Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75783 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Stepping inside, I’m treated to a rush of relief as the familiar, sumptuous showroom reveals itself. “I thought you said you were taking me to a store,” Harper whispers, reminding me of the vast difference in our upbringings.
“They don’t do it that way here,” I explain before the boutique’s owner greets us warmly, offering champagne. I take him up on the offer before turning to Harper. “We need the full works. A-to-Z, head to toe. Professional, high-end, along with lingerie and loungewear.”
Years of working in this business means he’s good at hiding most of his excitement, but not all of it. I can almost see the dollar signs dancing in his eyes when he ushers me to a plush chair, where a girl brings me my champagne and another pair of women descend on Harper, pulling her away toward a three-way mirror where they jump straight into taking her measurements, discussing quietly how they want to proceed. And all Harper can do is accept it, following orders the women give.
This is not their first rodeo.
But it is hers, and I’ve barely refilled my crystal flute before she shoots a pleading look my way, arms crossed over her chest even though she’s wearing a bra and doesn’t have anything I haven’t already seen more times than I care to remember.
“You’re around a size eight or so?” the older of the two women asks. Harper clears her throat, her cheeks flushing before she nods. Now she won’t look at me, and she won’t look at them, either. Like there’s something to be ashamed of.
“Come to think of it,” I call out when the idea hits me, “she’ll need a bathing suit, too. A bikini.” I can barely hold back a chuckle when her eyes bulge at me in the mirror.
“There’s a pool party tomorrow night. I want you there with me,” I explain, though I had no intention of bringing her along until thirty seconds ago.
Seeing her cringing and blushing the way she is only awakens my determination to make her endure a little more embarrassment for the way she dragged her feet like a stupid, willful little brat. She’s going to learn her place if it kills me, and this is where we start.
The longer I sit back and watch the women work their magic, the more certain I am about bringing her to the party—and not only because there’s something in me that enjoys making her squirm. I knew she had a hell of a body, but seeing her like this, practically naked, having her new clothes fitted, brings to mind the sort of outfits I would like to see her in that have nothing to do with work.
My boxer briefs are a little tight by the time I clear my throat. “Make sure she’s as tailored as possible. Accentuate that small waist of hers.” The sheer loathing in her eyes when they meet mine in the mirror tells me it’s the right move. I don’t know who gave her the idea that having a body like hers is anything to be ashamed of, but I’m ready to correct that misconception.
“You know, most girls would kill for an opportunity like this,” I remind her, raising my champagne in her direction and grinning when she flips me off as soon as no one’s looking.
She looks more like I’m the one she’d rather kill.
And right now, I welcome the challenge.
Chapter 6
Harper
Even after staying out late the night before, Dawson isn’t remotely lenient with our schedule at work. He moves from meeting to meeting, giving me very little time to breathe in between. I don’t even have a minute to eat the turkey sandwich Maggie made for me before leaving.
With every spare moment I have, I try to familiarize myself with the business as much as I can. Last night at dinner, Richard was not interested in “showing me the ropes” at all. Instead, all he wanted to do was try to feel me up and ask about all the sexual experiences I’ve had. Which is none, to be totally clear. I don’t know why I thought that was the right thing to say, but it seemed to turn him on even more, and I wish I had just lied.
I don’t quite understand what this company is. I can’t figure out what products Dawson manufactures or sells, or what exactly it is that he’s investing in. The only thing I can even find is that it’s about defense innovations and infrastructure. I barely know what any of that means. Maybe I should have paid more attention in other classes, not just art.
The end of the day rolls around, and a pit forms in my stomach when I think about the pool party tonight at Clear View Country Club. Of course, in thinking of a novel way to torture me, Dawson made me get the skimpiest bikini at the boutique last night. It barely covers my boobs, and I don’t even want to think about my ass. I was able to negotiate a black caftan to wear on top, but I know I’m not going to be able to have it on all night.