No Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-One

I have to look away to hide my smile as he approaches me.

"Hi."

I bite my lip. "Hi."

"Tell me something."

"What?"

"What on earth made you choose this place?"

I look at him, surprised before I look at the clothes. "Well, I don't know."

"Everything here looks like something my mother would wear. How old are you?"

"None of your damn business."

"Twenty-six?"

"Eight. I'm twenty-eight."

"You're too damn young for this."

I purse my lips, annoyed. "Well, you're the fashion designer. Why don't you tell me where to go?"

"You want my suggestions?"

I shrug. "Let's see."

He smirks and I catch him reaching out, nearly touching my waist. Thankfully, he stops in time. The eyes follow us out of the store.

***

"Gretchen."

A lanky curly-haired redhead turns at Giovanni's voice, grinning wide.

"Mr. Martinelli, it's so nice to see you. It's been too long. Are you here for a fitting?"

He smiles, all charm. "No, I've actually brought along my publicist, Scarlett. I've told her you are the best in the business. She's looking for some new additions to her wardrobe."

She smiles, holding out her hand. I catch her eyes trail over my outfit quickly. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

"Well, I think you're probably a four, right?"

I nod. I used to be a six, but since all those clothes hang, I think she's spot on.

"Alright. Formal, business casual, casual?"

"Casual, business casual," I murmur, thinking I should get some clothes for work while I'm already here.

"Alright, perfect. I think I have the perfect kind of vibe for you. Come back with me."

***

I stare into the mirror, already tired, and it hasn't even been thirty minutes. Gretchen has brought nearly a hundred items for me to try on, and it's overwhelming.

I can't deny how beautiful they are, though. I turn, observing how the slit skirt extenuates my legs, how the silk blouson top falls over my body perfectly. There's a blazer to match too. The heels are intimidating, but I put them on, knowing they will complete the outfit.

God, this looks so strange. It's the exact opposite of what I'd normally buy, which is why I put it on the taking pile.

"I'm almost done," I say, conscious that he's waiting on me as I pull a mini dress over my head with difficulty. It's red... harlot red. I shake my head as I try to get the zipper in the back.

"It's okay. Take your time."

I don't know if I can pull any of this off.

"Damn."

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I just can't get this zipper."

He pulls the curtain open, and my eyes dart in shock to the waiting room.