Girl Crush (Redwoods Book 1) Read online

  “Sounds good to me, oh and boots. I need boots, where do we get those?” I say to him and he laughs.

  “We can look in all the shoe stores until we find you the perfect pair of boots.” He grins.

  I can see the excitement on his face, he either loves shopping or he’s happy to get to pick out a new wardrobe for me, since he hates my clothes so much.

  Bryce loaded me down with jeans, shirts, and sundresses and sent me to the dressing room. I’ve barely removed my clothes before he starts saying let me see through the door. Rolling my eyes, I can’t help but laugh at him.

  “Hold on, give me time to get something on first, then I will come out and show you.”

  Glancing at the choices before me I decide on a cute light green sundress there is lace work on the top. As soon as I slip it on and open the door Bryce smiles.

  “I love that on you, you have to get it!” He says excitedly.

  “Really?” I ask looking into the mirror at myself.

  “Absolutely, now get back in there and try on the next outfit.” He orders. “Make three piles as you try them on, put all the one’s you’re getting into a pile, the maybe’s in another one, and the hell no’s in another.” He says as I step back through the door.

  I close the door behind me and remove the dress and place it back on the hanger. I grab a pair of jeans and a black tank top next. When I slide the jeans on I’m in love. They fit like a glove. The shirt makes the outfit. Opening the door I show Bryce and he nods his approval.

  I continue to try on all the clothes deciding on all five pairs of jeans, a few tops went into the keep pile, while the see through one’s went into the hell no. I wasn’t comfortable enough to wear those yet. I’ve never wore clothes like the one’s I’m buying before and I’m excited and nervous at the same time about my new look. My parents were strict and I wasn’t allowed to show much skin, wear makeup, or have my hair styled. I was very sheltered and now I feel independent as I look into the mirror and see the new me.

  About thirty minutes later I’m coming out of the dressing room with a new wardrobe consisting of six dresses of which most of them I can wear to work if I pair them with a sweater, five pairs of jeans, and way too many tops to count. I walk straight to the counter to pay, afraid if I think about it I may put some of them back.

  “Damn, Buttercup, you cleaned out the store.” Bryce laughs as he takes the bags from the cashier.

  I grin at him, “Where to next?”

  “I say we take this load to the truck first and then we will go shoe shopping.” He says as he starts for the mall exit.

  After loading the bags in the truck we head straight to a shoe store. I can literally feel the excitement vibrating off of Bryce. He leads me to the boot section first and I immediately spot two pair that I love. One pair are tall black boots that will go perfect with some of my outfits, and the other is a pair of brown cowboy boots that I have to have to go with my sundresses. Once we have my size I find a pair of nude and a pair of brown heels and a pair of sandals for work. Next Bryce takes me to the flip flops and I have to have multiple colors.

  “Now you have Redding weather foot apparel to match your new clothes, and we should send your old wardrobe back to Kentucky.” He grins as we make our way to the counter to pay.

  As we walk out of the shoe store I think of something else I need, “I think I should grab some shorts too. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that at American Eagle.”

  “We can go look at Old Navy, it’s just right up there.” He points in the direction we need to go.

  “Sounds good to me.”

  We link our arms and begin heading toward Old Navy. On the way there we pass Victoria’s Secret. Bryce must catch me staring through the windows because he pulls me in the store.

  “What are you doing?” I whisper.

  “Well, Buttercup, you can’t have new clothes and shoes without the proper under garments to go with. I bet you wear granny panties and plain cotton bras.”

  I grimace which causes him to laugh because he’s right that’s exactly what I wear. “It’s not like anyone ever sees them but me anyway.” I scowl up at him.

  “Maybe for now, but someday someone will see them.” He smirks.

  We end up getting me enough matching bras and panties for every day of the week before leaving the store and finally going to Old Navy.

  I end up buying way too many pairs of shorts and a few more dresses. What can I say? I’m learning to be a girl and a girl can never have too many clothes.

