Page 71 of The Veiling

“I didn’t…he told you…ugh.” He pivoted away. “I’ll give you some space to shop.”

“Thank you,” I snickered, looking back over my shoulder.

For the next fifteen minutes, the girls and I all browsed the entire store, searching for the perfect outfit, though I was not sure what it was for. I had a feeling they knew more than just being told to come here with me. I stepped into the dressing room with four options.

I paraded out with the first; a sequined mermaid hem, floor length dress. The girlsoohedandahhed. I stood in front of three full mirrors, not feeling quite right about Tanya’s pick.

“Not sure this look is my thing this time. I feel like I can’t spread my legs at all.” I stood with my legs shoulder length apart and squatted a bit, forgetting I was in a boutique wearing a five-thousand-dollar garment. When I glanced up, everyone was staring at me. My cheeks turned crimson in the mirror, causing me to speed back into the changing area. I shimmied out of the dress with the help of the saleslady.

Next, I tried on a rhinestone, chain sleeve, halter sequin dress. I sashayed out, twirling slowly as the girls cheered a little louder.

Tanya pointed, grinning ear to ear. “That’s the one!”

“It definitely is!” Laura agreed, downing the rest of her flute of champagne.

Admiring the thigh split, I spun to face them with a crinkled brow. “I don’t even know where we’re going.”

“Wherever it is, you’re going to slay it.” Tanya shimmied back and forth on the couch.

My gaze shifted to Noah, who was busy chatting on his earpiece. He made eye contact with me, then the other security. What now?I sighed. Worry painted my face, causing Laura and Tanya to look over their shoulders at him as well.

He shook his head. “Nothing to worry about, I promise. Just work stuff.”

It was going to take some time to get used to things beingjust work stuff. A part of me was scared to be happy, but I had to trust that Noah was not hiding anything. He jerked his head toward the side of the room.

I stepped down off the platform and ambled over.

He wrapped his fingers around both my forearms, peering deep into my eyes. “You’re safe,” he whispered, “I promise.”

“I know, but it’s hard to believe he’s actually dead.” I glanced back at everyone staring at us though they could not hear us. I brought my gaze back to his. “What if he magically comes back to life?”

He pulled his hands away, crossed his arms, and raised his eyebrows. “Like a zombie?”

“Shut up.”

“If it makes you feel any better, his head was separated from his body, so by zombie law, he can’t come back anyway.”

“Noah.”

“Isabelle.” He narrowed his gaze.

I rolled my eyes, whirled back around, and sauntered over to the girls with an unbothered smile. “I’ll take this one.”

“Great choice!” The cheery saleswoman hurried to my side.

I also chose the jewelry, a clutch, and shoes before we checked out and left. As we pulled away in the car, the girls and I were distracted by chatter about the upcoming wedding, and they filled me in on some baby shower details. Soon, I noticed the car heading in the direction of the office and became suspicious.

“Where are we going?”

“You and I are going to the office,” Noah replied. “They’re taking Laura and Tanya home.”

While I had been stuck at the office all morning, I made sure Isabelle got to get out of the house and have a somewhat normal day. Scarred from recent events, I checked on her several times via Noah. He kept assuring me she was okay. I was happy when Grace texted me, letting me know she had arrived and was waiting for me in my office. The moment my meeting was over, I pushed away from the conference room table, shook hands with my clients, and excused myself.

I strode out of the room to my office and opened the door. Isabelle was standing next to Noah with several shopping bags and a garment bag draped over the sofa arm. She sped over, wrapping her arms around my neck and lacing her fingers together. I held her hips, pressing my lips to hers.

“Noah, you can be excused now,” I ordered.

“I’ll be in the lobby if you need me.” He sauntered out of the office, closing the door behind him.

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