Page 33 of Tangled in Temptation

“Champagne?” a young woman offered.

“Oh no,” I said and shook my head even as she handed me the glass.

“Have a seat and we’ll pull some gowns,” the first woman said.

As they began to pull gowns from the massive racks, I couldn’t help but gawk at the sheer decadence of the garments. I caught a glimpse at some of the designer labels, some I would never imagine getting to see in person, let alone wear. The women draped several over their arms before turning to me.

“Let’s get started, shall we?” said one of them, motioning me toward a plush chair in front of an ornate mirror.

I sat down hesitantly, holding the glass of champagne tightly. The assistant—Lucy, as she introduced herself—began to explain each dress. One was pure silk with a plunging neckline and a daringly high slit up the side. Another was a mermaid gown with intricate beading that shimmered under the store lights. A third was a strapless dress with a bodice of delicate lace that flowed into a voluminous tulle skirt.

Comfortable in my jeans and blouse, I felt completely out of place among these gowns and their unfathomable price tags. The assistants saw my apprehension but only responded with kind smiles.

“Let’s try some on,” Lucy suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “You might be surprised.”

I glanced back at Timothy, who was still on the phone, pacing back and forth. He wasn’t going to save me. “Okay.”

Pushing past the initial wave of nervousness, I slowly began to undress in the dressing room provided. The first gown they had me try was way out of my comfort zone. It was breathtaking on the hanger but felt like a second skin on. The fabric clung to every curve and made me feel beautiful in a way I hadn’t felt before.

“I’ve never worn anything like this before,” I admitted, twirling in front of the mirror and watching as the skirt flared out gracefully. Lucy grinned appreciatively from her spot on the plush velvet couch. “Well, you certainly wear it well.”

The next gown was the strapless one with the delicate lace bodice. When I came out of the dressing room wearing it, even the cold and sophisticated boutique women gasped in admiration. I felt radiant. The dress fit me perfectly, hugging my figure in just the right places and flaring out into a soft cloud of tulle at my feet.

Lucy handed me anther glass of champagne. “What do you think?” she asked.

I wrinkled my nose, staring at myself in the mirror. Behind me, I caught a glimpse of red. I turned around and pointed at it. “What about that one?”

“Red?” Lucy smiled. “That’s one I pulled. I didn’t know if you’d wear it.”

I took another sip of champagne, feeling the bubbles going straight to my head. “I doubt I’ll actually wear it out of here, but can I try it on?”

“Of course!”

With an excitement that seemed to mirror my own, Lucy hurried to retrieve the gown. It was a fiery red that would certainly catch every eye in the place. The design was simple but timeless—a strapless bodice that nipped in at the waist before fanning out into a voluminous skirt. The entire dress shimmered under the boutique lights as if it was alive.

“Here you go,” Lucy said as she handed me the dress. I took it from her, my fingers sinking into the soft, silky fabric.

“I shouldn’t,” I said.

“Do it. I have a feeling you’re going to like it.”

I slipped into the dressing room, took off the dress I was wearing, and put on the red one. Lucy came in to zip me up. “Wow,” she said. “This dress was made for you.”

“Let me see.” I heard Timothy’s voice beyond the curtain.

Nerves exploded in my stomach. I was afraid to let him see me in it. I stepped out and watched his expression. He slowly nodded. “That’s the one.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

A woman with a clipboard and a measuring tape around her neck buzzed in and started to tuck and pull the dress on me. The sales associates were buzzing around, discussing adjustments and alterations while I stared at Timothy.

“Are you sure?” I asked again.

“Oh yeah,” he replied in a husky voice.

I giggled. My cheeks were flushed thanks to the bubbly.

“Looks like someone’s having a good time,” Timothy said.