CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78 GIRLS SHOP WHILE GUYS WAIT

Caroline’s POV

"Carrie, you look absolutely stunning in this dress." Ruby exclaimed beside me. I was wearing a deep purple low-cut dress, not quite formal but it accentuated my figure beautifully.

I twirled in front of the mirror, watching the dress bloom like a flower around me.

"It complements your skin tone perfectly," Eleanor commented approvingly. "Actually, it reminds me of that dress I picked for you at the masquerade ball years ago."

Ava approached with another coordinated outfit, complete with shoes and accessories. "Masquerade ball? That sounds fun. I haven’t been to one since college graduation."

Kyle held a formal gown against herself, admiring the fit. "Perhaps I should suggest Alpha Draven host a masquerade for the company’s annual party. Then invite you all to attend. That way these gorgeous dresses we’re buying would serve a purpose."

"Well, remember to come back to me when you do," Ava said with a beaming smile. "I’d be thrilled to help you all select outfits."

"Oh girls, of course we will! You’re a master at styling!" Eleanor spoke with her usual enthusiasm.

"Ava, we need some scandalous little dresses to drive our men crazy," Kyle chimed in, making us all laugh.

"I’ve already picked out some amazing pieces and matching shoes," Ava was all excited.

"You could share the customers, you know, Ava," we heard a woman speak from the cash register.

"No, I can’t, Sarah," Ava replied impatiently. Sarah was the store’s cashier, and Ava had caught her ex-boyfriend with her.

"And we all want to be helped by Ava, not anyone else," Eleanor said with a stern face.

Inside each fitting room, Ava had already placed a rack of carefully selected dresses and shoes, perfectly chosen for our sizes and styles. She had a gift for knowing exactly what would suit each person.

We each went into our fitting rooms, excited to try on what she’d picked for us.

When we came out, we found five men sitting in the chairs around us. But what were they doing here?

The girls and I looked at each other in confusion and were about to chase them away when we noticed that Sarah was flirting with Joseph, and the other saleswomen were hovering around the guys like flies to honey. Ava had hatred in her eyes, but as a store employee, she couldn’t do anything about it.

Eleanor didn’t waste any time, though she walked over to Nate and sat on his lap.

"Hi, darling, did you come to surprise me?" Eleanor spoke in her sweetest voice, making Nate break into a huge goofy smile.

Quickly, Ruby, Kyle, and I did the same with our men, who got quite excited. I felt Draven’s arm instantly wrap around my waist, pulling me closer as I settled onto his lap. His body was warm against mine, and I could feel Rory purring contentedly inside me.

"Missed you," Draven whispered into my ear.

I saw the two saleswomen looking at us with disgust before walking away. I wanted to slap those brazen faces. But that Sarah girl kept throwing herself at Joseph.

"Looks like you’re the only single guy here, handsome! But if you want, we could have some fun." Sarah spoke in a whiny voice.

"Who told you I was single?" Joseph said, standing up and walking over to Ava, wrapping his arm around her waist and giving her a long, tender kiss on the lips.

"Now go scratch somewhere else, you desperate floozy!" Elle snarled at Sarah, who walked away from us with eyes burning with rage. "Now you five. What are you doing here?"

"It seems Joseph is going to open a store here at the mall, Elle. He doesn’t go a single day without coming here," Ava said with a big smile.

"Ah, my goddess, that’s not a bad idea. Then I could see you all day long," Joseph flashed a mischievous smile at Ava.

"Aren’t you going to tell us what you’re doing here?" Kyle demanded, shooting Luke a suspicious look.

"Joseph mentioned there’s a really good restaurant here, and we came to meet up and talk," Draven tried to explain, but I could sense through his touch that he wasn’t being entirely truthful.

"Speak for yourself, Alpha. I came to see my redhead, plain and simple," Ryan said, holding Ruby on his lap, his fingers gently playing with a strand of her hair.

"I’m not yours, sweetie," Ruby protested, but she didn’t move away from his touch.

"Just accept that you’re mine, Ruby, and put me out of my misery," Ryan pleaded once again.

"Well, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing here, ladies. Stand up and show us those pretty little dresses my goddess puts you in," Joseph said, completely shameless.We spent over an hour trying stuff on. Draven watched me like a hawk, his eyes getting darker every time I came out in something new. I could feel our bond getting stronger with every heated look he gave me. When we finished, we kept our picks secret. Ava took everything to ring up, and Joseph pulled us aside.

"Hey, pick some dresses and sandals for my girl. You each got three, so grab three for her too. Come on, you know her style, I trust you guys," Joseph said, giving us a little push.

"You’re in luck, she already put some aside. I’ll grab them," Eleanor told him and went to get the dresses.

At checkout, the owner was chatting away with the guys. She was this sweet older lady. They’d already paid for everything and had all the bags. We tried to argue but they wouldn’t budge. Joseph handed the dresses to the owner, who gave him a wink as she wrapped them up. The other sales girls were obviously jealous.

"Ava, honey, great job on the sale. Take the rest of your shift off. Go enjoy dinner with your boyfriend and friends," the owner said with a smile.

Draven slipped his hand into mine as we headed out. His thumb made circles on my palm, making me feel all warm and safe.