Chapter 18
EIGHTEEN
“Oh Dio,” I whisper, looking at myself in the changing room mirror.
Sophia convinced me to try on a black bikini with a high-waisted bottom. The top is so small that my tits seem to defy gravity, nearly spilling out of the cups.
My phone buzzes with a text from Joshua. It’s a selfie of him with a travel mug, his dimples showing as he smiles.
Joshua
What are you up to? Miss you.
I pause for a moment. Should I? I’ve never taken a photo that was even slightly daring. I’m not comfortable with my body and avoid seeing it in photos. But this top does wonders for my boobs, and Joshua always tells me how beautiful he thinks I am.
“Fuck it,” I murmur, angling my phone slightly above me to capture both my face and chest, giving a small smile to the camera.
I don’t look at the photo too closely, not wanting to second-guess myself, and quickly send it with a reply.
I love your smile. Trying on swimsuits for tomorrow. Miss you more.
Just as I hit send, another message from him pops up.
Fuck, if I were there right now, my face would be buried in this beautiful pair of tits.
A shiver runs down my spine, and I press my thighs together. Joshua has always been sweet in his texts before, never this forward, but I love it.
Stop. I don’t think the swimsuit is made to get wet from the inside.
Can’t wait to see you tonight.
“How much longer?” Sophia calls from outside the curtain.
I glance at my reflection again, frowning. I can’t wear this out in public.
“Nope, not happening,” I announce, making sure Sophia hears me.
“Can I see?” Sophia asks from outside, nudging the curtain aside slightly to peek in. “Oh, wow,” is all she manages.
“What?” Xander asks, leaning over Sophia to get a look. His eyes widen before they take on a more intense gaze as his focus shifts to my tits.
I quickly cross my arms over my chest. “Out!” I demand.
They both step back, and Sophia draws the curtain shut and giggles. “I mean, it looks incredibly sexy.”
“No, it looks ridiculous,” I retort.
“Ridiculously sexy,” Xander murmurs.
“Try the one you picked out, then,” Sophia suggests.
I change out of the bikini and into the black one-piece bathing suit I picked.
It tucks in my belly, which I love. It has a deep V-neck that makes my tits look awesome, but it also covers enough that I don’t feel like I’m spilling out if I bend over.
There’s lace detailing along the V-neck and waist, so it’s not just a plain black suit.
Plus, it’s super affordable, which is a bonus.
“This one’s okay,” I admit.
Sophia sticks her head in and smiles. “That’s the one.”
Xander peeks in and gives me a quick once-over before he nods and shuts the curtain.
I change back into my clothes, and when I step out, Xander is leaning against the opposite wall, smiling at his phone.
Looking so damn fine.
It would be a waste not to appreciate his good looks, right?
He looks up from his phone and grins when he catches me staring.
“What has you smiling?” I ask, giving him a curious look.
“Clay asked how it’s going, and I told him we found the perfect bathing suit. Now he wants pictures.”
“Absolutely not,” I state just as I get a text from Clay.
Clay
Hey
No
Understandable
Xander also pays for my swimsuit, and next, Sophia wants to visit a classier store because she needs a dress for an upcoming business event. Luckily, I’m not invited, so I don’t need to dress up.
While she’s trying on dresses, I browse through the racks until I reach the plus-size section. I spot a stunning Bordeaux-red dress that glitters slightly. It has long sleeves, probably reaches mid-calf, and has a deep V-neck ending just above the belly button.
I run my fingers over the soft fabric, imagining how it would feel against my skin. Must be nice to have the money or the occasion to wear dresses like this.
“That’s your color,” Xander whispers in my ear from behind, causing me to jump.
“It’s certainly beautiful,” I agree, marveling at how it sparkles when I move the fabric.
“Want to try it on?” he asks, already looking through the rack to pull out one in my size.
How does he know my size? I had the same question when he bought me the winter jacket. “No, thanks. I’ve never worn a dress before. I don’t think stuff like that suits me.”
“Come on,” he urges, gently grabbing my wrist and leading me to the dressing room. “For me? I’d love to see you in it. And if it doesn’t look good, you can say, ‘I told you so,’” he promises with a grin.
I roll my eyes but relent. “Fine.”
If I’m honest, I’ve always wanted to try on a dress. So I slip into it. I get out of my bra first because of the plunging neckline, but I keep my panties on, even though they leave a faint line on the fabric.
Looking in the mirror, I’m taken aback. I look… sexy? There’s also a high slit on the thigh. The V-neck makes my breasts look good, and the dress drapes beautifully over my round butt. I have never considered myself beautiful, but this dress makes me feel it, at least a little bit.
“Ready?” Xander interrupts my thoughts and parts the curtain before I can respond.
Our eyes meet, and he inhales sharply. His reaction sends a jolt of confidence through me. “Carolina,” he breathes out, his eyes romancing over my body, and his gaze leaves a tangible path as if it were his fingers.
I let my hands glide over the front of the dress, tracing the contours before raising my eyes to meet his again, a coy smile playing on my lips. “Do you like it?”
He steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek tenderly. His touch sends shivers down my spine, and I lean into it, savoring it.
“You make this dress look stunning,” he whispers, his eyes locked onto mine.
A soft laugh escapes me, breaking the tension between us. “If anything, it’s the dress that’s making me look good.”
“No,” he counters. “You can make leggings and a hoodie look classy. When you’re in a classy dress, you outshine everyone. You’re a fucking beauty.”
“Xander,” I mumble, looking down at my feet. “I’m not beautiful.”
But Xander refuses to let me dwell on my insecurities. He gently grasps my chin, his touch both tender and commanding, tilting my face toward him. His lips brush against my skin as he leans down to whisper in my ear, his words a sweet, intoxicating promise. “Don’t insult my taste in women.”
