Was that admiration in Grace’s eyes? “Good for you!” she laughed. “I love an assertive woman.” She turned to pick up a matching pair of panties and bra set. “But just to prove him wrong, why not try this on? It would be better to have evidence that he’s wrong. A man like that might consider it a challenge and,” she peered through the doorway and Selena turned as well. They saw Reid coming out of the coffee shop, two cups in his hands and a newspaper tucked under his arm. “Well, it’s always better to be well armed, don’t you think?”
Selena nodded in agreement. “You make a good point,” she replied. With a sigh, she took the items. “Fine. I’ll try these on. But he’s not buying me anything and I really don’t think this is going to prove him right.”
Grace’s smile never faltered. “I’ll show you to a dressing room. If these aren’t torture devices, if they feel comfortable and make you feel pretty, then I have some other items that you might like as well. I’ll bring them to you.”
Selena walked into the beautifully appointed dressing room and eyed the pieces. They really were lovely. Holding them up to her figure, she couldn’t help but wonder what they might look like on her.
Was Reid crazy? Or could these pieces actually do something to help her self-esteem? She ate well, exercised, and tried to live with confidence and kindness. Instead of rebelling against the idea of pretty lingerie, why not explore the possibilities? If small pieces of lace could increase her confidence, why wouldn’t she try them?
In the end, her curiosity was too powerful to ignore. She pulled off her tee-shirt and shorts, stripped off her ugly cotton bra and panties and pulled on the lace pieces.
Selena was shocked…literally stunned by how comfortable the bra was. And the panty…well, it didn’t quite cover her entire bottom, but…wow! It made her butt look amazing! As she moved around, the panty didn’t ride up as she might have expected. It was incredibly comfortable! And yes, it really did make her feel more confident.
“Here are some other pieces,” Grace called, handing several more beautiful sets over the top of the door.
Selena took them with shaking fingers, not sure if she should concede so quickly. Then she realized what she was thinking and felt foolish. Why ignore something that worked simply out of stubbornness?
In the end, she chose seven sets that really did make her feel good. When she walked up to pay for all of them, Grace had some other items. “How about just one pair of thigh high stockings?” she suggested. “If you like these,” she tucked them into the bag, “then come back and I’m going to get you into a garter belt and stockings. You’ll love the feel of them under your clothes!”
Selena stared at the woman, more stunned than she’d ever been in her life. Well, except for that one horrible night. But that night…it was so far in the past and she wasn’t that that person anymore. She was…different.
Stepping out into the late afternoon sunshine, she felt Reid’s gaze settle on her. And even from across the street, she could feel the heat in that look. He knew.
Her fingers tightened on the bag and she took a deep breath before walking across the street. They said nothing to each other and she silently headed back to where he’d parked his car.
“Are you okay?” he asked as he held the passenger door open for her.
Selena glanced up at him, not sure how to answer. “Yes. I think so.”
Chapter 6
Selena slipped the beautiful, black lace bra up her arms, securing the clasp, then adjusting the straps. Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt…different. Yesterday, after purchasing the lingerie, she’d felt her whole mindset change. But seeing herself now, she wasn’t sure…her body felt different.
Her phone rang and she glanced at the clock. She was going to be late if she didn’t hurry up. Grabbing the black sheath dress, she slid it on over the lingerie so that she couldn’t change her mind. She had to do this. Not for Reid, but for herself.
She answered her phone, a bit breathless even as she slipped on a pair of black heels. No jewelry today since she had no idea what to expect from her co-workers. Better to be safe than sorry, she thought as she stuffed a few more items into her purse.