laughed. “Girl, you can just say you were in the mood for shopping.”
“Okay. That’s 100 percent true. I needed a reason for my guilty conscience.”
I had more clothes than anyone needed, but pretty things made me happy.
Skye said, “We can try the boutique that opened right across from us. They have very unique outfits.”
Everyone nodded, except Tess, who was looking at me inquisitively. She said nothing, but I was sure that was because she was analyzing me.
Skye led us to a small shop called Le Fleur. On the entrance door were the names of different French designers written in white cursive letters. I’d never heard of any of them. The prices were not cheap, but the outfits were different from what I found at Nordstrom Rack and Macy’s. A beige dress made of linen and cotton caught my eye. It had a wood leather belt around the middle. I had no idea there was such a thing as wood leather.
“What exactly are you going for?” Tess asked.
Looking behind me, I grinned. All the girls were already picking out items for themselves.
“Oh, I don’t know. Something casual that I could wear on different occasions. The only rule is that I have to look gorgeous in it.”
“By any chance, did any of the guys catch your eye?”
I turned around fast. “How did you know?”
All the girls were looking at me.
Tess smiled proudly. “Instinct.”
Laney pouted. “How come they caught on? You’re my best friend.”
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Laney. I grew up in a big family. Picking up nonverbal cues was a vital skill,” Tess said nonchalantly.
“But I’m your sister, and even I couldn’t tell.” Josie sounded stunned.
“I might have had my poker face on because Dylan and Ian were with us. It’s habit. I don’t even think about it.”
“So, who is it?” Josie asked.
I pressed my lips together, shaking my head. “No, no. Saying his name out loud is going to make it sound more real.”
I might not have said his name out loud, but I definitely had Brayden on my mind. I enjoyed our shameless flirting. But I was afraid that tonight would turn into more. I really didn’t think I could resist being around him and not act on this crazy attraction, even though I knew our lives were too different for us to even contemplate dating. Besides, his tour was going to start in a few months. I couldn’t lose my heart to him. What would I do afterward?
When I went inside the changing room to try on the clothes, I checked my phone, and my stomach fluttered. I had a message from Brayden!
Brayden: My sources tell me you’ve confirmed.
Isabelle: Sasha gave me away again?
I’d messaged her that morning.
Brayden: Of course.
Brayden: I’ll send a car for you. Besides, we have extra security guards today. Our drivers know their way in. And you’ll be more comfortable.
Isabelle: Wow, okay. Thanks!
I could Uber, but if he wanted to treat me like a princess, I wasn’t going to say no.
Brayden: I can’t wait to see you.
Isabelle: Just see, or flirt the panties off me?
Brayden: Both.
I leaned against the mirror in the dressing room, grinning.
Isabelle: Game on, Mr. Rock Star.
See? I couldn’t behave even when we were texting.
How on Earth was I going to behave when I saw him again?
Chapter Six
Isabelle
I felt like royalty when I slid into the back of the black BMW Brayden sent for me.
I was wearing my new attire and couldn’t stop fidgeting as I glanced at the back of the driver’s head. The car smelled faintly like sandalwood—like Brayden. Was this his personal car and driver? He did say he preferred to be driven everywhere, so all signs pointed to yes.
I’d bought Lars a present that morning, and I couldn’t wait to see his face when he opened it.
On the way to the cottage, I opened the Facebook app on my phone. The band had posted their first live video today. Lars was the one talking, since it was his birthday. They’d filmed in the rehearsal room, of which Lars did a small tour, explaining that they spent a couple days a week in there. I scrolled through the comments, trying to gauge the mood. I’d been right—fans were ecstatic at getting this little glimpse of the day-to-day life of their favorite band. Lars had then moved to the kitchen, showing them the corner where they usually ate breakfast and saying yogurt or cereal was his go-to every morning.
Several fans had commented that they ate the same thing