He kisses the spot just below my earlobe, sending a shiver down my spine at his proximity, and my heart races for what feels like the thousandth time today. Then abruptly, he releases me, taking a step back.
My eyes widen in shock when I glance at the price tag dangling from the dress—three hundred dollars.
“Well, that was a pretty dream,” I mutter, stepping back and drawing the curtain closed to change back into my clothes.
Coming out of the dressing room and placing the dress back on the rack, I spot Xander in the lingerie section. He’s looking at a beautiful, sexy black lace set.
“I don’t think they have that in your size,” I tease as I approach him.
“They don’t. But they do have it in yours,” he shares, looking down at me.
“Okay?” I say like a question, raising an eyebrow.
He leans in close, lowering his voice to a husky whisper. “Say, ‘Yes, Xander, I’ll let you buy me that set.’”
“What? I—” I start, but he silences me, pressing his thumb gently against my lips. When I shut up, he traces my bottom lip with his thumb.
“Say it,” he insists, his gaze locked onto my lips.
My breath catches in my throat. “Yes,” is all I manage to whisper, feeling dizzy.
I will do anything this man asks me to.
“Good girl,” he murmurs, placing a kiss on my temple. He then picks up the lingerie set in my size and heads to the register.
“Damn,” Sophia comments from behind me, making me jump.
I whirl around, my cheeks flaming, feeling like I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t. “I—”
“He’s really bringing his A-game today.” She chuckles, cutting me off with a smirk. “Let’s go… I’m hungry.”
Xander is in line for a burger place at the mall, getting fries for us.
We decided to eat something small here before going home to watch movies and cook since I want to make sure Chiara and Leo get something to eat too.
Sophia and I are sitting at a four-person table when two guys take the empty seats next to us. I can’t help but feel a sense of unease creeping over me.
“Is this seat taken?” one of them asks, his eyes fixed on Sophia.
They look to be in their mid-twenties.
“Actually, yes. Sorry,” she responds politely, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Come on, don’t be like that. Want a milkshake?” The other guy leans in a bit closer, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his lips.
“No thanks. Our friend will be back any minute,” she states, trying to politely put an end to this conversation.
“What’s your name? Wanna see a movie later?” The guy beside her doesn’t get the hint and persists, not taking no for an answer.
“Thanks, but I’m not interested,” she replies, leaning away to get some space between them.
A cocky smile plays on the lips of the other guy as he joins in, trying to win her over with humor. “I’ll be there too,” he teases, punctuating his words with a sly wink.
They only have eyes for Sophia, and it doesn’t surprise me, but the way they’re acting makes me increasingly uncomfortable for her.
The one sitting next to her puts his arm around her.
That’s it.
Unable to sit still and say nothing, I finally speak up, my voice carrying a steely edge. “She said no.”
He doesn’t budge an inch, his arm still draped over Sophia’s shoulder, a smug grin on his face. “The pretty ones always play hard to get.” Then, he reaches to grab the back of her neck, making her cringe.
“Take your hands off her,” I snap, ready to punch the guy, my protective instincts flaring up.
“Or what?” He smirks at me when he sizes me up.
“I’ll break them,” Xander warns from behind him, setting down the tray of fries and crossing his arms over his broad chest.
The other guy quickly stands up and stutters, “S-sorry, man,” before rushing off.
The one touching Sophia pulls his hands back and stands, raising them in a defensive gesture. “Didn’t mean anything by it,” he pleads, then follows his friend.
Xander takes the empty seat, looking at Sophia. “You okay?”
She nods, but her body language says otherwise. “Yeah, thanks.”
“Why didn’t you push him away, Sophia?” I ask, frowning.
She shrugs. “I froze. I thought that by telling him no, he would back off, avoiding a scene.”
Xander gives me a pack of fries and places one in front of Sophia.
“What do you mean you froze?” I ask, still worried.
At work, she seems comfortable enough to speak up. But then again, it is only with her brother and Clay.
“I just… I’m not good with all the dating stuff,” she admits.
“Sophia, that wasn’t dating stuff. That was—”
She interrupts, taking a deep breath. “I know what you’re getting at, Lina. But it’s more than that. It’s all part of a bigger issue.”
I’m puzzled. “What do you mean?”
Sophia hesitates, playing with her fries before finally saying, “I’m asexual.
I don’t experience sexual attraction to men, women…
not to anyone. I’ve tried. Went on dates, kissed, even had sex.
It just doesn’t do anything for me. So, in situations like this, I don’t know how to react, how to act normal, and the last thing I want is a scene. ”
My eyes widen, “Oh, I just assumed because of what Clay said… the talk about the kissing…”
Sophia offers a weak smile. “I’m still figuring things out, and I haven’t really come out about it, so I just go along.
It’s not a priority. I don’t think the others have realized, except for him.
” She gestures to Xander, who just gives a small nod.
“Everyone seems to expect and pressure me to find a lover or boyfriend. I understand love is wonderful for many, but it’s not the same for me, not in the way most people talk about it. ”
“You should be yourself, Sophia. No one should make you feel like you have to be a certain way,” Xander consoles.
“That is what’s bothering me. I want to focus on my career, my family, and my friends without always being asked or hinted at about when I’ll settle down with a man or start a family. I wish people would get that I’m happy just the way I am and leave me in peace,” she shares.
I reach over and place my hand over hers. “I’m sorry for not realizing and just assuming. Just know from now on, I’ve got your back.”
Sophia smiles. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
Xander smirks and says teasingly, “As long as you don’t mind third-wheeling with Carolina and me, we’re all good.”
I give him a frown. “You’re the one who’s third-wheeling on our girls’ day.”
Sophia laughs, nearly choking on a fry, making me chuckle too.