“You could sit on that chair over there.It’s for aggrieved husbands and…friends.”She pointed to a plush chair cleverly situated near some jewelry.
“Which I’m neither.I’m a highly sexed almost-fiancé.They help with the shopping.”
“Is it possible for you to be more annoying?”
“Lara, darling, I haven’t started yet.”He selected a slinky thing in red.“Reminds me of your suit that first day.”
“It’s nothing like it,” she protested.
“I want to see it on you.”
She glowered but accepted the garment.Then she went to a rack and picked out something that looked like it would hit her below the knee.It was a putrid light brown.“My future wife is not wearing puce.”
“It’s taupe.”
He said nothing.
With a sigh, she returned it and pulled out a purple dress that was more than adequate for the office.It was sleeveless and had a square neckline.In short it was classy and elegant, her signature style.No doubt it was also figure flattering.“You can have that in addition to something else.That will be good for tomorrow’s gathering with my family.”
“I can’t afford two new dresses,” she protested.
“You don’t need to.”
“You’re not buying my clothes.”
“Then maybe you can arrange for some overtime at the office.Or just buy one.”
The clerk who’d just finished ringing up a sale came over.“Can I start a dressing room for you?”
“Thank you.”Lara gave the three outfits to the woman.
The clerk unlocked a wooden door, hung up the dresses, then said, “Let me know if I can do anything to help.”
After Lara promised to do so, the clerk wandered off to greet a new customer.
“Go ahead and try them on,” he encouraged.Unless you want to buy new shoes as well, the black is probably the best choice.”Those red heels with that dress?He wondered if he’d survive it.“And we do have reservations.”
She entered the dressing room and closed the door.Since it didn’t go all the way to the floor, he saw her place her purse on the carpet.Next he heard the sound of her pulling off her dress.He gave her about sixty seconds before saying, “Show me.”
A few seconds later, she did.She’d put on the purple dress.As always, she knew exactly what was right for her.“Elegant.”He’d be so damn proud to have her at his side as his bride and partner.
She surveyed herself critically in the mirror, smoothing out an imaginary wrinkle.“I love it,” she said.
A few minutes later, she returned wearing the red dress.“I don’t like it,” she said.
He shook his head.
“What?You’re not going to tell me everything I put on is wonderful?”
“Why would I do that?I want you to feel confident.And it bunches around the hip.Your body is perfect.The dress isn’t.”
She sighed.
“Honesty,” he reminded her.“It’s the only way to build trust.So admit it.You like the black dress.”
“It’s nice.But it’s not my style.”
“It could be if you’re brave enough.”He enjoyed the thrust and parry with Lara.This woman wasn’t just steamily sexy, she was savvy.Brains and beauty were a combination he was finding delicious.
