London Prep: Book Two

by Dodd, Jillian

  “Oh,” Helen says with surprise. “I mean, of course, dear. That’s good news, isn’t it?”

  “It is. Actually, Olivia will be there as well,” I admit, wanting to tell her as much of the truth as I can.

  “How do you feel about that?” she says with motherly concern. And apparently, she isn’t too upset with me and Noah because her expression has fully softened.

  “I’m nervous. But she says she wants to be friends. I just have to hope she’s telling the truth.”

  Helen nods at me and takes my hand into hers. “Let’s hope so. However, you might want to be cautious. Girls like Olivia have a way of getting what they want. And hurting others in the process.”

  “You think?” I ask, feeling even more unsettled.

  “I think it’s never a bad thing to be prepared. Go into it with an open mind, but don’t be naive, dear.”

  “Thanks for the advice. It’s hard to know how to handle the situation. Also, last night, Harry and I decided to be boyfriend and girlfriend,” I add, realizing I haven’t gotten around to telling Helen yet.

  Helen grins, her brown eyes filling with excitement. “Are you happy?”

  A smile forms on my lips. “I am happy. And I know it sounds crazy, with me being here for only three weeks, but I guess we are both okay with that. I’m not sure what will happen, but it feels right.”

  It feels right.

  I bite my lip, feeling one hundred percent better about tonight. I was worrying all day about nothing.

  Whatever happens with Olivia can happen. Whatever Harry and I decide to do will be fine. I just need to enjoy tonight and have a good time.

  Like Noah and I talked about this morning.

  “That’s wonderful,” Helen says warmly. “Harry’s been through so much. And I think you’re very special. You both deserve to be happy.”

  “Thanks.” I wrap my arms around Helen, pulling her into a hug.

  I can’t help it.

  “Oh,” she says with surprise. But her arms wrap around me, and she returns the gesture.

  And it makes me feel so much better.

  When I get to Noah’s room, I find him sitting on the edge of his bed. He’s unbuttoning his uniform shirt, a T-shirt and sweats laid out next to him. I watch as he pulls off the shirt, tossing it into his hamper. My eyes slide across his thick shoulders, moving down from his muscular chest to his flat stomach.

  “Hey,” I say, knowing that I need to stop his little strip-down. “I’m going to go change and then go shopping with Naomi. She wants to get new outfits for tonight or something.”

  Noah gets up and walks toward me. Then, he pulls me into his room, closing the door behind us.

  I’m not sure what’s going on or why Noah looks so serious, but he pushes my back against the door, standing firmly in front of me.

  “Are you feeling better?” he asks, his brown eyes on me. He sucks in his cheeks, his gaze moving across my face like he’s looking for injuries.

  “I’m fine,” I reply.

  He places both of his hands onto my shoulders. “That’s good.”

  Noah nods, and I can see his face soften.

  “It is good.”

  I don’t know what else to say. Noah’s hands are warm on my shoulders, and his face is so close to mine. I glance down, taking in his shirtless chest.

  “Noah,” I breathe out, feeling like I need to get some distance between us.

  Because things are starting to feel too intense again. The air around us feels so thick that I can barely breathe. Noah slips his hands up from my shoulders to my neck and into my hair. He pulls me into a hug, his thick arms wrapping around me.

  I remain frozen, not sure what to do. Finally, my hands start moving, and I’m hugging Noah back.

  I’m not sure why I feel so much relief in his arms, but I do.

  I don’t know if that’s wrong or if I should break us apart.

  But hugging Noah … feels good.

  So, I stay, holding on to him.

  A little devious.

  5:30pm

  “This dress was made for you,” Naomi says, holding up a black silk dress. It looks like a slip with a deep V in the front and a slit that runs up the thigh.

  “It’s beautiful,” I admit, taking in the dress. “But don’t you think it’s a little fancy for tonight?”

  Naomi waves her hand at me, hanging the dress back up. “We can wear whatever we want.”

