I undressed once more and slid the dress on. I pulled my hair back and glanced at myself in the mirror.
The dress fit me well. Extremely well. It was almost like it was made for me. The color gave me a tan rather than washing me out. The bows were extremely large but added a little character to the dress. It reminded me of my younger self, the girl without problems.
I turned, opened my door, and stepped out. Cayden stood waiting, and his eyes widened slightly at me. He looked impressed.
"You have taste," I said, feeling a blush roll over my face.
He blinked, seeming speechless for a moment, before his eyes went from my ankles and up, scanning me.
I swallowed, waiting for him to comment, but he didn't. He just stared, mixed emotions in his eyes, and I couldn't put my finger on what he was thinking.
"Is it bad?" I asked, knowing Cayden wouldn't lie to me.
His eyes snapped to mine, and a smile pulled at his lips. It made my heart skip a beat, and I felt a blush roll over my face.
"You look good," he said in a rough voice. "Fits you extremely well."
I could hear footsteps coming back, and I turned, spotting April as she came back. She froze as her eyes stopped on me, and her mouth dropped. "Damn! Girl, you look fucking hot!"
"Cayden picked it out."
April looked at her brother and then back at me. "Wow, that…you have to get that. It's like it was made for you."
I looked down at my outfit and then up at both of them. I had to admit that I did look good, and judging by their reactions, I probably should get it.
"Well, I think I'll buy it," I said, turning back to change.
"Nice pick," April said as she looked at her brother.
"I thought it would fit her," he said, his eyes glued to me.
I chewed on my cheek. I felt my heart flutter, and for a second, I thought maybe he thought I was more than just April's friend. But that would never happen.
I slipped inside and stared at myself for a moment. I smiled, running my fingers over the dress. I had to admit, I looked good.
Chapter 6 - Cayden
I sighed as I stared at my coffee mug. I tapped my finger on the rim, trying to keep my head off last night's shopping trip and at work. But it was hard. I kept picturing Riley in the dress and the way she smiled when I complimented her. She beamed, and I wanted her so desperately.
"Are you listening?" Thomas asked, waving a hand in front of my face.
I blinked, pulling my eyes away from my mug towards the guys. Ayden stood across the island, working on a mug of coffee himself. Miles stood next to him, typing on his phone. Thomas sat next to me, looking confused.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"You weren't listening," Thomas said, shaking his head. "I asked what did you do last night?"
I sighed, taking a sip of my coffee. "My sister is in town, so we went shopping."
"You have a sister?" Miles said, looking up from his phone. "I didn't know you had a sister. Did you know he had a sister?" he asked, looking at Ayden.
Ayden nodded, but likely because it was on the paperwork I filled out when I applied at the fire station. I had put her down as my case of emergency.
"I didn't know that you had a sister. You never talk about having a sister. Do you not have a good relationship with her?" Miles asked, leaning onto the counter.
I glanced at Thomas, who shrugged. "I have to agree with him. We've known you for years, and I don't think you've ever mentioned her."
I exhaled. "I left our pack when I was young and haven't spoken to my parents since. I've kept in touch with my sister, but our relationship has always been a little…" I searched for a good word, knowing there wasn't really one. "Strained."