by Ciara Lake
“Was the man bothering you?”
“I’m fine.” She took his hand. The crowd parted as he led her to the door. He held it open. A teenager was about to cut in front of Avery in careless impatience. Aiden moved in his direction. Their eyes met, causing the boy to retreat.
“I’ve never been here. It’s very nice.” Avery looked around. “Thank you for bringing me.”
“It is my pleasure. Thank you for accompanying me.” Aiden followed her through the door.
“Where shall we go first?” She peered up at him.
“I was thinking of looking at men’s clothing. You can look at anything your heart desires.” He pulled her over to the side of the aisle to allow customers to pass. “What do you need?” He squeezed her hand lightly as he spoke close to her face, near her ear.
“Everything. But I’ll get what I need later. You don’t have to be worried about me.” Avery was lightheaded, nervous from his closeness. “We’re here for you.” She smiled at Aiden and rubbed his arm. It was hard and muscular.
Aiden’s gaze made her tingle all over. He put his hand on her arm and rubbed, matching her actions.
“Come on, let’s find the tall men’s department.” She grabbed his sleeve. They stepped back out into the aisle, and she led him to center of the department store.
Aiden lightly tugged on her hand, stopping her. “Avery, I am going to leave you here to look around. Pick out what you need. In an hour, I will return for you. If you see anything you like, please set it aside for me to see. Is this all right? Again, if you need me, just call my name and I shall come.” He held her hands in both of his as he looked down at her.
“I don’t have any money to buy clothes right now. I’ll go with you and look at what you look at.” Avery turned to walk on, but Aiden didn’t release her hand. Gently, he pulled her back.
“No, really, pick out what you desire. I like how dresses look on you.” He winked. “You are breathtaking. This style of shoe you are wearing is nice too, it emphasizes the lovely shape of your leg.” He touched the side of her face. She leaned into his hand. “Allow me to buy these things for you. After all, you freed me. I would like very much to do this for you. I can never repay you for your precious and freeing tears you shed over me.” Aiden kissed her hand.
“You don’t owe me anything.”
“Avery, please do as I ask. Enjoy shopping.”
Avery sighed. “Okay, I’ll look. Make sure you’re back in an hour, or I’ll come looking for you.” She smiled up at him.
“Promise?” He tucked a curl behind her ear. “With you, I shall never be lost again.”
Avery’s stomach fluttered at his words as well as his touch.
He glanced over her head as if looking for something. “This location seems to have many items a woman should desire. Stay, shop here.” Aiden released her hands.
“Okay, Mister McMichael. I’ll do as you ask.” She chuckled, amused by his bossiness. But she didn’t care that he was bossy when he looked like he did. It was nice to have his domineering attention focused on her.
Aiden nodded then walked away.
Avery strolled between the racks of clothes, gazing at the attractive outfits. She looked closely at a red dress. The silk material felt nice in her hands. Glancing up, she noticed Aiden speaking with two saleswomen. One of the women smiled in her direction. Avery turned away, pretending to look over some more dresses.
“Miss Avery.” A woman cleared her throat behind her.
Avery turned to look at her.
“Hello, I’m Lilly. Your husband has requested I assist you. I’m happy to do so.” The saleswoman took the red dress from Avery. “This dress is lovely. You have great taste.”
“Oh, he’s not—”
“I’m going to set aside a dressing room. We can pull all the dresses you like. Look.” She twirled a gorgeous navy blue dress around so Avery could see it. “This will look perfect on your figure.”
“Okay.” Avery watched her rush around adding to the stack of items.
Lilly rushed past Avery and entered the changing area, then returned and selected even more outfits. After several trips in and out of the dressing room, she paused by the doorway. “I understand you’re looking to buy at least ten dresses along with accessories and shoes.”
“Well…I’m...” Stunned by what the woman had said, Avery couldn’t form a sentence.
