Chapter 20
Chapter twenty
Confidence
It was hard not to think about sex when people kept trying to have it at The Closette. The second I walked away from the dressing room hallway a girl snuck her boyfriend into her stall. Couples weren’t allowed in there together, even for ‘assistance.’
I hurried back, but hesitated to knock amid their giggles and kisses.
How was I supposed to stop them? It wasn’t like I could ask if they needed help with anything. They’d probably think I wanted to join them.
Asking Giselle for advice would just prove I had no idea how to deal with bodies again.
But the snap of elastic sparked me into action. Those people could damage the merchandise, and I wouldn’t let that happen.
It was time to put on my big girl panties.
I rapped on the door. “Excuse me. Did you need someone to check adjustment and fit?”
“Oh, no, I’m good,” the customer said. Another snap of elastic and shift of fabric followed. “Very good,” she breathed.
I rolled my eyes and spun the ring of dressing room keys around my finger.
“Well, as a friendly reminder, there’s only one guest allowed per Closette stall.
These are delicate items, and any damage may result in a consultation with our loss prevention staff.
We want to give our customers the very best experience…
for clothes they can enjoy at home, you understand. ”
The couple quieted.
“But if you’re enjoying this set so much, maybe I should see what other colors we have and bring them over to help you complete your purchase?”
“Um, I could use it in black,” the customer said.
“I’ll be right back,” I warned her cheerfully.
I’d give her exactly one minute. Her partner better be out and dressed by then.
I waited behind a blonde with flowing, shampoo-ad worthy hair and a broad-shouldered guy in some kind of warehouse uniform to access the bodysuit display.
“It’s Valentine’s Day, so I need new underwear. That’s basic self-care,” the blonde insisted, gesturing to the scantily-clad models and mannequins.
He rubbed his flushed ear. “Okay, but why bring me to buy it?”
She shrugged, coyly playing with a fringed bra. “You’re my boyfriend. I needed my beefcake to carry the bags.”
Lingerie usually wasn't heavy enough to need a muscle man for assistance, but I figured they both knew that.
He crossed his arms. “I don’t know about fancy stuff like this. As long as it’s clean, it’s good with me.”
He’d probably just rip it off when they got home anyway. I bit my lip to stop a laugh.
The boxy guy glanced at me, then shuffled aside. “I thought you said we’d be getting something to eat,” he told her.
“I said we’d go shopping and get a little treat,” she said matter-of-factly.
He snorted and rubbed the nape of his reddened neck. “I’ll be outside while you decide on your ‘treat.’ Any other stops on your list, like Fernando and Hitch?”
She busied herself flipping through the rack. “No, we don’t have to walk that way. Think about what you want to eat, though.”
He inhaled deeply and propped his arm on the wall next to her. “I have been thinking about it.”
Her gaze flicked over the areas his tee clung to his body. “I’m sure you have. You’ve got quite the appetite. Just let me know where to take you after this, or I’ll get you another one of those green shakes to fill you up.”
Her boyfriend chuckled, then shook his head and left.
Huh. They seemed to generate more sexual tension than the couple trying to get it on in the dressing room.
The blonde narrowed her gaze on the rhinestone detailing the edge of the same bodysuit I’d secured for the dressing room diva, then turned to me. “Does this come in red?”
“Y-yes. Would you like to try it on?” I offered. I was heading to the dressing room anyway.
She nodded.
I led her to the stall next to my little rebels. “My name’s Tori. Just let me know if you need anything.”
Helping all my customers managed to distract me from my own romantic escapades. The dressing room stowaway sheepishly bought both bodysuits for his girlfriend.
“I can’t believe they’re so expensive,” he muttered.
“Think of them as an investment. When I look good, I feel good, and I share that with you,” she said.
“Can’t complain about that,” he said.
Careful not to touch them in the purchase handoff, I forced a smile. “We’re so glad you enjoyed your experience. Please shop with us again.”
Just don’t do anything where I’d have to sanitize the dressing rooms afterward, I wanted to add.
“I’m gonna take care of a Code Lavender,” I told Meg.
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly at the happy couple leaving. “Our products work too well.”
I honked out a laugh, then grabbed a cleaning wipe and a perfume bottle to cover up anything too salacious in the now-vacated dressing room.
Secret Valentine.
