,” she tells me as she hangs up.

As I gulp in a nervous breath, I toss my phone into my purse and head toward the door. Okay, I can do this.

But with every step out the door, self-doubt rushes in to crash my party. Before I spiral further into the depths of anxiety, Itake a deep breath. I can’t back out now. I refuse to let this opportunity slip through my fingers. Maybe this date will be amazing. Maybe Asa will actually be interested in the real me, the girl who’s more than just the office nerd. Or not. If not, his freaking loss.

With resolve flooding my veins, I step outside, air hitting my face like a jolt of energy. “Here goes nothing,” I whisper, ready or not.

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