  I glide my hand over a rack of clothes, feeling the different materials.

  “The guys aren’t at all concerned with what they are wearing tonight,” I state, pulling out a magenta dress. It has thick straps on both sides with a soft sweetheart neckline. I hold it up for Naomi, thinking that it looks like her.

  Her eyes go bright, and I can already tell she likes it.

  “That’s English boys for you. Londoners generally do have great style. But the boys at Kensington are useless. They like to look smart, but that doesn’t extend beyond a button-down and sweater, the occasional designer tee, or the ever-classic popped-collar polo.”

  I laugh at her description, realizing that she is right.

  “Noah’s always in black tees outside of school.”

  “Useless,” she repeats, rolling her eyes. “But lucky for them, they’re gorgeous. So, it really doesn’t matter.”

  “Do you wish that they would dress up more?” I ask, noticing that all of the dresses she’s picking out are way fancier than what I was expecting to wear tonight.

  “Of course not. I don’t care if we stay in or go out. I want to feel amazing. Besides, I dress for myself anyway. And the guys love it.”

  I tilt my head, realizing that she has a point.

  I need to shop with myself in mind.

  What do I like? What do I want to wear tonight?

  “Let’s try some things on,” Naomi says, her hands filled with hangers.

  We walk into our dressing rooms and both start trying on clothes.

  “This blue dress is a definite no,” Naomi states, not even coming out of the room.

  “Uh, I’m not too sure about this black slip either.”

  It’s one of those dresses that’s supposed to speak through its simplicity. It fits fine, but it’s just lacking something on me.

  “Let me see.”

  I pull back the curtain and show Naomi. She looks me up and down, nodding her head.

  “The dress doesn’t flatter you the way it should,” she says.

  I put on a few more dresses, not really convinced of anything.

  “I think I’ve found the one,” Naomi gushes, and I can hear the excitement in her voice.

  I stick my head out of the dressing room to take a look.

  “What do you think?” she asks, stepping out in the dress I chose.

  “That’s gorgeous.” I take in her full length, but my eyes keep coming back to her chest, which is on full display. “It really accentuates your assets.”

  “I know. My boobs look great,” she says, turning to look at the back of the dress. “It’s sweet with the neckline and color. But I think pairing it with a killer boot would add just enough edge to make it cool.”

  “I really like it. It looks amazing on you, and I agree about the boots. They would make it more casual sexy.”

  Naomi smiles brightly. “It’s so lush. I love that I can dress it up as well.”

  “Functional and gorgeous. You can’t go wrong,” I say, moving back into the dressing room.

  I hold up a hunter-green dress in front of me, deciding to try it on next. I slip into it, taking in my reflection.

  “I really like this, and the color is perfect for fall.”

  The dress features green stretch knit lace, a high neckline, and fluted cap sleeves.

  “Let me see,” Naomi says.

  I pull the curtain back, smiling at her.

  “Mallory, it’s adorable,” she coos.

  “Do you think it’s too romantic?” I ask, taking in the lace.


  She shakes her head. “I would pair it with a platform sneaker and a dark eye to give it a sportier look.”

  “I love that idea,” I say, excited that I’ve found something.

  “Good.” She grins, pushing me back into the dressing room. “Now, hurry up. We need to find some shoes!”

  The salesgirl takes our dresses, and we head over to a wall full of heels and boots.

  “I have so many shoes with me. I’m not sure I could justify another pair,” I say, eyeing the wall.

  Don’t get me wrong; I like to wear an appropriate shoe with my outfit as much as the next girl, but I’m not nearly as excited about them as Naomi seems to be. She’s looking at the wall like it’s the most beautiful landscape she’s ever seen.

  “You can never have too many shoes,” she says, picking up a pair of booties. “They set the tone for the entire look. And I bet you didn’t bring platform sneakers that would look good with a hunter-green lace dress.”

  “You’re right. I didn’t,” I say with a laugh, thinking about how many shoes I actually did bring and the irony that I still need to buy a new pair.

