AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER 4
Miranda
Wow.I watch Hunter drive away and I’m stunned. No man has ever made me feel this alive. There’s something edgy and unpredictable about him. Being so close to him gets my blood pumping like crazy. I barely know the guy, but if the throbbing between my legs is any indication he’s definitely cast a spell on me. The funny thing is, I don’t think I’ve paid attention to what goes on down there in such a long time.
I’m still holding onto my phone and I can’t help but reread the text messages we’ve just exchanged. “Holy hell,” I let out, exhaling loudly as I scroll down my screen.
I’ve never had a guy be quite this direct with me before. I’m intrigued, turned on and slightly freaked out. He’s clearly older and more sophisticated than the guys I’ve dated, which makes me wonder what he sees in me.
“Yeah, let’s pick Miranda when I can have dozens of hot, sexy women in LA. Let’s waste time with the ingénue who’s incapable of having an orgasm.”
My temporary elation turns into dread. Snap out of it. I give myself a good mental lynching, forcing me out of my delusional state. What am I thinking? There’s no way I’d be able to satisfy a guy like that. I’ve never been good at the whole dating thing. Okay, I’m pretty terrible at it. Come to think of it, I’m not sure if Monday is a date or not, but I’m certain I’ll find a way to screw it up. I don’t have any problems being casual, friendly and even a little flirty with a guy when I first meet him, but when I feel he wants more, that’s when I panic. I may have a great repartee and I may come across as carefree, but that’s far from reality. It’s just a clever tactic I use to hide my insecurities. The truth of the matter is I’m extremely inexperienced with men and when most of them discover that, they run.
Hunter won’t give me a second glance once he finds out how little I know. I mean why choose me when there are thousands of girls who know what they’re doing? Sure, men are fascinated by my big boobs and round ass, but it’s not nearly enough to keep them satisfied for long. I should know because the few boyfriends I’ve ever had have walked out on me because of my inexperience. The casual dates I’ve had weren’t any different.
The alarm rings on my iPhone, reminding me that if I don’t get moving I really will be late for my appointment. “Oh, well, there’s no point in stressing out about it now. I’ll deal with it Monday. Worst-case scenario, Hunter and I can remain friends,” I say aloud before bending down to pick up my groceries.
* * *
“Miranda!”
I’ve barely stepped inside the chic little boutique on Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach before my best friend shouts my name and runs to me. In a flash, she has her arms around me in one of her trademark bear hugs.
“Jess—” Before I’m even able to say her name, someone else cheers.
“Sweet! Miranda is in the house,” Michelle yells, running towards us.
Before I know it, two of my favorite girls are hugging the daylights out of me and I’m loving every single minute of it.
“Oh, my God, you guys. You’re going to suffocate me.”
“We wouldn’t be showering you with this much affection if we saw you more often. With your three jobs, you barely have time to sleep, let alone hang out with your best friend.”
“Jessica, she’s given up two of her time-sucking jobs. She’s entering the big leagues now and she’s going Hollywood as of Monday.” Michelle, Jessica’s older sister, chimes in, letting go of me and taking a step back.
“You’re too funny, Michelle.” I smile at the tall brunette. “Jess,” I say, pressing my face into my friend’s neck. “Sorry I’m a little late and I apologize for being MIA lately. I’ve been taking as many extra shifts as I possibly could because I have to pay for the new wardrobe I bought a few weeks ago to start this new job.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Jessica says, taking my hand and dragging me inside the store. “Your hair looks amazing, by the way,” she says without turning around.
“Oh, thanks. Colton is more excited than I am about tonight’s party and he went all out,” I say, brushing my long mane behind my shoulders.
“Hush, child. You can’t rush perfection and Colton Alexander is a master. You should never force his hand. You simply have to let him work his magic. And he did you proud, girlfriend.”
“I must admit he did a pretty good job.”
“Good job? You’re a freaking bombshell. I wish my hair was as long and heavy as yours,” she laments, flipping her short chocolate-brown bob around. “My hair is so fine, this is as long as it’ll ever be. I just have to resign myself to living vicariously through your luxurious locks.”
“Yeah, but it takes me ten times as long to get ready in the morning, which means that I’m going to have to get up much earlier next week if I want to look decent.”
“Can you believe it? After two years of working as a waitress, you’re finally able to step it up.”
“It’s still surreal, and I don’t want to jinx anything, so let’s not talk about this new job. Let’s focus on finding a dress for this party you insist I come to.”
My answer is rewarded with cheers and hoots.
“Miranda, I have to agree with my little sister. Every time I see you I totally have hair envy. God might have given us height, but He was very cruel when it comes to the Edgewood sisters’ locks. He gave us baby-fine hair that’s nearly impossible to style. I guess He was too busy giving you all the good stuff. Thank God for extensions,” Michelle says with a huge grin on her face. “Listen, honey, I had Nikki pull a few great pieces for you. She’s still in the back room getting everything ready, but I’m sure you’re going to be pleased with our selections. You really lucked out this week because a lot of celebrities of all sizes came in with hundreds of items of clothing. We also got a client dropping off designer shoes in your size. The best part they’ve never been worn once. You get first dibs and of course you get the family discount.” She winks.
“Thank you so much, Michelle. You’re the best.”
