"This is my friend, Haley. We're looking for a few outfits and the perfect evening dress. Not something too over-the-top, but a dress that will make her feel like a million bucks," he said.
Celia's eyes gleamed. "I'd be glad to help you lighten that wallet a bit, Crew."
"I'll be paying," Haley spoke sternly, then realized how rude she was being. "I'm sorry. I'm just a bit nervous. It's nice to meet you."
"Any friend of Crew's is a friend of mine. I've known him since I was five years old. His sister, Brielle, and I are best friends. I only moved out to California four years ago. Same old sad story of wanting to make it big in Hollywood. Of course, it's never happened." She sighed dramatically, reminding Crew of what an excellent actress she was. "Instead, I'm stuck working in retail, but things could be worse. At least there's a large collection of half-naked men I get to ogle on a daily basis."
At those words, he felt Haley relax. He knew being around Celia would do the trick. She was a sweet girl, always had been. She needed to focus more, that was all. At one point, he'd been sure she and Tanner would end up together, but it had just never happened.
The next hour was a blur as Celia grabbed a variety of outfits, making Haley try each one on, then shaking her head every time. He had to agree. Sure, she looked nice in all of them, but none of them called to him yet. He wanted something that would pop. Though he didn't know exactly what he was looking for, once it was found, he'd just know.
He was looking down, reading the New York Times, when Celia cleared her throat. Haley stood before him with three-inch heels and a shimmering teal gown. The top hugged her tight, with thin straps holding it in place, and accented her scrumptious br**sts. The dress molded to her body until just below her hips, where it flared slightly, then stopped four inches above her knees.
"Perfect," he said out loud, his tongue nearly hanging from his mouth.
At his words, Haley grinned while doing a full spin and he got his first mouthwatering glance at her bare and exquisitely toned back. No fabric blocked his view, and as his eyes dipped lower, he itched to run his fingers over the top of the material, which rested just above the curve of her perfectly rounded backside.
"We'll take it!" There was no question. This was the dress.
"That's what I thought as soon as I saw her in it," Celia sighed dreamily. "The shoes are perfect, too."
"I couldn't agree more. Now, where do we go for lingerie, Celia?" Crew asked.
Haley flushed as she turned to him in surprise. His own question was taking him by surprise, too. The thought of her in a garter belt and stockings with nothing else on but those heels had him shifting in his seat. Oh yes, they were lingerie shopping. He would certainly work in a lesson that involved her modeling the sheer lace and garters for him. Before too much longer, he would be taking this game to a whole new level.
"You must go to Agent Provocateur. No woman can wear any of their pieces without feeling like an absolute sex goddess," Celia insisted as she led Haley to the back.
When it came time to pay, he slipped Celia his credit card, feeling a tad guilty about the deception, but if Haley had known the true cost of the dress, she'd have had a minor stroke. Never had he thought about money before the day his father had told him that his inheritance and trust fund were being taken away. He'd always just had plenty of it. Life as a billionaire's kid …
That first year of being on his own, however, had taught him a lot. He no longer took wealth for granted, and he now knew how important it could be for someone who didn't have much. But there were some items that were worth splurging on. The perfect dress was one of them.
Surprisingly, Haley didn't fight him on the panties. She was entranced from the moment they entered Agent Provocateur. The only problem he had was her refusal to allow him to give her his opinion.
In this store, he wasn't able to slip in his credit card. Haley wouldn't even let him know the amount. He knew it wouldn't be cheap, but he'd figure out a way to make it right with her, soften the financial blow.
They passed the next couple of hours purchasing a few more outfits, now at less expensive boutiques, and enjoying the beautiful California sunshine. When dusk arrived, Crew led Haley back to Long Beach, where this time they boarded a private boat for the twenty-two-mile ride to the island.
"You are both in luck tonight. The dolphins have been entertaining the guests."
"Ooh, I love dolphins. I have been meaning to take one of the tours offered on the island, but haven't had a chance yet. I must do it before I have to leave. I can't believe I have only a little over a week left," Haley said with a frown.