  “What about these?” Naomi suggests, holding up classic white sneakers set on a platform base. They have green and red stripes and feature the designer’s iconic gold embroidered bee.

  And they are really cute.

  “They come in black too.” She takes them both over to my dress. “What do you think?”

  “I think the black. The white might be a little too sporty with it.”

  Naomi grins at me, handing me the shoe. “I think so too.”

  “When I first got here, Noah had to carry up all my suitcases to Mia’s room. I felt so bad.” I laugh. “And even worse is, I’ve only worn about a fourth of them.”

  “I don’t blame you. I would have overpacked too,” she agrees.

  “I packed like I was going on a vacation. I’m pretty sure I brought fifteen pairs of shoes for three weeks.”

  “I love shoes too.” Naomi laughs but then gets distracted by a pair of black studded booties. “I think these are the ones. What do you think?” she asks, holding them up.

  “They’re perfect,” I agree, mentally pairing them with her magenta-and-black dress.

  Naomi and I check out and then leave the shop.

  “Do you need to go home first?” I ask, realizing I didn’t really make much of a plan that went beyond shopping.

  Naomi nods. “Olivia messaged me. She wants to come over before and get ready.” Her cheeks tint a little pink before she continues, “I know I was supposed to do your hair and makeup—”

  “That’s fine,” I interrupt. “Why don’t you two get ready and then come over together? I had Noah take my bag to Harry’s, so I’ll just get ready there. Besides, maybe you can get a few drinks in her first to calm her down.” I grin at her and hope she’ll be eased by my joke.

  “We’ll definitely have some wine while we get ready,” she says, sounding relieved. “We still have one more stop though.”

  She stops in front of a lingerie store and nods her head toward it.

  I raise my eyebrows at her. “Are you looking for something sexy?”

  “What’s the point of a good outfit if, below it, you’re wearing an old pair of knickers?” She chuckles, leading me into the shop.

  “I meant to ask, are you inviting that guy tonight? Sorry, what was his name?”

  “George,” she says dreamily. “I’ve been thinking about it. What do you think? Should I?”

  “Yes, you should. I think it will be fun.”

  I know Harry won’t mind, and I can’t imagine Naomi being this giddy about someone who isn’t a gentleman.

  “Maybe I will then,” she says with a flush.

  “Now, we get down to the real reason why we’re here. Do you think someone will get to see you in these lovely little pieces tonight?” I ask, holding up a lacy thong.

  “If he’s lucky,” she says with a grin. “Besides, even if you just cuddle for the night, you want to tease the lad a little bit. Have him help you slip out of your dress and see something sexy before you put on his T-shirt to sleep in.”

  “I like it. Do you think guys really care about that though?”

  “I think it’s always appreciated. Plus, it makes me feel hot. And if I feel hot, I look hot, and thus I am hot. Maybe it’s an attitude thing. I always have more confidence when I’m wearing a fancy pair of knickers—whether or not anyone but me ever sees them.”

  “Well then, you should probably buy something,” I say, my gaze shifting to a table of bras.

  I glide my fingers across a pretty bluish-gray satin bralette. It’s soft with just a little padding.

  “I think if anyone needs lingerie tonight, it’s going to be you,” Naomi says, holding a red floral bra up to her chest, like she’s trying to imagine it on.

  “That’s beautiful,” I comment on the bra but then add, “What do you mean though?”

  “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but we’re sleeping over at Harry’s. I mean, do you plan on doing anything with him? Or wait, have you two already?” She holds up her hand. “Sorry, you don’t need to answer that.”

  “I mean, yeah, we’ve done a little, but I don’t know. It’s just stressful to think about.”

  “It is,” Naomi agrees, choosing a pair of underwear to match the bra. “But at least Harry’s your boyfriend.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask.

  “I mean, if you and Harry hook up, at least you know he cares about you. Sometimes, it can be hard to know if a guy just wants in your pants or if he actually likes you. At least you know,” she comments.

