Body Guard

"The dress? I know you already ordered some unmentionables." Slipping the bag onto my wrist I transfered the box of food and dug into my pretzel. Normally I would never have mentioned that I'd seen what had been in her online cart, but Ryan's attitude had me miffed. "Unless you need more, or another bathing suit or some other thing."

I paused to take a bite then glanced at her, "Please tell me this trip isn't going to be all about buying me things right?"

Julie: 
I almost stumbled when he mentioned unmentionables. What exactly prompted that, I wasn't sure. "Uh, I'm all set on...unmentionables," I said. "I just need the dress," I told him. "It has to be pretty fancy so I can't just settle for anything,' I said. "And this trip is for you, so other than the dress, this is an all Cody day," I said.

I sighed through my nose. "I feel like is going to be a long day of playing dress up. But at the end of today if you complain about my wardrobe anymore then you deserve any torment I rain down on you." I leveled the end of my pretzel at her.

Julie:
I laughed and rolled my eyes. I would have taken a bite out of his pretzel if he didnt love them so much. "Oh please, any torment you rain down on me would probably feel like tickles. You wouldn't hurt a hair on my head," I said, confidently.

I arched a brow at her and grinned. "We proved I can catch you and tie you up. Imagine what else I could do after doing that again....tickling sounds like a good start."

Julie:
I flipped my hair over my shoulder and giggled. "Oh please. You got lucky that time." I said. He knew I was ticklish and I almost wouldnt put it past him to actually use that.

I got a glance at Ryan as I flipped my hair who was not walking very close behind us, I suppose trying to get back on Codys good graces. His eyebrows were shot up to his hairline and he looked shocked. I suppose to an outside, our conversation did seem a little friendly.

Finishing my pretzel I paused for a moment to toss the box into the trash and wipe my hands clean with a napkin before rejoining Jules. "Okay. So what store next?" I eyed a few of the likely looking prospects. One in particular screamed 'tie-dye shorts'.

Julie:
"How about we try this one and see what we find," I said, pulling him with me to the next closest store. Immediately, my eyes were drawn to some amazing dresses and I smiled. "Are you gonna wear a matching tie?" I asked, looking at a particularly pretty blue gown.

I followed her in at her pulling, taking a look around the shop. Following her gaze I looked over the dress, "Well if that's what you want. But I don't have one in that color." Most of my ties were solid colors with simple designs. But I had nothing that color or style.

Julie:
"Well I have to try it on. Why dont you shop a little bit for yourself and I'll try it on," I said, holding the dress up against my body.

I smiled and nodded, "Knowing you, take your time and grab a few. Better for options sake." Making a shooing motion with my hand I started to wander the racks, mostly just going through the motion of checking out the clothing. But a few things did catch my eye. First and foremost was a tie that matched her dress perfectly and even had the simplistic design I preferred. I stared at it and gave a slow resigned sigh. If ever there was a sign that had to be it.

Julie:
I took his advice and grabbed a few dresses with me to try on. I wasn't feeling super great in any of them and my eyes kept going back to the blue one that I was saving for last. It was like the color of the sky just after the sun set and it was getting dark out. There was a sparkle that wasnt overpowering and when I finally put it on, I smiled. It fit perfectly. I probably wouldn't even need it to be altered. 

The tiny fitting room was fine to check the size of something but I wanted to see the full length of the dress, so I stepped out and twirled a little in front of the large mirror on the wall. It was fitted around the entire top and had a slight flair at the bottom. I was in love with it.

I was near the dressing rooms when I heard a door open. I thought nothing of it at first but when I finally glanced up I did a double take. Jules looked beautiful in that dress. I'd seen her in countless dresses in all shapes, sizes, and colors. But nothing before matched this one. "You look beautiful Jules." I called to her.

Julie:
I smiled wide and looked at him in the mirror. "Thanks," I said, twirling again. "I think this is it," I smoothed my hands down the front of the dress and turned to look at him. "Do you think we can find a tie to match it?" I asked.

I did what I could to hide the tie away in my bag without it being seen. "I haven't seen anything yet." The lie fell easily from my lips. I now wanted to surprise her with the tie. Perhaps when she wore that dress I'd wear my nicest suit with the tie that matched. Maybe I'd...

I let out a soft breath and shook my head to clear it of the rest of the thought. "I'll keep looking alright. You go get changed so we can get the dress." I turned to head towards the tie racks and eventually the register. I made sure to check if she was still out before I quickly purchased the tie and shoved it deep into the bag under the shirts so it'd be out of view.

Julie:
I tried to change out of the dress as quickly as possible but I kept twirling in the mirror and getting distracted. When I finally got it off, I put it back on the hanger and brought it with me to the register, where I was surprised to see Ryan and Cody standing so close.

Ryan:
"Why did you tell her you didnt find a tie?" I asked, unable to help myself. I started watching them a lot more after the small run in with a fan and found the pair was actually kind of interesting.

Cody:

I looked at Ryan with a thoughtful expression. After taking a glance towards the dressing room I smiled faintly, "Look. I'm sorry about earlier. Jules and I grew up together. We've known each other since we were kids. And have been best friends even when we shouldn't." I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly. "I probably shouldn't be so familiar when I'm her personal guard as well, but she makes it hard sometimes to stop myself. We both enjoy poking each others buttons and surprising each other with the little stuff."

Ryan:
I shrugged off his apology. I knew I had deserved his anger and I couldnt exactly fault him for it. "Well being in love with her probably makes it really easy to do your job. I guess youd never get bored," I said, half joking.

"Being in what?" I had looked towards the dressing rooms and Jules who was headed our way but my gaze snapped right back to him. "I'm not...". Shaking my head I sighed and gave him a look that said not to mention anything. I couldn't be in love with her. She was out of my league, my boss, and my best friend. But I couldn't shake the feeling of, what if?

Julie:
I had the dress in my arms and i walked over to where Cody and Ryan were standing by the registers. "Are we getting along now?" I asked, smiling as I handed the cashier my credit card to buy the dress. 

When she handed me my bag, I held it close to me, very excited about my purchase. "Are you sure it looked okay? Should I keep looking to see if I find something better?" I asked.

I gave Ryan one last warning look before nodding. "I'm calm now." Waiting for her to buy the dress I did what I could to set aside my hectic thoughts. I didn't want to be awkward for the rest of the day.

"I promise you looked amazing in that dress. I don't think you'll find something that fits you better or is as good." I smiled at her then motioned with my head to the door. "Come on. Our next group of shops awaits."

Julie:
I smiled at his words and couldnt quite help the blush that spread across my face. I took my shopping bag from the cashier. "Okay, now that errands are taken care of, where do you wanna go?" I asked, walking next to him.

Noting the blush I waited for her to finish up at the cashier. "Well. There was that bookstore down at the other end." Nodding my head further down the mall I switched hands for my bag.

Julie:
I nodded and followed him. "Is that what you do when I'm sleeping in the morning?" I asked. "Read?"

"And sometimes before bed." I paused for a moment then smiled faintly, "And while waiting for you to get ready. And when you are in the middle of a meeting and I can't be a part of it."