Page 38 of Just a Little Crush

Raven flashed me a gregarious grin. “Just humor me, okay? We’re going to a boutique that carries more formal dresses, and I want your opinion on what to choose.”

I relaxed at her explanation. I could help Raven select a gown at one of these ritzy places, and then we’d hit up a more affordable department store for me. Despite the money I had sitting in my bank account thanks to Caleb’s generosity, the last thing I wanted to do was squander thousands of dollars on a dress I’d only wear once.

The driver finally found an open spot to let us out, and I met up with Raven on the sidewalk. She looped her arm through mine, leading me past Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and even Bergdorf Goodman until we reached a store that might have been smaller than those other designers, but the moment we walked in it gave off that same exclusive, elite atmosphere.

Raven, God love her, walked in like she owned the joint, even though she was wearing a casual blouse and well-worn jeans like I was. Then again, shehadcome from money, even if she was estranged from her adoptive mother and hadn’t relied on the Kanes’ family wealth in a very long time. But she’d also married a man with copious amounts of money…so, yeah, she was far more used to this kind of shopping experience than I was.

There were two salesladies in the store. One was checking out a customer at the register, and the other was helping another shopper choose a pair of heels in the shoe section. Both women eyed Raven and I with distaste the moment we entered, as if we were two homeless people who’d wandered in off the street.

Feeling out of place and uncomfortable, I stayed close to Raven’s side as she browsed the front area of the store, seemingly oblivious to the other women’s stares—or more like she didn’t give a shit what they thought of her—while I didn’t dare touch a thing as she continued to peruse a section with a few gorgeous gowns and dresses. The one thing I noticed was that there was no indication on any of the garments of what they cost.

I stood next to Raven, speaking in a low tone. “These gowns don’t have prices on them.”

Raven smirked at me. “Of course they don’t, because money is no object to the women who shop here.”

Yeah, that definitely excluded me.

“Can I help the two of you with something?”

The snobby voice from directly behind us made me stiffen, and when both Raven and I turned around, the saleslady’s mouth was flattened with disdain as her gaze flicked down the length of us, clearly disapproving of our attire. Probably of us in general.

“Yes, you absolutely can,” Raven said in a bright, animated tone. “We’d like to try on a few gowns.”

We?I had to clench my jaw because my immediate response was to blurt out no, I most definitely didnotwant to try on dresses here, becausewhat the hell, Raven?

The woman gave us another disapproving look that made my stomach churn. “Can I ask how you’ll be paying for any purchases today?” she asked, still in that haughty tone. “We have a no shopping without intention policy and we require pre-approval before pulling the gowns for you to try on.”

A rule meant to exclude casual browsers, no doubt.

“Of course.” Smiling sweetly, Raven opened her purse and withdrew her form of payment from her wallet. “Here’s my credit card,” she said, handing over the sleek black card before retrieving a second one and giving that to the saleslady, as well. “And this one is for her,” she said, indicating me.

I stood there in confusion as the woman pursed her lips, her gaze narrowed on the last card Raven had given her before her eyes raised back up again. “The name on this card says Caleb Kane. His wife, Alyssa Kane, is a client here but she has her own card. I’m sure this has to be some kind of mistake,” she said, as if Raven had found the credit card laying on the sidewalk and was trying to pass it off as her own.

“No, not a mistake at all,” Raven replied pleasantly, giving no indication that the woman had deliberately insulted her. “Oh, and for the record, Alyssa is Caleb’sex-wife. Call the credit card company and you can verify that he’s added Stevie Palmer as an authorized user to the account, unlimited credit.”

I refrained, just barely, from letting my jaw drop open in shock.

The woman lifted her chin in an imposing manner. “I most certainlywilldo that.”

The saleslady walked away, and Raven just rolled her eyes at the woman’s condescending attitude while my mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

I shook my head. “What is going on, and why and how am I an authorized user on Caleb’sblackcredit card?”

Raven shrugged. “After you mentioned to Caleb last week that we were going shopping for gowns today for the gala, he came by The Back Door and gave me his credit card to use to buy you whatever you want.”

I narrowed my gaze at her, because now standing in this boutique seemed calculated and planned. “But why are wehere, specifically?” I asked, when there were many other name brand designer stores on Fifth Avenue. “In what is probably one of the most exclusive, expensive boutiques in Manhattan.”

“We’re here to buy gowns for the gala, of course,” she said flippantly, and then she grinned, her eyes lighting up with wicked glee. “And for funsies, to yank Alyssa’s chain because youknowthat woman is going to call her first thing after we leave and tell her that Caleb gave you carte blanche in this store thatshefrequents, which is a nice little way to solidify to her that you’re his girlfriend.”

“You are diabolical,” I said, in the most loving tone possible. “But I can’t just spend Caleb’s money so frivolously.”

Raven sighed and gave me a pointed look. “He knew you’d feel this way and he told me to tell you that since he asked you to accompany him to the gala, and it’s a formal event, this is on him. Whatever you want and whateverIdeem necessary for you, as well. He said not to take no for an answer.”

“This is crazy,” I said, still having a difficult time accepting his generosity.

This time, Raven exhaled an exasperated breath. “For God’s sake, Stevie. Caleb has more money than he knows what to do with and you’renottaking advantage of him,” she said, reading my mind. “If he wants to spoil you, then let him and enjoy the experience, which will in turn make him happy. And, if you feel so inclined, I’m sure you can find a few creative ways to thank him later.” She gave me a saucy wink.

I forced myself to relax, to push aside my own pride and allow myself to embrace Caleb’s generosity. Easier said than done, but I also understood that in order to fit in with the upper class at the charity event, I did need to look the part.

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