Lilly picked up a brown two-piece outfit as she walked by. “I’ll fetch some sexy bras and panties too. With a man like your husband, it pays to look good down to your skivvies.” She chuckled. “It looks as if you’re a size six petite? 34C? Here, let’s take off your coat so I can see you better.” She gently pulled the back of Avery’s coat, removing it. Lilly carried it along with the other clothing.
“Yes, but…I really...”
“Come, dear. Let’s get started trying things on. I’ll have Julie, our shoe salesperson, bring over matching shoes. What shoe size do you wear?”
“Ah…well.” Avery followed the woman to a dressing room. She could barely keep up with Lilly.
“Your husband explained you have a dinner engagement at seven. You’re staying at the Foster Inn? It’s a charming place.” Lilly smiled as she ushered Avery into a large fitting room. “This is our bridal dressing room. It’ll work nicely for us. Go ahead, begin with these dresses. I’ll grab a selection of undergarments for you. I’ll just have Julie bring something to measure your shoe size.” Lilly disappeared as the dressing room door closed behind her.
In a whirlwind, Avery tried on fifteen dresses with as many pairs of shoes. Lilly brought matching bras and panties for her to look over.
“You, my dear, can make any dress look prefect. You’re a darling in everything. So pretty.” Lilly straightened the clothing. “I just can’t tell which ones I like best. Which are your favorites?”
“I liked them all.” Avery pulled her hair out of the way as she tried on the last one. “But they’re very expensive.”
“Do you like these undergarments I selected? These shoes are outstanding as well. Julie knows her shoes. Would you like to see some purses?”
“You don’t need to bother yourself. But thank you for everything.” Avery turned around, looking at the dress in a large mirror. She slipped on another pair of shoes.
“I’ll be right back.” Lilly rushed out of the dressing room again.
Avery sat down to rest. A knock sounded on the door.
“Miss Avery, it’s Julie again. I’m here to gather the shoes. I wanted you to see these slippers. Also, I have some nightgowns with robes for you to try.” The woman opened the door. A younger lady came in helping Julie carry everything. “Worn out, are you?” She smiled at Avery as she showed her four satiny long nightgowns with matching robes. “Aren’t these lovely? And these slippers are exact matches. Your man will love you in these silky gowns. They’ll mold your figure so nicely. Unfortunately, I don’t know if you have time to try them all on. Your husband’s waiting, and he says you have a dinner engagement.” She winked. “He’s very handsome. You two make a gorgeous couple.”
“Oh dear, I’ve got to get my black dress back on. I don’t want to keep him waiting.”
“Do you like these nightgowns and slippers?”
Avery touched the silky material. “They’re wonderful. I like everything. But I’ve gotta run. This has been fun.”
“I’ll let you get dressed.” Julie and the other salesgirl made several trips carrying out all the shoes. When they returned to gather the dresses, Avery was back in her black dress. She fixed her makeup, then her hair. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she quickly left the dressing room.
Avery saw Aiden standing next to a waiting area. Her stomach flipped as her eyes set on his handsomeness. Truly, he was dreamlike. All the other women’s eyes were on him too, as if he were a beacon. Avery couldn’t help the niggling little voice that wondered when she’d wake up from the fantasy. “Hello.”
“Hello, Aver
y.” He walked over to her and put his hand on her arm. “Am I on time?”
“Yes, I think so. I didn’t have to come looking for you.” She smiled at Aiden, and he bent down to kiss her cheek. Impulsively, she hugged him. Aiden surprised her by pulling her tighter, molding her body to his. She could feel all of him, pressed against her. Heat traveled up her neck. He kissed the side of her face then the corner of her mouth.
“What am I to thank for this very warm reception?” He released her only slightly. Avery noticed many eyes were on them. “I would not mind if you had come to look for me. You can look for me anytime.”
Two other women in the waiting area chairs grinned at Avery as if they had a juicy secret.
