CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56 UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

Caroline’s POV

Ava walked over with a big smile.

"How are you both doing?" She looked at Elle and me. "Caroline,you have to see this new dress we just got in! It would look amazing on you. Just come take a quick look!"

"Now I’m curious too," Elle said,pulling me toward the store. "Let’s check it out."

I sighed but smiled. Shopping with Elle was always fun,and I was a bit curious about this dress.

Ava went to the back and came back with a dress bag. When she unzipped it,I couldn’t help gasping. It was a beautiful cocktail dress in deep green that would match my eyes. It had off-shoulder sleeves,a sweet neckline that wasn’t too low,and a fitted top that flowed into a knee-length skirt. The back had a small teardrop cutout that showed just enough skin.

"Try it on. Right now," Elle ordered,pushing me forward.

"Elle,come on," I protested,though I was already touching the soft fabric. "Where would I even wear something this fancy? I hardly go out anymore."

"Nate’s coming back today,and we’re all going dancing next weekend," Elle said with that look I knew meant no arguing. "No excuses."

"Since you’re planning a night out,I have the perfect dress for you too,Eleanor," Ava said excitedly,making Elle clap with joy.

I took the dress to the fitting room,watching how it sparkled in the light. When I put it on,I was surprised how well it fit,showing off my waist and legs while making my blonde hair shine. Even though I was usually tired from being a mom,I felt pretty for the first time in ages.

When I stepped out,Elle and Ava just stared,their eyes wide.

"Do a slow turn,Carrie," Elle instructed,twirling her finger in the air.

I turned around,feeling confident in the dress. When I finished my spin,I noticed someone else watching me. My face turned red instantly.

"No wonder Alpha Draven’s trying so hard to win you back,Caroline. You look amazing in that dress," Joseph Taylor said boldly.

Joseph was standing behind Elle and Ava,checking me out. Elle turned around,smiling at his typical behavior.

"And she hasn’t tried the shoes yet! I have just the right pair," Ava rushed off to get them.

"What about you,Eleanor? Aren’t you going to try yours on?" Joseph flashed his charming smile. "Come on,ladies. Since you both have mates,at least let me enjoy the view." He grinned like the flirt he was.

Ava came back with some strappy heels for me and gave Elle her dress. Elle decided to play along with Joseph’s flirting.

I saw Joseph checking out Ava too,he really had no shame.

"Sure,I’ll try mine on. I want compliments too," Elle laughed as she went to change.

I put on the green heels with crystal details that wrapped around my ankles. They made me much taller and my legs look longer.

Rory purred happily in my mind. We looked good.

Elle came out wearing a beautiful champagne-colored dress that seemed to float around her. Her rose gold sandals wrapped up her legs,making her look like a goddess.

Joseph whistled while Ava clapped excitedly.

"You both look stunning," Joseph said,then turned to Ava. "And you,beautiful,have great taste,making my friends look even better. What’s your name?" His voice got deeper and more flirty.

"I’m Ava," she said professionally,but blushed when Joseph kissed her hand. Elle and I shared a knowing look.

Joseph was definitely handsome. He was tall with broad shoulders,blonde hair that fell in his face that he kept brushing away in a flirty way,and mischievous green eyes. He was the same age as Draven and Ryan,but unlike them,he was proud to be a player who never wasted time when he saw a pretty girl.

"Well,Ava,you have great taste," he said,openly checking her out. She was beautiful,with her fit body and confident way of standing.

"If you were getting a dress for yourself from here,which would you pick?" he asked.

Ava was tall and slim,with shoulder-length light brown hair and pretty amber eyes. She smiled at him suspiciously.

"Are you shopping for your girlfriend?" she asked directly.

"Don’t have one,sweetheart. But I want to get something nice for a friend," Joseph said with his most charming smile.

Ava went to get a dress while we talked quietly.

"Is this how you pick up girls at the mall?" Elle asked straight out.

"No,but I wouldn’t mind getting to know Ava better," Joseph said with a wink. "I’m actually here with my cousin’s kid who loves this mall. Saw you two through the window and had to stop by."

Ava came back with a dark blue dress covered in tiny sparkles that looked like stars. It had a halter neck,fitted waist,and a flowing skirt with a high slit. The back was open all the way down. She also brought out silver sandals with crystal straps.

"Would you try it on? Just so I can see how it looks?" Joseph asked,not hiding what he really wanted.

"Sorry,that’s against store rules," Ava said sweetly but professionally. "But if your friend is my size,I can tell you it would look great on her." Smart girl.

"Okay,I’ll take it," Joseph said. "And I’m getting these dresses and shoes for you two as well. Don’t argue,it’s a pack gift! Caroline,you just helped Draven get that big Puma deal,and Eleanor,you’re like family. Just a small thank you."

He gave his card to Ava before we could say no. "We need to plan a night out so you can wear these."

We changed back into our normal clothes,and Ava wrapped everything up carefully.

"You made my day! Come back soon," she said warmly.

"We will," Elle and I said together,giving her quick hugs.

"Beautiful,can I get your number?" Joseph asked Ava with his best smile.

She hesitated for just a moment before handing him her business card,and the three of us left the store loaded with shopping bags.

"What an amazing woman," Joseph commented as we walked away. "Eleanor,as an honorary pack member,would you mind taking these bags to my office on Monday? I don’t want my teenage cousin asking awkward questions about ladies’ dresses."

Before we could respond,he handed the bags to Elle,gave each of us a quick kiss on the cheek,and strode away,leaving us standing there with our mouths open. We looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"Some things never change," Elle said,shaking her head. "That man is incorrigible."

"Absolutely," I agreed,still smiling. "But he does have good taste in dresses."

As we continued our shopping expedition,I couldn’t help but wonder what Draven would think if he saw me in that emerald dress. The thought made me blush,I was still thinking about him.

"Maybe we should wear it someday," Artemis suggested slyly,and I quickly pushed the thought away.

I had more important things to focus on than impressing my former Alpha boss.