“You did?” She sounded astounded. “Do you think…could you show me?”

I laughed aloud. “I’ll show you a few things you can buy on the Internet.”

Jenna giggled, blushed, and covered her eyes with her hand. “I don’t want to buy yet. I just want to look. I mean…I don’t really want to look, but…” She shoved a spoonful of curry in her mouth on purpose so she couldn’t continue and I did the same.

“Jenna, look at me.” She did, blushing even more. “Hey, it’s okay. You’d be surprised how many people buy these things. It will open your eyes.”

“Really?”

In my eyes, Jenna was the sweetest, most naïve friend anyone could have. I loved her innocent virtue and her big heart. I couldn’t wait to show her the things that will rock Max’s world even more. Though I was sure he’d already experienced it, if Jenna initiated something steamy, it would drive him crazy.

“Do you have a dress for tomorrow night?” I asked, changing the subject to a more comfortable one, so her cheeks could turn back to their normal color.

“I was just going to wear something from my closet. I don’t have time to go shopping.”

“No, no, no,” I shook my head and my index finger, knowing what kind of dresses she had. “I have something you can wear. Not only will it drive Max crazy, seeing other guys undress you with their eyes will send him over the edge.”

“Becky, you know what type of dress I like to wear.”

“Exactly; but it’s New Year’s Eve. Dress to impress. Be a little daring. It’s not like you’re doing something terrible.”

“Okay,” she agreed. “And by the way, please don’t tell Nicole and Kate about our little conversation.”

I nodded, “You know I would never share without your permission.”

“I know. Thanks for being such an amazing friend. What would I ever do without you?”

“I don’t know, Jenna, but I hope you never find out,” I said in a playful tone. “By the way, did you get Nicole’s text about where to meet tomorrow night?”

“Yup, do you think you can drive us there so I can go home with Max?”

“Actually, I knew you would go home with Max so I asked Nicole to pick us up since it’s on the way. Besides, I want to be able to drink as much as I want and not worry about how I’m getting home.”

“Sure. That’s fine,” she agreed.

19

SHAKING MY HEAD, I frowned at Becky. “I’m not even going to try that dress on. It looks too skimpy. I might as well be topless.”

“Max would love that,” Becky teased. “Come on. Just try it. If you don’t like it, just take it off.”

“You always tell me that and somehow I end up wearing what you chose.”

“’Cause I’m always right.” She handed me the black dress and gave me a little shove into her bathroom.

I felt like a neon sign that screamed, “Look at me!” However, looking at myself in the mirror, with my hair and makeup already done, I had transformed into a diva. Although I was still a little uncomfortable with so much cle**age showing, I had to admit I looked pretty good. “So what do you think?” I shrugged my shoulders as I came out of the bathroom.

Becky’s eye glistened, as she looked me over from head to toe. “Oh my God. Well, I am proud of myself. I’m right again. You know, you have that innocent, angelic face, but with the right makeup and a hot dress, you look gorgeous.

“Thanks,” I said shyly.

“Okay.” Becky dropped her phone on her bed, and opened her closet door. “Now I’d better get dressed while you go get your shawl. I just got a text from Nicole saying she’s almost here.” Walking into her bathroom, she looked over her shoulder at me. “I can’t wait for Max to see you. We’re going to have an awesome time.”

THE TRAFFIC WAS HORRENDOUS, not to mention the parking. Thankfully, Nicole’s fiancé opted to valet park. He was all sorts of handy today. The owner of the club, Stellars, was one of his good friends, so even though it was grand opening night, he was able to reserve a table. It was good to have friends with connections. Max texted to let me know he was already at the table with Matthew. We just had to get through this line to show them our IDs.

As soon as we entered, excitement filled the air as we passed by several intimidating bouncers. The music pounded against my chest and I wanted be on the dance floor already, but first things first. I was starving, and I knew Becky was too, since we both had a light lunch. Peering up, I noted there were two levels. They designed it so the people on the first floor could see the people on the second level. The second story had a big gap in the center, protected by bars for safety.

The décor was simply stunning. It was dark, but the neon lights and the surrounding white lights that dangled from corner to corner were just enough to keep from bumping into people. The place was huge, and it would have taken some time to search for Max on my own. Thankfully, he had texted me again to let me know he would wait for us at the bar instead of at the table. However, the bar was ginormous!

I had never seen a bar that size before. Off to the side, people were checking in their coats, which we decided to do as well. Becky took out her credit card and her driver license before she handed hers over. She didn’t bring a purse. She said she didn’t want to bother bringing one since she wasn’t driving. There were only two places she could hide her cards, and I wondered where it was going this time.