  I tilt my head. “Maybe,” I admit, wondering if she’s right.

  “All right. I’ll get this, and you need that blue set. Just in case,” she says.

  Harder than usual.

  7:30pm

  I ring Harry’s doorbell, but no one answers.

  What the heck?

  I ring it again, wondering if he’s not home yet.

  That would be my luck. I guess I should have called and not just shown up whenever I felt like it. I set down my shopping bags, pulling out my phone to call him.

  “Hey,” Noah says, opening the front door as I put the phone up to my ear.

  I quickly hang up.

  “Hey,” I say back, a little confused.

  “Sorry. We’re in the middle of a game.” Noah grins and then eyes my bags. He steps outside and picks them up. “Here, let me help you.”

  “Thanks,” I stutter, a little surprised that he’s helping me with my bags and in such a good mood.

  He’s practically glowing.

  “No problem,” he says, walking up the stairs toward Harry’s room.

  I follow him, looking around.

  “Are you enjoying your game then?” I ask, wondering why Harry wasn’t the one to answer the door.

  “It’s awesome. We hooked up his gaming computer to the television in the sitting room.” He’s got a huge smile plastered across his face.

  Who knew that guys were so easy to please? All it takes is a large flat screen and some controllers.

  “I see,” I say.

  “So, did you find anything good?” Noah asks as he sets the bags down onto a bench at the foot of Harry’s bed.

  “You’re not going to be too happy with me,” I comment, throwing my purse into a chair. “I got shoes.”

  “Because you didn’t have enough already,” he says sarcastically.

  “Because I didn’t have any that matched my new dress,” I fire back.

  “Well, let’s see it then.” Noah puts his hand into one of the bags.

  “Not that one,” I say, rushing toward him.

  But it’s too late. He pulls out the bra and matching thong that Naomi insisted I get, his eyes wide.

  “It’s not for tonight,” I say quickly.

  Noah looks from the lingerie up to me and then back again before dropping them into the bag. His face
hardens. “I’m sure.”

  “It’s not. Naomi insisted …”

  “It’s fine,” Noah says, holding his hand up. “You don’t owe me an explanation,” he says the words with force, a mixture of hurt and disgust coming through in his voice.

  I bite my lip, trying to figure out what to do.

  I slip past Noah, pulling out the dress that I bought. “This is what I got for tonight,” I say, hoping that a change in subject will ease the tension.

  “You’re wearing that?” he asks.

  “Yes,” I reply, suddenly wondering if it was a bad choice. “What’s your problem with my dress?”

  Noah swallows hard, his eyes shifting to the fabric. “It’s a little short,” he says under his breath.

  My mouth falls open, but I quickly recover. “First off, that’s rude. The dress is not at all revealing,” I argue. “And secondly, I don’t care what you think about it. I didn’t buy it for you.”

  Noah’s nostrils flare.

  “I bought it because I like it. Now, apologize,” I demand.

  “I am not …” Noah starts, but I reach up and close his mouth with my fingers.

  “Apologize,” I repeat.

  Noah’s shoulders drop, and I can tell he’s conceded.

  When I remove my fingers, he says, “I’m sure you’re going to look beautiful. You always do.”

  Noah’s eyes are gliding down my dress. I take a step back, my stomach feeling uneasy.

  “I accept your apology,” I state, trying to remain friendly. “So, you said Harry’s in the sitting room?”

  “Yeah. Let’s go,” Noah says, leading me there.

  I find Harry seated in a chair, his face glued to the screen, a controller held out in front of him.

  “Oh no, you don’t,” he says, talking to the game.

  “Hey.” I walk up next to him and rub my hand across his back.

  “Hey, babe,” he says, barely looking up at me, still clicking on the controller. His eyes are focused on the game. “Where’s Naomi? I thought she was coming with you?”

  “She’s going to get ready at home first and then come straight here with Olivia.” I’m a little bothered by the fact that he’s still playing and not giving me his full attention.