“I had great fun trying on these clothes.” Avery put her coat on with Aiden’s help. He lifted her hair out of her coat’s way. A sizzling sensation raced to her scalp and down to her womb, making it tighten and flip. His touch elicited a sexually charged response she was not used to. Her breasts grew heavy and she could feel her pussy moisten. She looked away, trying to regain her composure.
He was carrying a bag which looked full. “Are those all your purchases?” Avery nodded at the bag.
“No, I’m having more delivered tomorrow. I only took what I needed today. How were the dresses?” Aiden put his free hand on her lower back. This touch too caused her womb to flutter.
“Everything was very lovely, but I’m not going to let you buy any clothes for me.”
Julie rushed by them, followed by Lilly, who was holding an armful of dresses. “Mr. McMichael, she looked absolutely glorious in everything. She’s an angel,” Lilly said as she walked by them.
“They’re all very expensive, too expensive for me. But I did enjoy dressing up,” Avery said.
“I am glad to hear it. I would like to take a walk past the other stores.”
“Okay.” Avery nodded. “I’d like to look too.” She waved to the salesclerks. “Let me go thank them for their time. I hated that I worked them so hard for nothing.”
“Very well.” He followed her. “We can come back another day. I like this place.” He rubbed her back. His large hand was warm. Energy zinged through her body. Avery was on fire, hardly able to concentrate.
He’s an angel. She clenched her jaw in an attempt to pull herself together. Even if he wasn’t, I hardly know him.
“This is a big shopping area. I was able to look around this store as well as two stores right outside on the second floor. But I would like to spend more time.”
They walked over to the cash register where the salesclerks were busy fixing all the items Avery had tried on. The dresses had been placed back on their hangers, shoes in their right boxes, and they were busy folding the undergarments in tissue. About six designer purses were being packaged up too.
“I’m sorry I made such a mess and worked you so hard. Thank you very much for all your time and trouble.” Avery leaned across the counter. “Thank you too, Julie. The shoes were very pretty.”
“It was a pleasure.” Julie grinned.
“It surely was.” Lilly patted Avery’s hand. “Have a good dinner. Mr. McMichael, we appreciate your business. We look forward to seeing you both again.”
“Thank you for helping Avery.” Aiden followed Avery out to the main aisle. Then he took her hand. They walked toward the mall entrance hand in hand.
“Thank you for shopping Saks Fifth Avenue.” A male clerk nodded to them as they exited.
The mall was much busier than the department store.
“Look, see the store over there?” Avery pointed. “It has holiday decorations. I’d love to look in there. Can we?”
“Absolutely.” He gently tugged her hand, taking her through the crowd. People easily moved out of their way.
“Hello, welcome to Every Day’s a Holiday,” a saleslady greeted them. “We’re having a sale as it’s a day before Halloween. All of our Halloween decorations are fifty percent off. Our Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations are twenty-five percent off. Come in and have a look around.”
“Thank you.” Avery stepped in front of Aiden, leading him to the center of the store. “I need to get decorations for the cabin. It’s good to get ideas from stores like this one. I can’t afford anything in here, but it’s fun to look.” Avery looked closely over all the different trees the store had lined up. “I love Christmas. It makes me feel happy.”
“I like it when you are happy.”
“I have a weakness for pretty ornaments.”
“I know, for which I am grateful.” Aiden nodded, watching her. He smiled. “Christmas is a splendid holiday.” He followed her through the store, walking all around the displayed trees.
“Oh, my gosh.” Avery came to a sudden stop. “Look at this tree.” She looked up at the eight-foot tree. “It’s full of the most gorgeous ornaments.”
“It is lovely.” Aiden walked around as if inspecting it. “Yes, very nice. I like the white lights.” He watched her from the other side of the tree. The way his eyes followed her made her feel warm all over. “I like seeing happiness on your face. It makes me happy.”
A salesclerk came up to stand next to Avery. “This is our angel tree. It’s my favorite too.”
“I love angels.” Avery touched one holding a harp. “They’re exquisite.”
