Chapter 39

Makenna’s POV.

I shook my head as I sifted through racks of sexy dresses in the clothing store Yas had recommended, sighing loudly. As much as I liked getting new clothes—comfortable clothes—I didn't like shopping. Not one bit.

Yas had screamed with excitement when I'd asked her for a makeover. According to her, it had been her dream to give me one, and she couldn't wait to see the result. She'd also teased me and then promptly booked a spa session for me, even though I had insisted it wasn't necessary. I just wanted to buy nice, slightly seductive but professional clothes—not go through the exhausting process of makeup and skincare. My simple routine was definitely enough. When I was done telling her all this, she just went ahead and booked the session anyway.

I smiled at the memory. Sometimes I wished Kenzie was more like Yas in terms of personality.

I’d already survived the facials from the spa. Now, I had only one more step before going to see Wolfe: clothes. I was actually a bit excited about dressing up to see him. It's been a while, and maybe it was the guilt messing with me, but I was really looking forward to seeing his reaction. Problem was, I hadn't seen anything I liked enough to wear. I was beginning to miss my bed because I was really tired.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I sighed as I saw Yas on the caller ID.

“Hey, girl.” Yas's chirpy voice came through my phone as I answered her call. “How's it going? Found anything you like?”

“I haven't seen anything wearable yet,” I replied wearily.

“More like anything you can't wear,” she chuckled into the phone. “Come on. Keep searching, you’ll definitely find something. And search fast, girl. The clock’s ticking.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” I rolled my eyes as I hung up.

“Can I help you, ma’am?” one of the store attendants said as she approached me, likely noticing my dissatisfaction with the clothes displayed on the first floor. Most of them were office clothes alright, but quite revealing—almost like nightclub wear—when I tried them out.

“I don't know if you can right now.” I shook my head at her, giving her a small smile. “I can't seem to find anything that’s me here.”

“Oh,” she said, then smiled. “Then we'll just have to check out the clothes upstairs.”

On getting to the next floor, I gasped at the clothes on display. They were more elegant than the ones on the first floor.

“These clothes are beautiful,” I said to the attendant, touching a gown that had caught my attention.

The gown was a deep emerald green, with a subtle shimmer that caught the light. It was knee-length, with a fitted waist and a V-neck that hinted at seduction without being overly revealing. The sleeves were three-quarter length, ending just below the elbow, with delicate lace detailing that added a touch of sophistication.

I could already imagine Wolfe’s reaction when he saw me in this. Would he be surprised? Impressed? Maybe even a little jealous? The thought sent a thrill through me.

“This is perfect,” I breathed, turning to the attendant. “I’ll take this one.”

“Excellent choice,” she smiled, taking the gown from me. “Would you like to try it on?”

“Yes, please,” I nodded eagerly, following her to the fitting rooms.

As I slipped into the gown, I couldn't help but admire how it fit perfectly, accentuating my curves in all the right places. The color brought out the green flecks in my hazel eyes, and the fabric felt luxurious against my skin. I felt a surge of confidence. This was exactly what I needed to confront Wolfe.

I stepped out of the fitting room, and the attendant's eyes widened. “You look stunning, ma’am. That dress was made for you.”

“Thank you,” I smiled, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I’ll definitely take it.”

As I made my way to the checkout, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. Seeing Wolfe again was going to be interesting, to say the least.

My phone buzzed again. Yas.

“Did you find something?” she asked, her voice buzzing with anticipation.

“Yeah, I did,” I replied, unable to keep the smile out of my voice. “An emerald green dress. It’s perfect.”

“Oh my God, I can’t wait to see it on you!” she squealed. “You’re going to knock his socks off, bitch.”

“I’m not doing it for him but I hope so,” I chuckled. I could imagine her rolling her eyes at me.“Thanks for the recommendation, Yas. I’ll text you later, okay?”

“Whatever you say. You better call me with all the juicy details afterward,” she insisted. “I’m dying to know how it goes.”

“Will do,” I promised, hanging up.

I was still angry at him for his behavior earlier, but I also couldn't deny the pull I felt toward him. There was something deep and profound between us, something I couldn't ignore, no matter how hard I tried.

I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror. I wanted to look perfect for this encounter, to show Wolfe that I was in control. I slipped into the dress and paired it with my favorite black heels.

I glanced at my reflection one last time, feeling a mix of confidence and anticipation.

Grabbing my purse and a bag with the clothes I had worn earlier, I headed out, ready to confront Wolfe and finally clear the air between us. Whatever happened, I was determined to stay true to myself and not let my feelings cloud my judgment. This was my chance to set the record straight, and I wasn’t going to let it slip away.

*******

I rolled my eyes as Stella looked at me in disbelief, then disgust, as I entered Wolfe’s office lobby. Not long after, she was back to her usual glare. If she was planning to make me wait, I definitely wasn't ready for that. I didn't mind knocking on Wolfe’s door and barging inside.

Surprisingly, after notifying him that ‘Ms. Barnes’ would like to see him, she curtly told me to go in.

I walked into his office, barely closing the door behind me, and watched as he worked on his sketches.

“If you’re not going to say what you need, Ms. Barnes, I suggest you leave immediately.” His tired voice startled me. He didn’t even look up from his work. “I don’t need any distractions right now.”

Ms. Barnes?

He was being professional now? After the stunt he pulled during the weekend?

I almost turned and left his office but then remembered that he was still acting like he was in charge of our arrangement and could order me around.

No. Nope. He doesn’t get to do that.

“I think we have to set some things straight, Mr. Wilder.” I started, my voice cold and still standing close to the door. “Especially if we’re still going to continue our arrangement.”

“What arrangement?” He looked up abruptly, narrowing his eyes at me like he wanted to be sure of something.

“Makenna?” he said slowly as he stood up, surprise evident on his face as if he’d been expecting someone else. And why did that suddenly make me think of Mackenzie? Because it sure looked like Wolfe had been referring to my sister.

He never called me Ms. Barnes.

Was something going on between them? The thought made my mouth sour.

Maybe it was a bad idea to come see him.