Stealing Harper (Taking Chances #1.5)(79)

“Don’t worry about it,” I waved her apology off, “I never knew her.”

She simply nodded.

“I know my dad though, this is just the first time I’ve ever been away from him, and I think he’s worried. Now that he knows I’m alive, I probably won’t hear from him again for a while.”

Breanna still wasn’t talking. This happened every time I told someone I didn’t have a mom. Instead of trying to tell her not to worry about it again, I got up and got dressed for the party. Thankfully, my thick auburn hair was already naturally straight so I was ready in no time. Grabbing my purse, I turned to see Breanna’s horrified expression.

“Wh-what?”

“Is that what you’re going in?”

Shrugging, I looked down to my long jean shorts and black and gold infantry shirt. “Yes?”

“Oh no.” She was now looking in my wardrobe, checking all my clothes. “Okay you and I are both a size two, how tall are you?”

“Five feet two.” Yes, I know. I’m incredibly short.

“Just barely shorter than me . . . hmm. Okay come on, we’re going to my place to get you changed.”

“Is there something wrong with this?”

She raised one perfectly shaped blond eyebrow at me, her blue eyes narrowed, “Let’s just say I’m going to throw out your entire wardrobe and take you shopping tomorrow, because we obviously don’t have time tonight. I’m guessing we have to get some make-up while we’re at it?”

I nodded. To be honest, I’d never felt like I’d needed make-up. Not saying that I think I’m really attractive or anything, just never saw the need. I’d been blessed with a smooth complexion and had wide gray eyes hidden behind long dark lashes. I always thought anything else would have been too much. Plus, I’m sure Sir would’ve had a fit if I’d ever bought any.

We grabbed some sandwiches from a deli and before I knew it, I already had my make-up completely done and Breanna was holding different outfits up to my body. She settled on a faded, torn denim mini skirt that looked like it would barely cover my butt, and a black spaghetti strap.

“Okay put these on, and no peeking yet!”

“Is there something else to go over this undershirt?”

“Undershirt? No, that is the shirt!” She looked at me like I was crazy before walking into the bathroom.

Thankfully, the spaghetti strap was pretty long allowing me to pull the skirt down enough so I didn’t think my butt was showing, but I’m pretty sure I’d never been this exposed outside of my bathroom in my life. If she was a couple inches taller, how on earth did she even wear this thing?

“Ooo. MUCH better!”

“Are you sure? I feel like I’m naked.” I was still trying to tug the skirt down.

“Hah! No, you look hot, I promise.” She spun me around until I was facing a mirror.

“Oh, crap.” Sir would kill me, but I had to admit I think I liked it. Just as I thought, the skirt barely covered a thing, and it was impossible not to have cleavage in this shirt. I guess I had a nice chest, but when almost every top you own is from the Post Exchanges on base, there isn’t ever an opportunity to see anything. I turned to look at my backside and smiled a little bit before facing forward again. “Oh my God, look at my eyes!”

“I know, don’t you love them?”

“You’re a genius Breanna.” I looked at my smoky lids, and even thicker eyelashes making my eyes look like dark thunderstorm clouds.

“Well it’s pretty easy when the model has your face and body. Mind if I steal your lips and eyes for the night?”

I laughed but was still mesmerized by my new reflection. “I can honestly say I’ve never worn anything like this, and this is my first time ever having make-up on.”

“Are you serious?” She looked appalled.

“My dad is a career Marine. I’ve never even touched make-up. Hell, I haven’t even been to a mall.” I giggled when her face dropped to one of horror.

“I guess this means you won’t be opposed to me taking you shopping tomorrow then?”

“If you can make me look this good for a simple party, I’d let you pick out all my outfits.”

She squealed and clapped, turning to grab her clutch. “Yay! Okay, let’s go snag a couple guys.”

I stopped walking, eyes wide. I don’t know how to talk to a normal guy, let alone snag one. “Uh, I’m not exactly great with the opposite sex. Like, I’ve never had a boyfriend or anything.”

“Whoa, what?!”

“What part of Marine for a father didn’t you understand? I don’t think I’ve ever even talked to a guy that wasn’t a Marine.”

“Okay, timeout. Are you being serious? Have you ever been kissed?” She gasped when my lips pressed into a hard line. “Oh honey, I promise to fix at least that by the end of tonight.”

My cheeks flamed as I quickly followed her out to her shiny graduation present of a car.

“HEY BREE!”

“Hi Drew.” Breanna hugged an already intoxicated looking guy that opened the door. “Drew this is my new roomie Harper, Harper this is Drew.”

“Nice to meet you,” I mumbled. Before I knew what was happening I was being lifted up in a bear hug. I gasped but refrained the urge to kick him.