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“Darling, you have legs for days! We must show these off.” She appraises me as I stand in my bra and panties in the fitting room while she turns me this way and that. Thank goodness I’m actually wearing a matching set I splurged on when Victoria’s Secret had their semiannual sale. I fight the urge to fidget as she figures out which colors and lines would look best on me.

Shopping isn't nearly as fun as I would have hoped. I think it has to do with being alone. I have Halle, but it’s her job. Although, her enthusiasm for clothing is contagious, and I end up trying a lot of styles and combinations I never would have dared to before.

Sitting in the dressing room, waiting on her to return with another size, I think about the day so far. It has been different than I imagined, experience overwhelming, and I'm just not used to that much indulgence. Especially since someone else is paying. The trip to the spa is one indulgence I won’t complain about. Who knew having your hair shampooed and blown out could feel so incredible? They painted my nails and toes a classic shade of red. The color gives me courage, and I’m going to need it to get through tonight.

I glance around this dressing room, which is bigger than my old apartment, seeing all the beautiful garments; the satin, the silk, the lace. So many options. Had it not been for Halle, I wouldn’t have found all of this. I don’t even dare look at the tags because the practical part of me would probably pass out.

The faint sound of ringing breaks through my thoughts.

Digging through the mountain of fabric, I finally find my phone, swiping to answer. "Hello."

"Alexa, how's it going? Did you have fun shopping?"

"Okay, I guess." Regretting the lack of emotion in my tone, I add, "I've found some amazing things; thank you.

“Great.” It sounds like he’s walking, horns blaring in the background. “Listen, I’m going to be a few minutes late, but the driver will be on time getting you. I’ll just—“

Late. Time. “Shit.” Pulling my phone away from my ear, I see it’s 4:45, and I’ll never make it back to the apartment to change in time. Great, my first real date, I mean task, err- event with Ben, and I’ve already screwed it up.

“Alexa, what is it? Is everything okay?” Ben’s voice pulls me from my mini-freak-out.

“Yeah, sorry. It’s just that I’m still at Saks.” I bite my lip, and the longer I wait for his response, the harder I bite.

His laughter surprises me. “That good, huh?”

“More like that bad,” I retort. “It’s just like nothing I’ve ever experience, and before Saks, not everyone was so… helpful.”

“I see,” he says. “Well, did you at least find a dress for this evening?”

“I did,” I reply, smiling with satisfaction. Did I ever! Just wait until he sees me in the red. An off the shoulder satin and lace dress, with a scalloped neckline, cinched waist and a flared-out bottom that falls mid-thigh is going to make his mouth water.

“Well, I’m actually closer to Saks than the loft, so I could just swing by there and pick you up.”

“Umm, okay, sure. What should I do with the other stuff, all the bags I mean?” I look around at the sitting room; there is no way I can walk out with all this.

“Have them delivered. They have my info on file. See you soon.”

“I’ll be the one in red,” I tell him both so he knows who he’s looking for and just to tease.

“I’ll be the suit with my mouth hanging open,” he jokes before his voice turns serious.

“I could pick you out in a room of hundreds Alexa.”

Heart, be still. Panties, stay dry.

With Halle’s help, we quickly get me into the red dress. She has me in a red thong and matching demi cup bra. I never knew sexy underwear would make me feel so… naughty. She sends for shoes, while I’m pulled off to makeup to have some kohl liner and mascara applied, dabbed with bronzer, spritzed with perfume, passed a breath mint and lips painted red.

The simple strappy heels are gorgeous and very high. Hopefully, I can pull this off.

Now, I’m cheered on and pushed out the door, my tiny jeweled clutch only holding my phone and red Dior lipstick. having only a moment to catch my breath before a black Lincoln pulls up, and Ben steps out, looking like sin in a black fitted suit, crisp white shirt, sans tie with the top couple buttons undone.

“Red – bold choice – it suits you.” He speaks first, his eyes singeing me everywhere he looks.

“You look rather dashing yourself.” I saunter towards him, praying I don’t fall.

He nods at me, meting me halfway and helping me into the back of the car. “Show time.”