Page 64 of By His Play

“This one,” I say, picking up a full-length bright floral dress.

Effie spins around, her eyes landing on the material in my hand.

Her brows pinch. “Uh…”

“It’ll suit you,” I say, holding it up to her body.

“Maybe on a beach holiday. It’s not exactly…funeral wear”

“Bullshit. Grams would totally back me with this.”

Effie rolls her eyes, but she doesn’t argue. She knows I’m right.

“Fine,” she sighs. “I’ll try it on, but I’m promising nothing.”

By the time we get to the dressing room at the back of the store, I have at least ten dresses of all different styles and colors draped over my arm.

I hand them over to the assistant, who counts the hangers before gesturing for me to sit on the couch to wait while directing Effie into the first dressing room.

Sinking into the cushions, I spread my legs wide and slip the cap off my head, running my fingers through my hair.

I don’t see the store assistant return until she gasps, trips over her feet, and almost ends up in my lap.

Thankfully, my reaction time is better than hers, and I catch her before she faceplants in my crotch.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” she says in a rush as I place her back on her feet. “Y-you’re… you’re…Kieran Callahan.” She stares up at me with bright eyes and a wide smile on her face.

“Uh…yeah,” I say reluctantly.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe this. I’m a huge fan. Go Chiefs,” she says, punching the air, her cheeks immediately heating in embarrassment when she realizes what she’s doing. “Sorry, I mean…I had pictures of you all over my college dorm.”

“Had?” I ask with a smirk. “Did you get a new favorite player?”

“O-oh n-no. I moved in with my boyfriend and?—”

“He didn’t appreciate them?” I ask lightly.

“No. Not so much. Plus, he’s a Saints fan.”

“And you’re still with him?”

She throws her head back and laughs like it’s the funniest thing she’s ever heard.

17

EFFIE

Irritation rolls through me as the fake laugh of the shop assistant fills the air.

A huge Chiefs fan…I can’t help but roll my eyes.

I bet she’s never seen a full game in her life.

She’s just a fan of the players and the lavish life they’d be able to provide her if one were stupid enough to fall for her moves.

As much as I want to think that Kieran isn’t one of them, I’ve had firsthand experience of the kind of women he goes for.

My best friend doesn’t always have the best taste.

---