  We pick up some dinner on the way home and Bryce helps me unload all of my purchases. When everything is on my bed we both laugh out loud.

  “Holy shit, Buttercup. I think you bought the whole mall.”

  “Ugh, now I have to put it all away.”

  “I’ll help you with that after we eat our dinner.” He says.

  As soon as the words leave his mouth my stomach growls so loud it’s a miracle the people living next door didn’t hear it. We both burst out laughing as we make our way into the kitchen and sit down at the table to dig into the food we brought home.

  Halfway through our meal I begin thinking about today. Bryce didn’t have to spend his whole day with me shopping, but he did. “Thank you again, Bryce for taking me today. There’s no way I would’ve ever thought to pick out the clothes that you did.”

  “You’re more than welcome, but seriously stop thanking me, that’s what friends are for.” He says before taking another bite of his food. “Didn’t you mom ever take you shopping?” He asks around a mouth full of food.

  I shake my head, “No, she never did. She always just went on her own. Her and my dad didn’t believe in clothes like the one’s I got today. They were always telling me that a young lady needed to make sure she was covered up. I suppose they thought they were protecting me, I’m not sure and I never questioned it. I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup or get my hair styled. It’s only ever been trimmed.”

  “I get it. Some parents think they are protecting their children by hiding them in plain sight, so to speak. Your parents sound like they were afraid of everything, but that’s okay, you’re here now and can start living your own life. The life you were meant to live, not the one your parent’s think is best for you. It’s time to do what you want and not worry over what they want. You’re a grown woman and I’m sorry that they sheltered you so much from the world around you.” He smiles as he takes my hand in his.

  “Thank you, Bryce that means a lot.” I say softly as I squeeze his hand. “I was just thinking last night that this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I’ve never gone anywhere and felt completely at home like I do here in Redding.”

  “Everything happens for a reason, Kerrigan, you said that you felt like something was pulling you here. So my advice to you is to always trust your instincts, they will lead you in the right direction.”

  I smile at him as he releases my hand and we both begin eating again. We’re quiet the rest of our meal. It amazes me how much Bryce seems to understand me and how well we interact. It’s like we’ve been friends all our lives.

  When we finish eating we go back into my room and begin putting my clothes, shoes, and undergarments away. Had it not been for Bryce I would have thrown them all in the floor and went to bed. Thank God he helped it didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it would. I still can’t believe I bought so much I damn near spent a whole paycheck today. Luckily I’ve been saving money so my splurge didn’t hurt my bank account.

  “I’m heading home, Buttercup, but be ready by noon tomorrow.” He says as he starts toward the door.

  “Wait. Why?” I ask following behind him

  Spinning around he grins, “I’m taking you to the spa. You are going to get pampered, your first hair styling, and wax. Then after that you’re going to get your first lesson in makeup. One of the ladies that work there is awesome at picking the right shades. “

  “Why are you doing all this, Bryce?” I question. It’s not t
hat I’m ungrateful I just want to understand why he’s taken me under his wing.

  “Because, Buttercup, I want you to experience all the things you’ve missed out on. You have been sheltered too long and it’s time to break free, and I plan to help you every step of the way.” He smiles as he leans down and kisses my cheek.

  “Thank you, Bryce. You’re the best person I know and I’m glad I met you my first day here.”

  “Fate.” He grins before opening the door and walks out.

  Shutting the door behind him I decide to cuddle up on the couch with my Kindle and read the new book I got. I decided to step outside my normal reading and chose a werewolf book called Storm Shades by Olivia Stephens.

  I immerse myself into the paranormal world and the more I read the more I think what if. What if there really were supernatural beings out there. Would we know them if we say them on the streets, would they look like us? I laugh at myself for such crazy thoughts. Looking at the clock I see it’s close to midnight, I bookmark my page and head to bed.

