“Absolutely not,” I state just as I get a text from Clay.
Clay
Hey
No
Understandable
Xander also pays for my swimsuit, and next, Sophia wants to visit a classier store because she needs a dress for an upcoming business event. Luckily, I’m not invited, so I don’t need to dress up.
While she’s trying on dresses, I browse through the racks until I reach the plus-size section. I spot a stunning Bordeaux-red dress that glitters slightly. It has long sleeves, probably reaches mid-calf, and has a deep V-neck ending just above the belly button.
I run my fingers over the soft fabric, imagining how it would feel against my skin.Must be nice to have the money or the occasion to wear dresses like this.
“That’s your color,” Xander whispers in my ear from behind, causing me to jump.
“It’s certainly beautiful,” I agree, marveling at how it sparkles when I move the fabric.
“Want to try it on?” he asks, already looking through the rack to pull out one in my size.
How does he know my size?I had the same question when he bought me the winter jacket.“No, thanks. I’ve never worn a dress before. I don’t think stuff like that suits me.”
“Come on,” he urges, gently grabbing my wrist and leading me to the dressing room. “For me? I’d love to see you in it. And if it doesn’t look good, you can say, ‘I told you so,’” he promises with a grin.
I roll my eyes but relent. “Fine.”
If I’m honest, I’ve always wanted to try on a dress. So I slip into it. I get out of my bra first because of the plunging neckline, but I keep my panties on, even though they leave a faint line on the fabric.
Looking in the mirror, I’m taken aback.I look… sexy?There’s also a high slit on the thigh. The V-neck makes my breasts look good, and the dress drapes beautifully over my round butt. I have never considered myself beautiful, but this dress makes me feel it, at least a little bit.
“Ready?” Xander interrupts my thoughts and parts the curtain before I can respond.
Our eyes meet, and he inhales sharply. His reaction sends a jolt of confidence through me. “Carolina,” he breathes out, his eyes romancing over my body, and his gaze leaves a tangible path as if it were his fingers.
I let my hands glide over the front of the dress, tracing the contours before raising my eyes to meet his again, a coy smile playing on my lips. “Do you like it?”
He steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek tenderly. His touch sends shivers down my spine, and I lean into it, savoring it.
“You make this dress look stunning,” he whispers, his eyes locked onto mine.
A soft laugh escapes me, breaking the tension between us. “If anything, it’s the dress that’s making me look good.”
“No,” he counters. “You can make leggings and a hoodie look classy. When you’re in a classy dress, you outshine everyone. You’re a fucking beauty.”
“Xander,” I mumble, looking down at my feet. “I’m not beautiful.”
But Xander refuses to let me dwell on my insecurities. He gently grasps my chin, his touch both tender and commanding, tilting my face toward him. His lips brush against my skin as he leans down to whisper in my ear, his words a sweet, intoxicating promise. “Don’t insult my taste in women.”
He kisses the spot just below my earlobe, sending a shiver down my spine at his proximity, and my heart races for what feels like the thousandth time today. Then abruptly, he releases me, taking a step back.
My eyes widen in shock when I glance at the price tag dangling from the dress—three hundred dollars.
“Well, that was a pretty dream,” I mutter, stepping back and drawing the curtain closed to change back into my clothes.
Coming out of the dressing room and placing the dress back on the rack, I spot Xander in the lingerie section. He’s looking at a beautiful, sexy black lace set.
“I don’t think they have that in your size,” I tease as I approach him.
