CHAPTER EIGHT* * *AMBERAnnabelle was helping me look through the clearance table at Victoria’s Secret.

“So, I’m looking for size extra large, right?”

“Right,” I said as I mindlessly sifted through the pile of lace undies.

“You’re not even listening. You’re not extra large. You’re barely a small. Your head is somewhere else.” She picked up a tiny piece of fabric. “What about this thong?”

“I don’t wear thongs. I don’t like the string. It feels funny in my ass.”

“Get used to saying that,” she joked.

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“Yes, of course, I am—sort of. Seriously, though, are you nervous?”

Throwing a pair of zebra print panties across the pile, I said, “Yes. I am. I’ve considered cancelling, but then I remind myself that I don’t have to go through with it if I’m not feeling it when I meet him.”

“That’s a good plan. And make sure you have condoms. Several.”

“I’m sure he has those.”

“Yeah, but you never know. Buy the best kind and insist on using yours. You don’t know where his have been stored. Make sure you buy lubricated.”

“For someone who was pushing me into this, you seem more worried than me. And that’s freaking me out.” I threw some beige underpants at her. “Stop it.”

“I kind of am worried. To be honest, I never thought you’d actually go through with it. You really surprised me. I talk a good game, but I think what you’re doing takes balls. And I’m proud of you for taking control of your sexual needs.”

“Lower your voice,” I whispered.

“Everything is going to be fine, Amber.”

God, I sure hoped I was doing the right thing for myself.

After racking up a two-hundred dollar bill, I left the store with a large, pink-striped bag filled with a multitude of thongs and other lingerie.

Annabelle and I parted ways out front as she headed toward the train station.

I opted to walk home since my house wasn’t that far from the Downtown Crossing shopping area. A long, brisk walk sounded like just what the doctor ordered. Dried-up autumn leaves crunched under my Ugg boots as I strolled.

Cutting through the Boston Common, I glanced over at the swan boats, trying to forget about thoughts of riding on them with Rory.

Then, I nearly lost my breath when I saw him.

Channing?

It was.

He was sitting on a bench, talking to a tall, gorgeous brunette. She looked like the kind of girl who women loved to hate and a perfect match for Channing looks-wise. Her hair was long, the strands blowing toward him in the wind as they engaged in what looked liked an intense conversation. Her chestnut hair contrasted her fair skin, which accentuated her plump, red lips. Wearing dark, tapered jeans that looked like they were painted onto her legs and high-heeled boots, she basically looked like a supermodel.

They were seated very close to one another, their bodies turned inward, and their legs touching. I could feel the heat in my body rise. This shouldn’t have upset me. I knew Channing probably picked up women in public all of the time. But this was the first time I’d ever witnessed it. And my reaction was really telling.

Really, Amber? You have a sack full of lingerie so you can have sordid sex with a male prostitute on Saturday, and you’re considering hiding from Channing because you’re upset he’s talking to a girl? Grow up.

Giving myself a mental kick in the ass, I marched over to where they were seated but then stopped just short of where he could see me.

Channing wasn’t acting like his normal smiling, flirtatious self. The tone of their exchange seemed serious.

He suddenly glanced over and saw me before I could opt to slip away unnoticed.

Channing instinctively moved his body away from the woman when he said, “Amber…”

Taking a few steps forward, I put on my best, fake smile. “Hey.”

“What are you up to?” he asked.

Shrugging, I said, “Just did a little shopping. Now, I’m headed back home.”

His eyes were glued to my shopping bag. He was probably wondering why I’d gone to Victoria’s Secret when my vagina was more dried-up than a desert.

“Looks like more than a little shopping.”

“Yeah, well, gotta have underwear, right?”

“Right.” He turned to his lady friend.” Uh…Amber, this is Emily. Emily, this is my friend Amber, the one I’m living with.”

Emily?

THE Emily?

I looked between them, wondering if I’d heard correctly. “Emily?”

His eyes were telling me not to mention that he’d spoken of her to me. So, yeah, it was definitely that Emily.

“Yes,” he said.

Emily smiled. Of course, her teeth were just as perfect as everything else. “Nice to meet you, Amber.”

“What brought you two to the Common?” I asked.

“We’re just catching up.”

Wow, I had so many questions, but they were going to have to wait.

“Great. Well, I’ll leave you two to…catch up, then.”

“I’ll see you at home later,” he said.