“I was already a pretty woman, thank you very much!”
“No! Pretty Woman . . . the movie.”
Hannah stared at him blankly.
“Julia Roberts and Richard Gere?”
She just blinked in confusion.
“You’re kidding me! You’ve never seen Pretty Woman?”
“I’m not really into movies. Unless it’s a historical documentary. They fascinate me.”
Cody shook his head in amazement.
“What?”
“You’re the strangest girl I’ve ever met.”
“So all girls like this Pretty Woman movie?” Hannah asked.
“Yeah, it’s about a prostitute that gets hired by a lonely rich guy who buys her all these expensive things and they fall in love.”
“So the rich guy has to buy the love of the prostitute? That sounds terrible!”
Cody laughed. “Well when you say it that way . . . you just have to see it. I’m adding movie night to your research. Starting with Pretty Woman. And then there’s some teen movies you should watch to learn how to talk like a normal human. It’ll help you spot when guys are being creeps and girls are being fake too.”
Hannah’s face lit up. “That’s a brilliant idea.” She pulled her phone from her purse and opened her notes app, ready to write down movie titles. “Pretty Woman. What else?”
“Calm down, Spielberg. Just come over this weekend and we’ll have a Netflix marathon, cause you’re gonna need my commentary.”
She nodded and slipped the phone back into her purse.
“Now get in there an try on some clothes,” Cody commanded, nodding to the row of white doors.
“But we didn’t pick any out yet?”
“What’d you think I was doing the whole time you were getting pampered?”
“Playing on your phone?”
“I was texting Bianca. She filled the fitting room with everything you’ll need.”
“What happened to doing our own shopping?”
“I didn’t want to hurt her feelings,” he said with an apologetic smirk. “Now quit stalling and try on your clothes. And you better show me everything. I’m not letting any boring khakis or frumpy sweaters slip by.”
“Cody, it’s not that I don’t appreciate all of this Pretty Woman pampering.” Hannah lowered her voice to a whisper. “But I can’t afford to buy my clothes here.”
“It’s on me.”
“But—”
“Lesson number three. Never decline your boyfriend’s gifts. Besides, you’re helping me.”
“How?”
“My dad feels less guilty for never being around when he buys me things. He’ll sleep easier when he sees his Neiman Marcus bill this month. Now no more arguing. Get in there.” He slapped Hannah’s ass and she yelped, but made her way into the fitting room.
The entire room was white—walls, doors, mirrors, floors. It was blinding. It was the largest fitting room Hannah had ever seen. A white wing-backed chair with an ottoman judged her from the corner. Next to it was a silver doorbell labeled ‘assistance’. Hannah glanced at the long rack filled with the clothes Bianca had picked out. This was going to take all night!
Hannah suddenly felt the need to sit down. Luckily a huge white tufted-bench with silver legs had been provided. It was over six feet long! How many people were they expecting in the fitting room at once?
Hannah looked up and shook her head at the ornate chandelier sparkling above her. She was so out of her league.
She took a deep breath and fanned through the clothing, settling on what she was most comfortable with first—a pair of dark jeans, white linen shirt and a camel-colored blazer. The skinny jeans were skintight and bending her knees was a struggle, but the rich fabric of the buttery blazer and the finely tailored shirt made up for her discomfort. Hannah gazed at her reflection in awe. She looked like a million bucks. In one afternoon she’d gone from high school nerd to the beautiful, confident career woman she longed to be.
She slid her feet into a gorgeous pair of herringbone Tory Burch flats and had to restrain herself from skipping back to the posh white waiting area, where Cody was waiting. When he gazed up from his phone he frowned. Not what Hannah was expecting.
“Ugh.” Cody gave a thumbs down.
“What’s wrong with this?”
“The clothes are perfect, it’s the way you’re wearing them.”
Cody was on his feet, pulling the hem of Hannah’s blouse from her jeans and unbuttoning it to her breastbone. When his hand grazed her chest, she slapped him.
“Don’t get me wrong, l like the whole feisty thing, but it might sell the whole boyfriend thing better if you could refrain from slapping me every time I touch you,” he whispered.
“I’m sorry. It’s just my instinct. I’m not used to having people touch me. I’m not sure I see the appeal.”
“Seriously?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never had a boyfriend, remember? I just need to practice more.”
Cody sighed and dragged Hannah back to the fitting room.
“What are you doing?”
“Practicing.”
12
“You’re not supposed to be in here.”
“Says who?” Cody asked, looking around the massive white room and locking the door behind him.
They were completely alone. Hannah gazed at the ‘assistance’ button and fought her urge to push it repeatedly as Cody moved closer to her. He popped the collar of her shirt and blazer, tying a blue and gold Chanel scarf around her throat. He ran his hands down her body, unbuttoning the untucked bottom of her blouse.
Hannah’s pulse pounded in her ears as Cody’s hands continued their path down her legs. He slipped off her flats and held a pair of classic red pumps up. She slipped her feet in and he stood up to examine her.
He scratched his chin. “Better,” he said placing his hands on her hips to spin her toward the mirror. “And you haven’t slapped me once.”
