Chapter Three
“Hey. I’m sorry, y’all,” a muffled voice called from behind him. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.” Heels tapped a quickstep along the sidewalk as she juggled keys. “It’s the first day of spring. It supposed to be sunny and beautiful, not cold and rainy.”
Celeste swallowed hard, straightening, as she sobered. They moved out of the doorway as the shop owner reached them. Celeste glanced at the window. Displays with women’s wear. A boutique. Good. At least they weren’t caught in front of a fish and tackle store.
“Thanks for waiting.” The woman stepped into the entrance, a light jacket pulled over her head to protect her from the rain. “I dropped off a last-minute request for a bachelorette party.” She pushed the coat up and away, unlocking the door and ushering them in as little bells tinkled to announce their arrival. “I’m Mary Lou.” The stylish blonde set her bag and keys behind the counter. “Are you looking for something special?” Vibrant blue eyes with perfectly applied shadow looked from her to Rio with a questioning gaze.
Celeste stuck her fisted hands into her pockets. With her body still humming from his attention, she wasn’t prepared to be scrutinized and found lacking. She turned to the racks of dresses and tops. Jeans, shorts, and capris lay stacked on a side table. “I just need something for tomorrow,” she managed to croak. Mary Lou gave a deep nod, expecting more information. “The airline lost my luggage.”
“Oh.” She clapped her hands together. “I’m soh-rry.” She gave an exaggerated pout. “But I’m glad you found my little place. I’ve got a lot of unique items. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll like.”
“I’ll hold your coat,” Rio offered. Celeste fought the urge to shrink into the coat’s lining. He stepped behind her, close enough to feel the heat of his body against her back. Strong arms came around her, his fingers brushing her chest as he clasped the collar to pull off the coat.
Mary Lou’s critical eye measured her from head to toe. Celeste stood rooted to the spot, promising to cut back on Costco’s seven-layer chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting from now on. “I don’t carry too many high-end designers, but if you’re looking for dresses, I’ll find you some you might like.”
The woman was a saleslady. She’d been trying to figure out her style and size. “I think I’ll stick to jeans.”
“All right.” Mary Lou chuckled, leading the way. “The weather isn’t the best for a dress, no matter how cute. But at least we aren’t covered in ice, like half the country.”
Celeste nodded in agreement. Though, coming from Seattle, the temperature in Texas was still nicer than home. She combed through the multitude of studded, embroidered, and ripped jeans.
“These would look good on you,” Rio suggested.
The worn patch on the jeans he held allowed for the skin at her inner thigh to be visible. She shot him a quick glance through her lashes. He winked and gave her one of those slight, one-sided grins. Trying desperately to ignore him, she turned back to the jeans, choosing a pair with little studs at the hips. It was the more subdued from the selection.
“Knit tops, blouses, and T-shirts are along the side wall.” Mary Lou led the way, her heels clicking against the polished wood floor, her hands moving about like an animated character. “Oh, I have the per-fect top for you.” She went directly to a Chambray top with a high collar, the opening stopping a lot lower than what Celeste usually chose. “When you wear it, try using a dark liner on your eyes and they willll pop.” She splayed her fingers in emphasis.
“Dark liner…”
“The liquid stuff might be a little trickier, but I like it better. Try a bold line stretching past the edge of your lid and a darker mascara.”
Celeste pictured her Pinterest boards with makeup tips, immediately understanding what she described.
“Oh, girl.” Mary Lou waved her hand. “The things I could do with you. You wouldn’t recognize yourself after. Sorry, I love playing dress up. That’s how I ended up with this.” Her hand swept around, encompassing the store. “And I can write it all off on my taxes.”
Celeste managed a genuine smile, more at ease. “I could probably do with a makeover.” How many times had she wished for just such a chance? A nervous laugh bubbled up inside.
Mary Lou’s face lit up like she discovered her morning donut was fat-free. “Oh. My. Gosh. How long are you in town?”
Celeste shook her head. “Only today. But I might drop in on you on my way back.”
“I’ll get you my card. We can make it a girls’ day. I can always do with hair and nail appointments.” She tilted her head, studying Celeste. “You ever consider lowlights?”
Heat climbed her face. “I have no idea what they are.”
“We’ll get you set up.” She patted Celeste on the shoulder. “How about I bring you a couple more things to try on?” Celeste nodded. Mary Lou looked past her. “Looks like your man found the back room.”
The stage whisper hung in the air, like a dramatic pause before some grand revelation. Rio turned, a grin playing at his lips. Vix poked her head around his shoulder to peek inside, then turned, doing an incredible shimmy on the heel of her stiletto. What exactly was in the back room?
Mary Lou quirked a finger, leading her over. “Come on. You might find a few…more interesting pieces in here.”
Curious, Celeste peeked ahead, past the beaded curtain to an array of corsets in satin and leather. “Oh my.”
“Look around.” Mary Lou drew the rows of beads to one side. “See if something catches your eye.”
Colorful, sexy bras took up a wall. The styles went from demi cup to little more than a platform that offered support, but stopped below the nipple, leaving most of the breasts bare. A long table held a rainbow of lacy bikinis, thongs, and a section of jeweled underwear. Different colored gems, pearls, and stainless steel studs decorated all manner of panties. Celeste took in the sight with a mixture of trepidation and interest.
“Those are always a favorite.” Mary Lou said from the entrance. “I’d have to ask you to try on over your clothes, unless you’re set to buy. And if you’re a first timer, I’d suggest you wait to wear them with jeans. They can be a little…” She gave a full body shiver. “Intense.”
Intense… Celeste nodded. Until a few minutes ago, she didn’t have a clear understanding of the word. Normally, she never would have considered purchasing anything like this. Especially in person. She would have pretended she wasn’t intrigued and gone back to find socks or something equally neutral. But today wasn’t anywhere near a normal day.
Rio ran a hand along the table. “Interested?” His finger traced the elastic of some blue panties, slipping underneath to feel the strand of pearls sewn into the minuscule panel.
Her sex clenched, knowing exactly how his touch felt on the most intimate part of her. And while a little corner of her brain was urging her to turn on her heel and find another place to shop, the thought of having something stoking the fire he started, kept her from heading to the door. “You like the pearls?” she murmured, trying to sound like it was an everyday purchase for her.
He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear while his hand cupped her waist. “The only pearl I want is already hidden between your thighs.”
She shivered, pressing her legs together against the sudden stab of desire. Was this really her, standing here buying kinky underwear with a man she’d known a matter of hours? Granted, he’d been stroking her tonsils a few minutes ago, and now she was close enough that the bulge in his pants was pressing into her hip.
“Try them on,” Mary Lou urged. “I always tell my customers they can liven up anyone’s sex life. Though I doubt you two need any spice.”
A bubble of laughter threatened to burst out. Her sex life revolved around a couple of discreet online purchases and AA batteries. The number of times she’d had intercourse didn’t reach double digits. And the guys were as exciting as watching the progress bar on a download. She only recognized the nipple clamps and short riding crops from posts on Tumblr. But Mary Lou only saw Rio, and the way she responded to him.
“Where’s your dressing room?” she asked, reaching for the blue panties and a regular bikini. She followed Mary Lou through the curtain without a backward glance, because honestly, she couldn’t face Rio at the moment.