Chapter Two
As the time drew closer to Mr Forester’s arrival we were all filled with nerves. We had to ensure that everything was perfect. I sent Izzy to the local deli to collect some canapés, laying out the food along with napkins and our finest silverware. Taking a bottle of champagne from our store in the back I popped the cork and set it into an icebox to keep it chilled.
I held my breath as a tall muscular man entered the store. He looked around before offering me his hand to shake.
“I’m Curtis, Mr Forester’s head of security. I just need to take a look around to be confident the store is fully secured,” he said with a brief smile.
“Of course. Feel free,” I replied.
We waited patiently as Curtis went into every room. Checking the dressing rooms, and the office area beyond. I heard him rattle to rear door. Clearing making sure that no-one could enter through there and catch him by surprise. With a nod of approval, Curtis opened the main door to the store. Beckoning to colleagues that everything was in order.
I took a step back as Mr Forester came through the door. Although I had seen many photographs of him in the past, he was much better looking in reality. He towered above me as he leant to kiss my hand. A broad smile on his lips as he thanked me for organizing the store for him.
Taking a seat beside him, I began to quiz him about the type of clothes that he would like to see. While we spoke I struggled to remain focused on the job in hand. Yet I was finding it increasingly hard not to become absorbed within the crystal blue of Mr Forester’s eyes. His blonde hair was cropped short, and the suit that he wore was free of any creases. Enhancing his muscular frame beneath.
The girls began bringing clothes from the rails. Elegant dresses, flowing blouses and tight fitting skirts. Mr Forester eyed them careful. His hands covering every inch of the material to see the quality of the stitching.
“Have you seen anything that you think your sister will like Mr Forester?” I asked politely.
“Please call me Harry. As far as Rebecca goes, she would love anything that I purchase from here. She is always raving on about the clothes in your boutique Miss,” he replied.
“Clarissa please.”
“Well, now that we are on first name terms there is something else that I would like to ask. Would you possibly model some of the clothes for me?”
“Of course Harry. I will get one of the girls for you,” I told him obligingly.
Harry rested his hand upon my arm as he shook his head. His eyes met mine, a kind glint flashing within their depths.
“No Clarissa. I would like you to model them for me,” he said quietly.
My hand went to my throat as I looked at him, stunned by his request. No-one usually asked me to model the clothes. Preferring to see one of the much slimmer girls parading the garments. I felt my cheeks grown red as Harry waited for my response.
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t one of the other girls be a better option for you?” I asked shyly.
“When I like to see clothes, I prefer them to be modelled by a lady who has a curvaceous figure. I beautiful figure such as yours,” Harry whispered.
I rose from my seat, heading into the dressing rooms slowly. My mind was filled with the kind remark that Harry had just made. Although I was happy with the figure that I had, I did often wonder how men saw me. Well aware that I may not be appealing to many of the single men in the city. Yet I was loathed to change my appearance to please them. Hoping instead to find a man who loved me for the person that I was rather than the outer shell.
Slipping a silk dress on I relished the feel of it against my skin. Sashing back into the room and noting the look of approval that Harry gave me. I began to change into different outfits. Either receiving a nod or shake of the head depending on whether or not Harry liked it. A large pile was soon mounting on the counter ready to be wrapped in our exclusive packaging.
As I finished modelling the clothes, Harry thanked me again. Cindy and Izzy were busy ringing the figures through the cash register. Their eyes wide as they saw the balance mount. Harry stopped me suddenly, pulling me to one side so that the others wouldn’t overhear.
“I would like to thank you properly for all you have done for me today,” he began gently.
“I was just doing my job Harry. It’s fine honestly.”
“No Clarissa, you went the extra mile for me and I am very grateful. Please, would you join me for dinner this evening?”
After a moments consideration I finally agreed. Butterflies fluttered inside me as we made the arrangements. Yet again Harry had left me stunned. When I came into work this morning I had no idea that my day would end like this. A large commission for the garments Harry had purchased, and a date for the evening.