Hannah was grateful for the makeup staining her cheeks. It helped hide the massive blush heating her body from Cody’s touch. He was right. She needed a lot more practice. And she could suddenly see the appeal of having his hands all over her.
“Memorize this outfit. You’re wearing it to school tomorrow.”
“I can’t. We have uniforms.”
“Wear your skirt instead of jeans, and your vest under the blazer.”
Hannah swallowed and nodded, nervous at the thought of not following the Stanton dress code to the letter. But Cody was right. That’s how the Goldens dressed—mixing and matching parts of their uniforms with posh statement pieces that probably cost a fortune.
“Next,” he said handing her a dress before lounging in the wing-backed chair.
“You want me to change in front of you?”
Cody sighed deeply. “Hannah, you’re the one who wanted to practice. You need to be comfortable with yourself and your body. If you can’t get undressed in front of your boyfriend how are you going to be able to handle yourself at Harrison’s party?”
“Right. I forgot about that bit,” she said biting her lip nervously. “Are you sure there’s going to be naked people there?”
“There’s always naked people at his parties.”
“Oh . . .”
“Lesson number four. Any good high school party is about three things. Getting drunk, getting naked or getting high.”
Cody took one look at Hannah’s petrified doe eyes and almost called the whole stupid thing off. The poor girl had no idea what she was getting herself into. Harrison and the rest of the Goldens would eat her alive. And for what? To prove a point? Hannah didn’t need to prove anything to anyone. Especially the Goldens. She was too good for them anyway. Too good for me too, Cody reminded himself. But before he could say anything she was undressing.
His throat dried up completely as he watched her shrug off the thin white shirt.
Shit! She was hot. He’d gotten a glimpse that morning, but that body! T
ennis was good to her. Cody was having trouble remembering why he was still sitting in the chair instead of tearing her bra off. That was until Hannah tried to peel off her skinny jeans and fell over, nearly taking the whole rack of clothes with her.
Cody rushed to help her. “You okay?”
“Sure. What’s a little more embarrassment for today?”
He laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to look sexy while taking off skinny jeans.”
“Let’s make that a rule. Don’t take skinny jeans off in front of others.”
“How about this? Rule number five. Let your boyfriend take off your jeans,” he winked tugging her feet free from the stretchy denim that was strangling her ankles. Taking her hands he pulled her to her feet.
“Thanks,” she smiled and then seemed to realize she was standing in front of him in nothing but her bra and underwear. She squealed and grabbed a dress from the rack, trying to cover herself up.”
“Hannah, stop. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re beautiful,” Cody said softly, finding he meant every word. She was stunning, smart, sexy, funny . . . He was suddenly having a hard time keeping his hands off of her. He didn’t want to be practice.
Get your head out of the gutter, Cody mentally scolded himself. She is way out of your league.
He mentally checked himself and took a step forward, and tugged the dress, but Hannah held tight.
“Hannah, you don’t need to cover up who you are. Lesson number six. If you can face your fears in your underwear you can conquer the world.”
She scoffed. “Easy for someone completely clothed to say.”
Cody arched an eyebrow and shrugged off his green army jacket. He peeled off his black v-neck t-shirt and kicked off his shoes. He was starting to unbuckle his belt when Hannah loosed a breath loudly.
“Fine! You proved you’re not shy . . . you’re conquering the world or whatever!”
“Your turn,” Cody ordered.
Hannah balked, fear chilling her flushed skin. Cody moved toward her, slowly tugging the dress from her hands. She stood before him in her white bra and panties. They were plain as could be, but he didn’t give a shit. All he could think about was the perfection that was hiding beneath them. Hannah was visibly shaking as Cody took another step closer, pressing his chest into hers. Hannah’s breath caught in her throat, her bright blue eyes widening.
Practice! Hannah reminded herself. Don’t freak out. This is just practice.
But she couldn’t help it. She was freaking out. Her body refused to listen to her mind. All she could see was the gold flecks in Cody’s light brown eyes smoldering through his dark lashes. Her heart pounded against his chest, her body shaking as she watched his delicious lips move toward hers. She closed her eyes, willing herself not to be so nervous.
Hannah nearly jumped out of her skin when Cody’s breath tickled her ear—hot and close. “Hannah, I promise I won’t ever hurt you.”
She trembled.
“Look at me.”
Her eyes flew open and she stared at his handsome face. Something changed. He didn’t look smug or sarcastic. He looked . . . kind . . . sincere. He was a different person all together. One that she was suddenly drawn toward.
Cody’s voice was firm. “You’re in charge here, okay?”
She nodded.
“Tell me what you want.”
Hannah’s breath caught in her throat when he pulled her closer, running his hands seductively down her sides. Her body came alive in a way she’d never experienced before, pulsing with heat and desire as her chest pushed against Cody’s. She stiffened and melted all at once under his touch. She couldn’t believe she was standing in such close proximity to him in nothing but her underwear. And she didn’t hate it. That thought alone terrified her.
“Hannah, tell me what you want me to do.”
She nodded.
He smirked. “That means use your words.”
There was the mockery she was used to.
