His strong hands felt warm on my bare shoulders. Dropping his head down, he pressed his cheek against my hair and slowly inhaled, sending chills up my spine. Frozen with desire for him, I waited for what might happen next.
"No angel could get away with flaunting so much cleavage, let alone ignite the bad thoughts of what I want to do there," he said as his fingers lightly traced the exposed skin in the opening of my dress.
"Deborah," he whispered in my ear, "you are incredibly sexy. I won't lie, I've been with many women, but I've never wanted one as badly as I want you. Your hair, your face, your personality, and your body. Everything is perfect."
Feeling his large hands slip down the sides of the thin fabric of my dress, I felt naked before him. My breath caught as my body reacted to his touch, wanting more.
"Excuse me, Mr. King," a woman's voice spoke softly behind us. "Dinner is served."
Will let out a sigh before straightening to his full height. "Thank you, we'll be right there."
Turning to face him, I looked up into his hazel eyes to find them a dark green. Reaching up, I grabbed his brown striped tie and pulled him down to kiss him.
The moment our lips touched, my body ached for more. I pressed myself against him as his fingers wound into my hair and pulled my head back. His mouth left mine and moved slowly down my neck, stopping to suck a sensitive spot by my ear while I silently cursed wearing a halter dress.
"If we were alone, I'd rip that damned dress off you," he said huskily with a devilish grin.
"I might hold you to that, you know."
He laughed and took my hand and led me back to our table where the final golden glow of the sun slowly sank into the ocean. Votive candles centered on every table cast a romantic glow throughout the room.
The first course was already laid out on our table, but I couldn't focus on it. The entire meal was a blur as we picked at our food while getting to know each other better. It didn't help that my mind couldn't forget the feel of his lips on my neck and imagined what they would feel like elsewhere.
At the end of the night, Will wrapped his arm around me as we walked out into the cool salty sea air and got back into the limo. The divider was down and once the door was closed, Stewart looked at Will through the rear view mirror.
"Home, sir?"
Will looked at me and raised his eyebrows as if to silently ask me the same question. As much as I wanted to say yes, I couldn't.
"I really should be getting home. I have to be at work early, and I need to start working on my samples," I said. "They need to be perfect."
He smiled and nodded before reaching out for my hand and engulfing it in his.
"To Hargrove's, Stewart. Miss Hansen has to work in the morning."
"Yes sir," Stewart replied before sliding up the divider and steering the car into traffic.
"Thank you so much for such an amazing night. Everything was just perfect," I said, then summoned up my courage. "Will I see you again?"
"Yes. Before you know it," he said, smiling before kissing my forehead.
Chapter Nine
Deborah
Between being so busy with work and the pieces I needed to create for the final leg of the competition, the week after my dream date with Mr. Sexy flew by. It passed by so quickly that I barely noticed that Will never showed up at the store. I was so engrossed in everything that I didn't even care that he disappeared. I also took up lying to myself as a new hobby to support the old sarcastic one.
Still, not a day went by that I didn't think about my Mr. Sexy. I also spent that time kicking myself for not only forgetting to ask for his number, but for forgetting to give him mine. Unless he showed up at the store, I had no way of seeing him.
But then it happened. After that first week, I saw him more often. I never knew when he was coming in and sometimes it was only for a few minutes, but even those short visits became the highlight of my day. He always said he was just stopping by to say hi and that until I finished my samples, he would wait by the sidelines.
I couldn't believe how lucky I was. Not that I wanted him waiting, but knowing he was motivated me even more. No longer was I just creating the samples for the contest and myself. I had someone who was interested in what I was doing and supported me.
With every piece I made, I wondered what he would think of it. Would he like it? Would he think I was sexy in it? I went out of my way to make sure the samples were perfect and there wasn't a wrong or missed stitch anywhere, not only because I wanted to do my best for the contest, but because I wanted them to be flawless when I showed them to Will.
But why didn't he call? He found out my name somehow, surely if he wanted my number he would've gotten that, too. I was greedy and wanted more than just the work visits, but every time he showed up, I'd forget to slip him my number anyway.
While I drove myself crazy with questions, I focused on my creations. Not only did they keep me going, but I knew Will would show up eventually. I just never knew when.
Between working on my collection and waiting for Will, the month flew by and the day of my sample viewing arrived. I considered asking a friend to model my showstopper, the ocean and Tim Ross inspired chiffon gown, but at the last minute I changed my mind.
None of the other designers were using models, and I wanted to be sure that if I won, it would be on a level playing field. I didn't want anything I could point to for winning other than the strength of my collection.
Wearing the mid-calf circle skirt I created out of the silk-wool fabric with watercolor-style purple flowers on it, a purple silk camisole to match the flowers in the skirt, and a black shrug, I rode the elevator up to the corporate level once again, this time with my small rack of clothes.
