Page 36 of The Sandbar saga

She smiled. "Good behavior?"

His gaze narrowed, studying her each time he glanced at her. "Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"I told her I got my period and had to leave." She relaxed now that St. Mary's was behind her, and no one would see her with Dr. C.

It wasn't that she was embarrassed about having a relationship with Dr. C. She hated Britta, making it seem like it was wrong.

No, she wasn't having sex with him. They didn't have that kind of relationship.

But she also wanted to keep Dr. C private. If the other girls found out he was a psychologist, and she was seeing him for therapy, they'd think something was wrong with her.

"I'm assuming you lied." He strummed his thumb against the steering wheel. "Remember the smart choices I wanted you to make?"

She groaned. "For once, can we not talk about me?"

"What do you want to talk about?" He pulled up to a curb and shut off the engine.

"We can talk about you," she asked hopefully.

"Deal." He pointed out the passenger window. "You can ask questions while we buy you some clothes."

She grabbed his arm, coming out of her funk. "Really?"

His gaze lowered. She self-consciously rolled her shoulders inward. Over the last two years, she'd gained twenty pounds. Her clothes still fit everywhere but the chest and hips.

"You'll have to show me what fifteen-year-old girls wear." He got out of the vehicle.

Before he could get around the car and open her door, she jumped out and held out her hand. He gave her the keychain, and she pushed the lock button before handing it back.

It was no longer thrilling to use the remote as it was when she was younger, but she liked the habit. There was more crime in Puget Sound than in Astoria, and making sure his car wasn't stolen made her feel like she was doing something for him.

He stopped in front of a popular clothing store for teenagers and opened the door. She walked inside and peered around at all the different styles.

"Pick out clothes you can wear out of school. When I drop you back off at school, I'll give you money so you can order more uniforms that are more comfortable than last year's clothes." He put his hand on her back and urged her to explore.

She weaved around the racks and walked along the wall, studying the jeans folded on the shelves. Finding a pair she liked, she went in search of a top before the saleswoman approached Dr. C.

"Is your daughter looking for something special." The saleswoman smiled. "We have some new sweaters that all the young girls are wearing this season."

Daughter? Katie rolled her eyes and walked over to Dr. C. "I'll try on these."

"You need more than that. Pick out several outfits." When she walked away, he turned to the woman. "She needs clothes for everyday use. Maybe you can help her."

"I'd be happy—"

"I don't need her help." She glanced over her shoulder at Dr. C. "Just you."

Finding several tops and another style of jeans, she slipped into the dressing room. Faint murmurs could be heard behind the swinging half-door. The saleswoman continued to talk to Dr. C.

She buttoned up the shirt and stuck her chest out. The front strained, gaping between her breasts.

Dr. C's low chuckle trickled in. She glared at herself in the mirror. The shopping trip was supposed to be just for them.

Unbuttoning one more on the shirt, the tension in the front eased but showed her bra. Taking everything off again, she removed her bra and put the shirt back on, leaving three buttons undone.

She turned sideways. Her breasts looked bigger.

Slipping on the jeans, she tugged them over her hips and fastened them. Swiveling, she looked at her butt. They fit snug but stretched when she moved.