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what I want. That’s the problem. I’m no good at this.”
“You’re doing fine. You’re just wound up. You need to chill. What do you do in a tennis match when you need to stay calm?”
She shook her head.
“Tell me.”
“No. You’re going to make fun of me.”
“I promise I won’t.”
She sighed. “I breathe and make mental lists.”
Cody cocked an eyebrow.
“Don’t judge, it works.”
“Okay, give it a whirl,” he said pulling her closer to him.
Her breath hitched instantly when he pressed his body into hers.
“Breathe,” Cody reminded her.
She closed her eyes and took a deep steadying breath and mentally repeated her mantra.
Keep your eye on the prize, Hannah.
Get the key.
Get the guy.
Make memories.
High school perfection.
When she opened her eyes, Cody’s handsome face filled her vision. God, he was gorgeous. Hannah began to second-guess her decision to choose such an attractive boy to practice these things with. Being this close to Cody made it impossible to focus. She had to close her eyes and start her list all over again. This time she reminded herself of who he was, training her mind to see the boy with no future who owed her.
This time when she opened her eyes, her head remained clear and she knew exactly what she wanted—perfection. She would settle for nothing less.
When Hannah opened her eyes she looked different, confident. Her technique had worked.
“What do you want to practice, Hannah. The ball’s in your court.”
She looked up at him assertively. “This,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.
It only took Cody a second to respond. His arms circled her slender waist and he kissed her back with passion. Hannah parted her lips, teasing his tongue with hers. Cody eagerly answered by pressing her harder against him, nearly pulling her off her feet.
She stood on her tiptoes and wound her fingers through his thick dark hair. He groaned into her mouth and her body responded. Her heat rushed to him, her heart hammering against Cody’s erratically. His hands gripped her tightly. She was like a ball of rubber bands, he could feel each touch winding tighter and tighter.
Hannah leaned into Cody as his hands roamed down to her hips. She moved her trembling fingers down his bare chest and timidly hooked them into the waist of his jeans. But as soon as she touched his scorching skin, his muscles tensed and he pulled away, breaking the frantic spell they’d been under.
Cody’s eyes were wide as he watched Hannah nervously touch her lips.
“Was that good?” she asked.
“That’s enough for today,” Cody said grabbing his clothes. “Get dressed. I’ll meet you in the car,” he grumbled before storming from the fitting room.
He left Hannah gaping at him in shock. The sound of the slamming door barely audible above the turmoil screaming beneath his veins.
13
Hannah lay on her bed wondering what the hell she’d done wrong? The ride home with Cody had been awkward and silent. After he fled from the fitting room like he discovered she had smallpox, she stumbled around trying to find her clothes amongst the expensive apparel littering the floor. It didn’t seem right to leave the gorgeous fabrics lying around so Hannah did her best to hang them back up.
A million thoughts had raced through her mind as she tidied up the fitting room. The most prevalent one was that kissing her was probably some sort of cruel and unusual form of punishment for Cody. He was used to beautiful, well-practiced girls. Maybe asking him to be her practice boyfriend wasn’t fair. He owed her, but she was starting to feel like she was taking things too far. With how fast he’d bolted she was worried she was causing him to be physically ill.
The odd thing was, before he’d run out, she had felt something. Kissing
him didn’t seem like practice at all. It felt . . . right. More than right, it was amazing. Hannah had never experienced such a rush of nervous excitement before.
She touched her lips at the memory of their kiss and sighed. She was being stupid. She couldn’t possibly have felt anything for Cody. That’s why she’d picked him. He was safe. She’d never fall for someone as screwed up as he was. And she was certain he didn’t feel anything for her. He’d barely said two words the whole car ride home. He was already up the stairs to his massive house when she shouted, “pick you up tomorrow.”
His only response was a wave. He didn’t even bother to look back at her.
“Ugh! What a jerk!”
Hannah sat up and punched her pillow, frustrated that her plan was falling apart because Cody was being a flake. All he’d done was force feed her caffeine, subject her to torturous primping, make her take her clothes off, tell her she needed new ones and then left without letting her get any. She reminded herself she didn’t pick him for his charm. She was just going to have to suck it up and try harder. She wasn’t going to let Cody Matthews stand in the way of her perfect high school résumé.
Dressed in her favorite oversized gray sweatshirt from Brown and plaid pajama bottoms, Hannah hunched in front of her computer screen. She was studying graduation speeches again when she heard the doorbell ring. She didn’t flinch. She knew her father would answer. He was a night owl. Running his own tech company allowed him to work from home, but that meant he pretty much worked 24/7.
Hannah glanced at the clock. Odd. Who would be stopping by so late? It was 10 pm. Way past her bedtime! But she was too restless to sleep. Stupid vanilla latte!
The knock at her door startled her.
“Hannah?” Her father’s voice called softly in the hallway. “Are you awake?”
She strode to the door and creaked it open. “I’m up. What’s going on, Dad?”
“A currier just delivered a bunch of bags for you,” he said holding up six gigantic silver bags. Each one with the words, Neiman Marcus, printed on the side. “There’s more downstairs.”
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