“Yes, this tree’s mostly angel ornaments. But there are some very pretty bulbs, some doves, and a few snowflake ornaments on it too. “
“Look at this one.” Avery pointed to a golden angel holding a large sword. “It reminds me of another angel.”
Aiden bent closer to it. As he bent down, his face was near Avery’s. On impulse, she kissed his cheek. He turned and took her mouth with his. The kiss was brief but intense. When they parted, she looked at him, his eyes were golden. He cleared his throat and stepped back, looking down at an ornament he suddenly had in his hand. When he looked back up at her his dark eyes had almost returned to their normal color, just slightly brighter. He stared at her.
“Yes, the tree’s loaded with the most beautiful things.” The salesclerk pointed to some of the ornaments.
“I want to buy my mother a present.” Avery rounded the tree to stand on the other side. She could see Aiden. He was quiet watching her. She looked at the price tags. “I can afford two, so I’ll get one for myself too. I want to start my own angel tree, sort of a collection.” She grinned. “The first one in my collection turned out to be extremely special. Help me decide which ones to buy.”
“I’ll get you a basket.” The salesclerk turned to walk toward the storefront.
“I love these ribbons too.” Avery reached out to caress a golden and ivory ribbon. “Oh Aiden, it’s so pretty.”
“Yes, it is pretty. Almost as pretty as you.” His eyes truly twinkled. “You only want one for yourself? Not more?”
“I’d love more, but it’s okay. I’m patient. I’ll get more when I can afford to.”
The saleslady saw her taking ornaments down to examine them closer. She approached, eager to help. “We have the ribbon over here along with other choices.” The clerk pointed to a display area. “I’ll be right back with your basket.”
“Nancy.” Aiden’s use of her first name obviously surprised the clerk. She paused to look back. “Your name tag says Nancy, right?”
“Yes, sir.” Nancy nodded, then giggled, her face flushed.
“We will purchase all the ornaments on the tree. Also, we will take ten boxes of these white outside lights.” He held up a box. “Give us the wreath over your cash register too. I like it. Plus we have a house to decorate.”
“Would you like the artificial tree too?”
“Is there a place I can get a cut Christmas tree?”
“There’ll be many places open in another week or two.”
“Then no, I prefer a cut tree.”
Nancy nodded. “A real tree is the best.”
“We will take the large jack o’lantern you have marked down up front too. Is the light insi
de electric?”
“It is,” she said. “I have two of those left. Do you want both?”
“Yes, please.” Aiden nodded. “I want you to deliver these purchases to the Foster Inn tomorrow. Will you be able to?”
“We definitely can arrange that. You want the ornaments, the ribbons, and the lights off this tree?” Nancy pointed to the tree.
“Yes, the entire thing. Do not miss anything. I believe Avery likes it all.”
“Okay, as well as the other items you mentioned?”
“That is correct.” Aiden walked down another aisle. He towered over their displays. “If I see anything else, or Avery does, we will let you know.”
Avery stared at him, dazed, speechless.
Four other clerks followed Nancy back to the tree, and they began to take down ornaments, wrapping each one in tissue paper. “We have these to hang over your fireplace.” Nancy held up two ivory and gold stockings. “They match the angel theme.”
“Nice. Add them in too.”
Avery watched silently, her heart racing with excitement as well as uncertainty.
“Not to be impolite, but we are in a hurry. Do you think we can have our total price quickly?” Aiden checked his watch. “We have a half hour. Is that enough time?”
“Yes, sir, I believe so.” Nancy and the others sped up their efforts. “Also, if you like, we can come to your home and decorate it for you and your wife.”
“No, thank you. I believe Avery will like to decorate it herself.” He smiled in Avery’s direction.
“Aiden, what are you doing?” Avery asked when she could finally form a sentence.
“I am buying you Christmas decorations along with Halloween decorations. You do like these things, do you not?” Aiden put his hand under her chin and lifted her face. His lips touched hers. An amazing sensation swamped her. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him. Aiden did not resist, he hugged her back. She could tell he enjoyed their close contact.