Page 60 of Howling Night

“We’re just looking,” I said, quickly, before she had me in the back trying on frilly gowns. Once the woman was gone, I turned to Courtney. “I’m sorry if I said anything that offended you about Kellan. I didn’t know you had history.”

Courtney waved a hand in the air. “It’s fine. We’re good. I know you didn’t.”

“Either way, I didn’t mean to?—”

“Seriously, Everly, we’re good.”

I nodded, letting the subject drop as we continued our search through the racks. The boutique was small but filled with an eclectic mix of dresses — some elegant, some casual, and everything in between. Nothing was really speaking to me, though, and after twenty minutes of browsing, I was about ready to suggest we try somewhere else.

“I think maybe this isn’t the right place,” I said, pushing aside yet another pastel floral print that wasn’t my style.

Then I saw it, tucked between two matronly dresses that someone had probably misplaced — a strappy red silk dress that caught my eye immediately. I pulled it out, holding it up by the hanger. The material cascaded down, stopping at what would definitely be an inch above mid-thigh.

“Hmm, it’s a bit short,” I said, cocking my head.

Courtney’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, you have to try it on. I couldn’t pull off something like that, but with a body like yours? You totally can. It’s perfect. Please, Everly, try it on!”

“I don’t know…” I said, turning it back and forth, eyeing the plunging neckline and thin straps. “It might be a bit much, don’t you think?”

“No, no, no! I think it’s exactly what you’re looking for. He won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” Courtney said, already steering me toward the dressing rooms. “Sometimes the best dress is the one that makes you feel a little nervous.”

The attendant unlocked a room for me, and before I knew it, I was alone with the red dress. I slipped off my jeans and t-shirt, carefully stepping into the silky fabric. It slid over my skin like water, the material cool and light. I adjusted the straps, pulled up the zipper, and turned to face the mirror.

“Oh,” I whispered to my reflection.

It was definitely too short, but it made my tits look amazing and a bit bigger. The dress hugged my curves, and the red was striking against my skin.

“Are you coming out or what?” Courtney called from outside.

“I’m not sure,” I said, biting my lip.

“Come on, it’s just me,” Courtney said.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped out. Courtney’s mouth dropped wide open.

“Holy crap, Everly!” she said, bringing her hand to her mouth.

“Yeah?” I asked, looking at myself in the mirror, and in the slightly brighter lightning. “I don’t know.”

“That dress was made for you!” Courtney said, holding out a pair of matching stilettos. “Try these.”

I slid my feet into the shoes and buckled the little straps at the sides. “Well, at least I won’t look as comically short next to him as I do now.”

“Gosh,” Courtney said, shaking her head. “Absolutely stunning. You could be in a fashion magazine.”

I felt my cheeks flush as I smoothed my hands down the sides of the dress. “You don’t think it’s too much?” I leaned closer, so the saleslady didn’t hear me. “It might be a little too slutty.”

“Nonsense,” Courtney said, waving a hand. “It’s perfect. You look smoking hot. He’ll absolutely fall head over heels in love with you. Honestly, if you don’t buy this, I will literally never speak to you again.”

I turned to check my reflection in the larger mirror outside the dressing room. The dress caught the light as I moved, giving it an almost liquid appearance. Despite my initial hesitation, I couldn’t deny how good it felt to wear something so boldly feminine, so unapologetically sexy.

“I don’t even know where he’s taking me,” I said, a smile spreading across my face.

“I have a guess.”

“Where?” I asked, raising a brow.

A smile curled the corners of Courtney’s mouth. “The bedroom.”

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