Chapter Nine #4
As she made her way to the hall, Oakley was already on the room phone. She stepped into the elevator. One of the latest retail trends was for luxury hotels to have a series of high-end boutiques, and she found one conveniently located off the ornate lobby.
Despite her hesitation of an actual Pretty Woman rejection moment, the sales force greeted her warmly.
Soon they had her measured and seated on a velvet divan with a glass of champagne in her hand while they pulled a bunch of dresses and underthings that cost more per piece than Rachel’s monthly utilities.
Then she went into a plush dressing room larger than her kitchen.
First, she tried on a jewel-neck, sleeveless cotton-blend dress in lipstick red.
The fit and flare silhouette ended in a scalloped hem that fell right below her knees.
“It’s made in Italy,” the saleswoman said when Rachel stepped out to show her.
“Everyone always thinks cocktail parties mean wearing black, but you’ll discover that women who have your slim figure and confidence will wear something more flattering than basic black. This color is perfect on you.”
It was, and she’d never seen anything so pretty. “This must have been how Cinderella felt,” Rachel said as she ran her fingers over the floral lace that lay over the skin-colored lining. She would wear this tonight. “This is an incredible dress. I’ll take it.”
“Excellent. I suggest this one next, for the award ceremony and the ball. You’ll go from red to this.”
“I’m sensing that floral is a theme,” Rachel said as she slid into a sleeveless, metallic fil coupé midi-dress. The base of the dress was gray, with silver threads creating unique, raised freeform flowers. The dress shimmered and she gasped.
“Another winner,” the saleswoman gushed. “Has just enough Western flair meets Gilded Age. With matching shoes, he won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“Oh, that’s not why…”
The saleswoman helped Rachel out of the dress.
“If you don’t have a man, you’ll certainly have them flocking to you when they see you wearing these dresses.
Now, let’s find you some work outfits, and some shoes, too.
Don’t worry…we’ll be sure they fit so you’re comfortable from the start.
You may feel like Cinderella, but no need to lose a shoe, am I right? ”
When Rachel returned to her room, she was loaded down with everything from new jeans to slacks to tops and the dresses.
She had so many things the bellhop had to help her carry the large number of shopping bags.
A bit tight on time, she opened her suitcase—thank goodness it had been delivered—and began getting ready by brushing her hair smooth.
Once she was in the dress she’d twist her hair into a French knot.
Sliding into silky undergarments no one would see seemed indulgent, and while she thought it silly, she let herself enjoy how good they felt.
The dresses spoke for themselves and didn’t require much jewelry, meaning her own simple locket on a chain was the perfect complement. Playing dress-up had never been so fun.
There was only one problem. Down in the boutique she’d had someone to zip her. After wiggling awhile and trying to reach behind her back, she opened her door to Oakley’s suite and knocked. “Come in,” he called.
She stepped into his space and passed by the dining area. “I need help with my zipper. I can’t get the last of it.” She stopped explaining as she noted his fingers had frozen while adjusting a cufflink. She pointed to his wrist. “Do you need help with that?”
He shook himself. “No. I got it. Let’s get you zipped.”
She turned around and used both hands to lift her hair. The teeth of the zipper locked as he lifted the tab. His fingers brushed the back of her neck as he hooked the clasp. A sensual shiver ran down her spine.
“You’re good,” he said, the words sounding far away, as if they’d caught in his throat.
Something uncharacteristic made her give an impulsive twirl. “You like?”
He took two steps back. “Yes. It’s a great color on you.” He fixed his cuff and lowered his eyelids, but not before she’d seen the desire reflected there.
The saleswoman had been accurate. The dress had “wow” factor. “How about I meet you downstairs in the ballroom? I want to check on a few things, anyway.”
“If you’re sure. I won’t be that far behind.” An unspoken spark of heightened awareness traveled between them. If he weren’t her boss, she’d cross the space and throw herself into his arms.
“I’m sure.” Pulling the door closed behind her, Rachel escaped barefoot back to her room.
She drew a steadying breath. If Oakley kept looking at her like that, she’d start believing that fantasies came true.
He looked delicious in his tux, which fit him perfectly.
As she slid her feet into the designer heels, she reminded herself to tread carefully.
Cinderella needed to remember to keep her shoes on and try not to fall for the sexy, desirable and most generous prince.