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I smiled politely. “I think we’re alright, but I’ll let you know.”
“Oh, for sure, for sure.” The shop owner didn’t leave right away, hovering near the dresses. “This one would look gorgeous on the duchess, don’t you think?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the price tag. It was by far the most expensive gown on the entire rack.
“Would you like to try it on?” she continued eagerly. “I’m sure it’ll fit like a glove. Oh, and I’ve even brought out a selection of shoes and jewelry to accessorize with. Come along, dear. You can use this change room here.”
She was just about to shove me toward it when I stopped, turned, and looked her straight in the eye. I kept my practiced smile in place and spoke sweetly, but firmly. “I think I can handle it from here,” I said, doing my best to emulate Kris’ commanding way of talking. “I’ll call you should I need anything. I believe there are other customers out front who may benefit more from your assistance.”
The boutique owner blushed. “Oh…of course. You’re right. Please call me if you need anything at all.” She scurried away like a little mouse, finally giving me a chance to breathe.
Charlie smiled. “Well handled.”
Adam laughed as he sat down on the ornate sofa next to the room’s floor-to-ceiling mirrors. “Mark me down as intimidated and horny,” he teased.
“I wasn’t intimidating,” I said, casually dragging my fingers over the soft fabric of the dresses. “I was just creating some boundaries. I’m also a little concerned if that’s the sort of thing that turns you on.”
“It’s just you, baby. It’s just you.”
I decided to start with the dress at the other end of the rack. The boutique owner had apparently arranged everything in descending order of price. “Be right back,” I said.
“Do you need help with the zipper?” Charlie asked, a suggestive glint in his eye.
I winked. “I’ll let you know,” I replied before disappearing into the changing room and pulling the thick red curtain closed.
The dress was a deep, rich emerald that very much reminded me of the color of Adam’s eyes. It had a higher neckline, but a plunging back that I was sure would drive all my boys up the wall. It fit very well, the silk pouring over my body like water. I draped my hair over one shoulder and admired my reflection. With a pair of dangling earrings and a silver clutch in hand, the duchess would look every ounce a Hollywood starlet.
I pulled the curtain back and watched as Adam and Charlie’s jaws dropped open.
“Good God,” Adam grumbled. “You look stunning, angel. Doesn’t she, Charlie?”
He nodded, swallowing thickly. “Wow.”
Adam smirked. “I think you just gave him a stroke, Sam.”
I giggled. “Oh, I don’t want that at all! Should we call for an ambulance?”
Charlie stood, approaching slowly as his eyes dragged over me from head to toe. He breathed slowly; his pupils blown wide open with desire. “Dear God, the things you do to me… Is it bad that I want to rip that thing off you?”
“Easy, tiger,” I chided. “As delightful as that sounds, this is still a very pricey dress despite being on the low end. And besides, it’s not for me, it’s for Duchess Arianna.”
“But you’ll be wearing something similar, correct?”
I nodded. “That’s correct.”
He took a step into my space, one hand tracing down my bare back and settling on my ass. “I don’t know if I like that,” he mumbled. “It won’t do at all.”
“What do you mean?”
“There are going to be a lot of people there, looking at the most beautiful woman in the room. Watching her all night wishing they could have her.”
I hummed. “I’m sure the duchess won’t mind the attention. In fact, I think she thrives on it.”
“I wasn’t talking about the duchess.” His eyes flitted down to my mouth, the air around us burning hot. “I don’t want anybody looking at my woman.”
“What about the others?” I teased.
“They’re the only exception, you know that.”
