“Oh, sure. I’ll just be right over there by the register when you’re ready.”
When she’s far enough out of earshot, I turn on him. “Why are we here?”
A befuddled look paints his face. “Because... I’m buying you a dress.”
“No, I get that. Why here, specifically?” I gesture around us.
He shrugs, the picture of cluelessness. “My sister Angie recommended it.”
I can’t stop my face from scrunching up. “You told her about me?”
“Well, yeah. She would have found out eventually. She has a way of knowing everyone’s business.”
“And you told her you were buying me a dress?”
He nods. “And then she asked what size you were, and I didn’t know, so I just said you were thick.” His eyes widen with delight when he says that last word. “My sister is a big girl, too. She’s a lot taller than you, though. She recommended this place; I don’t know.”
His expression sours. “Did I do something wrong? I’m so sorry. Whatever it is. We can go somewhere else.”
“No,” I say quickly, and place my hand on his arm again (to soothe him,notbecause he’s nothing but firm, warmmuscle underneath). “This is—I just—” I huff before collecting my words and taking a deep breath. “I didn’t know stores like this existed. Ones that cater to larger bodies.”
“But you’re really short.”
I roll my eyes, but the corner of my lip curls up. “We will see what their alterations crew can do.”
Hope washes over me, and as it recedes, my inner Dominant is exposed. So with a sly grin and my fingers still on his bicep, I erase his worry when I ask, “Is there a budget I should be mindful of?”
His pupils seem to dilate, and his effervescent smile returns. “No, ma’am.”
I should feel guilty, but this guy has an eight-million-dollar estate. A couple thousand dollars will not hurt him.
“Good,” I say, and bat my eyelashes for good measure. “Let’s find a dress.”
Paula notes the styles I gravitate towards and picks a few for me as we go. She explains that, from cocktail hour to the Oscars, they can dress anyone from a size ten to a thirty. I’m almost misty-eyed at that. I haven’t even tried on the dresses yet, and I’m blinking back the emotion at this whole situation.
I haven’t been spoiled like this since I was first married, and it’s grating to think about. I don’t need or desire expensive things. My forty-dollar handbags, knock-off Yankee candles, and ten-year-old SUV are fine with me.
My daughters are fed, loved, and happy. That’s all I need.
But I didn’t realize until just now how much this extravagant little excursion means. I was unknowingly starved for just a little something extra—a little something unnecessary. I’m hit with the sudden urge to walk out of this store with a dozen bags in my arms like Julia Roberts inPretty Woman. Except now that I think about it, I’d like Jonah behind me, carrying my bags.
A tingling sensation races up my spine at the thought.Aremy nipples hard?
After Paula gathers several options, she leads us to a lounge area centered between two dressing rooms. We take a seat on a circular, dusty rose velvet couch while Paula gathers more items.
Someone refills our champagne within seconds. I sit back and enjoy my mood.
Jonah can’t sit still though. “Do you like what you’ve picked out so far?”
I arch one eyebrow and take a sip before answering. “Yes.”
“Can I, um...” He wipes his palms down his jeans. “Can I pick some?”
“You wanna shop for me?” I ask, bemused.
He nods vigorously.
“Knock yourself out.”