  Bryce and I spent most of Saturday at the spa. True to his word we were pampered with manicures, pedicures, massages, I was tortured with waxing. I had no idea they were going to wax more than my eyebrows, let’s just say that I’m swimsuit ready, and after all that I found myself in the salon. My hair was washed, dried, cut, and styled. I absolutely love the new look. They put layers in it and I can wear it up, down, straight, or make it look choppy and windblown. Then it was off to the makeover. I was taught what colors were best for my complexion and then shown how to apply my makeup to look natural, yet to enhance my features. I ended up buying all the products they used on my hair, a flat iron, as well as the makeup and facial cleansers that were used on me.

  We spent the rest of the evening vegging out on my couch watching movies and eating popcorn. The next day flew by and before I knew it, it was Monday morning and I was standing in front of my closet trying to figure out which outfit to wear to work. I have to admit with my old wardrobe I never had to decide what to wear all my clothes were pretty much the same. Now, I have too many choices.

  Finally I decide on a black shirt and skirt with a wide brown belt and my brown heels. Thank goodness I’d already fixed my hair and put on my new makeup, because as long as it took me to decide on clothes there is no way I’d make it to work on time if I still needed to do hair and makeup too. I wasn’t used to all this primping. When I’ve finished dressing I step in front of the mirror and am amazed at my appearance. My hair is down and straight, the layers make it look thicker and I love the way it fringes around my face, I applied my makeup exactly as they taught me and I have to admit that today I can see the beauty that Bryce says he sees. I smile at my reflection before turning away from the mirror.

  Looking at the clock on my nightstand I notice that if I don’t get my ass in gear I’m going to be late to work. Rushing out of my room I grab my keys, purse, and phone off the counter and walk out the door. The smile that was on my face when I looked into the mirror never leaves it remains firmly in place all the way to work.

  The moment I step into the office building I feel that all too familiar feeling of eyes on me. I don’t bother to look this time. I keep my head up, smile in place, while continuing on to the elevators. I spot Ruth close to the elevators.

  “Good morning, Ruth.”

  “Good morning, Kerrigan.” She smiles at me as she scans me head to toe. “I love that new look.”

  “Thanks. I figured it was time for a change. Plus I needed to get some new clothes for this weather instead of Kentucky.”

  “Well you look amazing. I will see you later.” She says as she waves to me continuing on to her office.

  Stella looks up from her computer, even though she tries to hide it I clearly notice the shock on her face, “Well good morning to you, Kerrigan, oh my, don’t you look stunning today.”

  “Thank you, Stella,” I grin. “Is the boss man in yet?” I ask.

  “Not yet.” She replies. “How did the meeting go last week?”

  “I think it went great. I haven’t heard anything since Mr. Vaughn dropped me off at my apartment and gave me Thursday and Friday off, but if I were to guess I’d say we got the account.”

  She gives me a huge smile, “That’s great!”

  I return her smile. “Did I miss anything during my time off?” I inquire.

  She shakes her head, “I placed some files on your desk that Damon wants you to look over. They are already current clients, they need reviewing to see if there is something new or more that we can offer them. Other than that nothing spectacular happened here.”

  “Sounds good, thank you, Stella, I will take a look at them and see what we can do.” I say as I begin walking to my office.

  Walking into my office I turn on my computer before putting my purse away. When the login screen pops up I put in my password before opening up the files on my desk and begin reading over them. It’s lunch time before I know it. The day is going by quickly since I’ve immersed myself in looking into our client’s financials. I realize that I’ve not seen or heard anything from Damon all day. I close the file I’m working on before grabbing my purse to go to lunch.

  I’m looking down at my phone when I step out of my office reading a text message from Bryce asking me if I wanted to have lunch with him today. I message him back letting him know I’m on my way out of the office now and that I’ll meet him at the deli down the street. I place my phone in my purse, still not looking where I’m going when I bump into someone.

  “Oh shit!” I exclaim. When I look up I see Damon smiling down at me. “Shoot, sorry Mr…” He raises an eyebrow and I quickly correct myself, “Sorry Damon I wasn’t paying attention where I was going.”

  “No harm done. Where are you off too in such a hurry?” He asks.

