Page 56 of Stealing Embers

I rush to her side for no other reason than to shut her up. The attention makes me itch.

Ash holds out a small, dark blue piece of fabric.

“That’s a top.”

“No, it’s a dress.”

I tilt my head to the side. “No way does that cover all the important bits.”

“It stretches. Look!” She pulls the fabric and to her credit, it lengthens. I’m still not convinced. “I promise. Here.” She shoves the dress in my face, forcing me to grab the hanger. “Try it on. It’s going to look amazing with your hair.”

I shoot her a droll look. “I’m going to look like an American flag.”

“Will not. Try it on!” She claps her hands excitedly.

I hang the minuscule dress back on the rack. “No thanks.”

“Please?”

“I would never wear something like this.”

“Who cares? Come on, if for no other reason than to prove me wrong.”

I’m about to refuse again, but Ash starts to jump up and down, chanting “Try it” over and over again. I duck into a dressing room to get away from her.

Pushy friend. But friend, nonetheless.

Five minutes later, I turn to the mirror. Technically Ash is right—this is in fact a dress, but there is no way I’ll ever wear it in public.

The blue stretchy fabric clings to me from bust to mid-thigh. Two bands of fabric wrap around my upper arms right below my shoulders. I look like I’m ready to go clubbing.

“Ash,” I call. “This dress is ridiculous.”

It’s quiet on the other side of the door.

“Ash?”

I stick my head out of the fitting room, not seeing her anywhere. Hunching my shoulders, I tiptoe out of the room and hear her talking to someone on the other side of the wall.

Ah, she must be asking the salesperson for something.

“I can’t believe you talked me into—” The words freeze on my tongue the moment I round the corner to find Ash standing with Nova and Steel. Three sets of eyes swing in my direction.

Shoot.

Steel’s gaze sweeps me from head to toe and back again.

I should be running to the changing room. Why am I not doing that?

Steel’s eyes harden when they connect with mine, but not quickly enough for me to miss the frisson of heat they contain.

I cross my arms over my chest to hide myself and backpedal.

“Dang, girl!” Ash gushes before I can escape. “I was right. You know how to wear that!” She appraises me with a smug look.

Nova’s gaze bounces between me and Steel, a small frown marring her perfect face.

“I’m out of here. See you at Doc’s, Nova.”