“Do you have an appointment?”
I whip my head around to see that a shop assistant has appeared behind the counter.
She’s dressed immaculately in a figure-hugging black dress with her blonde hair styled in a perfect chignon.
“Oh, uh…” I glance at Mila, who simply shrugs. “I didn’t realize you needed an appointment.”
The shop assistant gives me a once-over, and I cringe.
I chose a simple outfit, leggings and a sweatshirt beneath my parka, which from the look on the woman’s face, was the wrong choice.
But the next words coming out of her mouth take me completely by surprise.
“Are you Ciara McCarthy?”
“Uh…”
“Yes, she is,” Mila answers for me, and the shop assistant smiles.
“I thought so. Your fiancé gave a very detailed description.”
“Mywhat?” I choke.
“He called and said that I would likely be expecting you, and to charge anything you pick to his card.”
“The bastard,” I hiss through my teeth.
Mila laughs. “Oh, he’s good. How the hell did he know you would come here?”
My heartbeat pounds in my ears as my cheeks grow warm.
I signed the contract with Ronan less than forty-eight hours ago, and already he’s trying to control me, even when Ispecificallytold him I could buy my own dress.
If that’s how he wants to play this, then so be it.
“Would you and your friend like a glass of champagne to get started?”
“Definitely.”
The shop assistant, who introduces herself as Charlotte,leads us through into one of the dressing rooms, which is bigger than Mila’s apartment, and pours us both a glass of champagne.
“Now, are there any particular styles you’re drawn to?”
“I haven’t really thought about it.” I try not to cringe at the multiple floor-length mirrors surrounding me.
“Well, your height is more on the petite side, so I would suggest either an empire line or a low V-neck style to elongate your vertical line.”
Mila chuckles as she takes a sip of her champagne. “Definitely, the V-neck.”
I shoot Mila a glare. “Whichever you think will work best.”
While Charlotte disappears into the stockroom, I take a seat on the white loveseat and take a long sip of my champagne. It’s delicious and clearly expensive, which makes me instantly want to hate it.
Mila sits beside me. “I can’t believe Ronan called ahead and gave you his card. I have to say, I’m impressed.”
“He’s just posturing. Flashing a card around isn’t impressive.”
“If you say so…”