  My eyes are locked onto his face as I watch him look over every inch of me. The slight smile on his face makes me think he likes what he sees. Oh hell, who am I kidding I’m no Lucia even though I’ve got a new look there is no way he’d want me over her.

  When his eyes meet mine again I answer his question, “I’m heading to lunch.”

  “Hmmm, it’s lunchtime already, damn where did the time go?”

  I laugh not really sure where he’s going with this and I have no clue why I didn’t stop the next question from coming out of my mouth. “Would you like to go? I’m meeting Bryce at the deli down the street.”

  His eyes narrow and his nose flares at the mention of Bryce. Why does he seem bothered by the fact I’m eating with Bryce, doesn’t he know he’s gay?

  “Sure, a man’s got to eat.” He finally replies.

  Looking over at Stella I notice her smiling at us, “Would you like to come as well, Stella?”

  “Oh no dear, I’m going with Ruby we always have lunch together on Mondays, but you two have a good lunch.”

  “You too, we’ll see you in a little while.” I say before continuing on to the elevator.

  I can physically feel Damon behind me. The heat from his body scorches me as we step onto the elevator and the door closes us in this small box. I can’t turn around and look at him. I feel his breath on the back of my neck and then hear him take a deep breath as the elevator begins its decent to the ground floor.

  When the elevator dings and the doors open I’m so flustered I don’t know if I can handle the next hour in his presence or not. None of this makes any sense to me. He has Lucia, why is he acting this way toward me, or is it all just a figment of my imagination.

  Shaking my head to clear my thoughts we begin walking in the direction of the deli. I grin to myself when I think about Bryce’s reaction to seeing that Damon is joining us for lunch. I know they know each other and they are somewhat friends, but that’s all. I want to know more about their relationship. I make a mental note to ask Bryce.

  When we arrive Damon opens the door for me and motions for me to enter before him. I spot Bryce standing in line at the counter. I head in his dir
ection to join him with Damon right on my heels.

  “Hey B,” I say as I stop beside him, “I brought a guest.”

  Bryce leans forward a little to see around me, “Hey, D.” He says to Damon.

  “Bryce.” Damon nods in return.

  Well this is about as comfortable as sitting bare assed on a burr branch. We all order our food; once we have it in hand we find a table and sit. I decide to break the silence.

  “So how do you two know each other?” I ask as I take a bite of my food.

  “Bryce and I grew up together, our parents are really good friends.” Damon answers first.

  “And I take it you’re not close now? I mean… Shit… Sorry I don’t mean to be noisy. But y’all don’t seem to be friends now.”

  “I wouldn’t say we’re not friends.” Damon says at the same time Bryce says, “Did you just seriously say y’all?” They both begin laughing and seeing the merriment between these two, even at my expense, makes me happy.

  “Hey now,” I laugh. “Don’t y’all be making fun of me, I can’t help that I’m from Kentucky and that’s what we say there, be glad I grew up in south central and not eastern Kentucky they say you’ens there.” I continue to laugh until I hear both men make a growling noise. I look up and watch as something passes between them, almost like they’re communicating without speaking a single word. “What?” I question as I look back and forth between them.

  “Nothing, tell me how you liked growing up in Kentucky.” Damon says.

  I look over to Bryce and can tell that he wants to know my answer just as much. It’s not like Bryce and I haven’t talked about it, but he still looks intrigued.

  “I liked it just fine, the weather in Kentucky is crazy. One day it’ll be in the seventies the next it may snow, you never know how to dress, and the weather men are almost never right about the forecast. It’s the only home I’ve ever known so I have nothing to compare it too, until now.” I smile at them. Noticing the serious expressions on both their faces the smile leaves my face as I continue. “My parents were very strict, it was like they were afraid something was going to happen to me. I wasn’t allowed to date, go to parties, I had very few friends growing up, so I studied to pass the time and ended up graduating high school early and going straight to college where I finished my masters degree this year at the ripe old age of twenty three.”