I smiled and caressed the bottle. It reminded me of Angel. Of his touch upon my wrist. His breath on my neck. I couldn’t wait to see him tonight.
After a few spritzes in the privacy of the stall, I inhaled deeply. Just a few hours more and we’d be together.
I examined the leftover merchandise for stains or tears, but a fair amount of what they’d brought in appeared untouched, like they’d run out of time to try it, or just hit the jackpot with the bodysuit and moved on.
This lace chemise was so beautifully delicate.
The ribbon-themed lingerie had a nice, silky stretch.
No wonder the couple were so excited to test out their outfits.
Maybe I was a little tempted too.
After all, I needed new pajamas and underwear. It was basic self-care, just like the blonde had reasoned. And Giselle said the best way to educate myself on our products was to try them on, right? So she wouldn’t be too mad if I took a second to investigate our wares.
I locked the door, then whipped my clothes off, hurrying into a semi-sheer off-the-shoulder bralette with heart patterns, which swelled as my breasts filled the mesh.
Soft lighting smoothed out the bags under my eyes—or maybe it was the angled mirror.
I turned, admiring the graceful sweep of fabric across my curves.
These were a lot cuter than my cotton pajamas. Not as comfortable, maybe, but they accentuated my figure in a way that made me want to preen. I had a wonderful body. One worth exploring and enjoying.
Especially with a special angel of mine.
I slid my hands over my silken skin, imagining my boyfriend’s reaction to this vision.
But the lighting and moment would be different.
Maybe it’d be better to mull over a big, impractical purchase like this.
I snapped a few pictures, then censored my nipples with little heart emojis. Now, to write a cute message…
While I was typing and deleting, the stall next to me creaked open. “Hey, Tori?” the blonde customer called.
I gasped and clutched my phone. Oh, scrubs. I was half-naked! And I just sent the pic to my boyfriend without context.
“Um, one second. Just tidying up.” I yanked my shirt on over the lingerie. It wasn’t a smooth fit, but hopefully it wasn’t too noticeable.
I shoved open the door and nearly tumbled into the hallway. “H-hey. How can I help you?”
“I’m going to take the red,” the blonde said.
“Great.” I’d be right next to Meg at the checkout counter. Would she notice the bulge where the tags grazed my armpits? Scrubs, what if she thought I was trying to shoplift?
I smiled stiffly and brought the customer to the register. “Did you find everything okay today?”
“Yes,” the blonde said.
“Wonderful.” I swallowed a lump in my throat, avoiding Meg’s appraising gaze. “Um, would you like to earn rewards for this purchase?” I asked.
“I’m sure you’ve got my number for some kind of program,” the blonde said, poking her phone.
“Perfect.” I flexed my shoulders, cognizant of the itch against my sides. How delicate was this mesh? Would the agitation ruin it?
As soon as I checked her out, another customer approached. Then, another. Sales-wise, this was great. But my bra was still sitting in that dressing room, unattended. Someone might complain. Oh, gosh. I hoped Meg didn’t get to it before I did.
Sweat slid down the small of my back.
Giselle was going to fire me. Then, tie me up with all these strappy things and throw me onto the street.
After serving the last customer, Meg punched a bunch of keys on the register. “All those happy couples are exhausting.”
“Why don’t you take a break?” I suggested.
She arched her brow. “Are you sure you can handle the store by yourself?”
I laughed awkwardly. “Uh, have you seen how many sales I’ve made?”
“Must be your lucky day,” she said, sauntering off.
I couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or not. Either way, I finally had time to change.
I hurried toward the dressing room, ignoring the chime by the main entrance. No time to greet anybody. I needed to change.
My shirt was halfway off when I heard Angel call, “Pidge? Oh pigeon?”
I peeked through the dressing room doorway. “Angel? What are you doing here?”
He gave me a wolfish grin and lightly clawed at my door, his skin flushed and dewy. “I wanted to get a closer look at the merchandise. And the model, if she's free.”
Oh, gosh, those hungry eyes made me want to tear both our clothes at the seams. But no one else could catch us like this.
I grabbed the part in his button-down shirt and dragged him in until my back hit the wall, my heart thumping hard as I inhaled his floral musk.
All I’d done was send him a photo. And here he was. Begging.
We really did sell fantasies that could become reality at The Closette.