I took a couple of deep breaths and waved my moist palms in the air as if that would take care of them. With my nerves on full speed, I was grateful for the slow elevator and glad I wore the cami to keep me cool.
Whenever I felt anxious, I tended to sweat. Someone once told me women don't sweat, as if by hearing that I would just magically stop. She said women glisten and glow. That certainly wasn't me. If women didn't sweat, then I was something other than a woman.
The last thing I needed was to sweat grossly during my presentation. I was confident my line would be the fashion forward yet wearable collection they were looking for, but my nerves always got the best of me.
As the doors opened, I pushed the rolling rack down the hall to Kylie's desk. She smiled widely when she saw me, like we were old friends.
"I've been looking forward to seeing your collection," she said. "Oooh, that's an amazing skirt! Did you make that, too?"
"Yes, thank you. I made everything I'm wearing. I try to only wear what I've designed."
I tried to peek at the list of candidates on her desk, but it was useless. While Kylie obviously liked gossiping, she also knew when it benefitted her to keep something secret.
"Are you trying to look?" she asked, grinning.
"Yes, I'm sorry, I was curious how many other designers made it this far."
"I'm sorry," she said as she wiggled four fingers in the air. "I really can't say."
I mouthed 'thank you' to her and looked over my designs one last time as Kylie disappeared into the conference room then popped her head out and waved me in.
Pushing the wheeled rack into the conference room, I suddenly felt calm. The samples were some of the best work I ever did, not only design-wise but craftsmanship, too. Everything I had worked for led to this moment, and I silently wished my grandma was still around to share it with me.
Amanda, Tim, and Claudine sat in the same seats as last time with notepads in front of each of them. They smiled at me warmly as I centered the rack, ready for any questions they might have.
"Good day, Miss Hansen," Tim said. "I have to say I've been looking forward to seeing your work all month."
"Thank you, I'm excited to share it with you. I've dreamt about having my own fashion line since I was little. You'l
l notice elements from vintage styles, which I absolutely love, mixed with modern. All of my designs are made for real women like myself, but can be designed for a smaller girl and still be flattering."
As I spoke, I pointed to the different design elements I mentioned within each garment. They continued to smile and nod occasionally. None of them took many notes, but I did see Tim do a quick sketch of a dress with a similar style to one of my garments, which thrilled me. I couldn't believe something I created might have inspired him.
"How complete are these samples?" Amanda asked. "Your skill level seems very high. Can I get a closer look at that ruching?"
"All the samples are ready for fittings," I said as I laid the ocean blue gown on the table in front of them. "I did all the hand-ruching myself."
"Impressive," said Tim as the others nodded.
"So you'd be able to pack your samples and take them to...let's say hypothetically...Paris next week and then fit them on models?" Amanda asked.
"Hypothetically? Yes," I said.
"And in reality?"
"Unfortunately no. In reality, I need to work."
"And what if this was your work?"
"Please don't tease me."
Amanda leaned towards Tim as the three of them whispered. Confused, I tried to look busy rearranging the hangers while I waited to find out what was going on. They pointed at several items in my collection and then Amanda sat back.
"Paris Fashion Week is six days away and I planned for Hargrove's to show a collection, but there was a miscommunication and I have nothing but a reservation. Would you be able to leave in three days for Paris? You'll be gone for two weeks, and of course we'll cover all your expenses."
"Are you kidding me? Of course! I can leave now if you want."
She laughed then continued. "Congratulations, Deborah! I'm really looking forward to working with you on your next collection. Kylie will make all the arrangements for you and your assistant."
"Oh wow! Thank you! Thank you so much!" I said.
I ran up and hugged each of them again before quickly wheeling my rack of clothes out of the room before they realized what they did and changed their minds. My mind raced as I passed Kylie's desk, stopping to hug her too before I scrambled onto the elevator.
I had to tell someone! I hit the button for my floor, planning to go to the Men's department and find Dianna. I could burst, I was that excited!
I had so much to do. My mind raced as I wondered who could watch Trap for me and how I was going to afford the trip even though Hargrove's was paying for the big stuff. The elevator dinged as the doors opened. I stepped out, but one of the rack wheels got caught in the space between the floor and the elevator. I yanked the rack free and collided into someone.
"Shit! I'm so--" I began, then stopped as I realized it was Dianna. "I was just going to see you! I won! I won the contest!"
"I knew you'd win! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you."
"It was amazing! It all happened so fast. They loved everything and then asked me if I could get my samples model-ready for next week."
"Next week?"
"I'm going to Paris!"
"Bitch! I hate you," she joked. "Don't you get to bring an assistant? I know my way around a sewing machine, you know."
"I know you're joking, but if you're serious about knowing how to sew, I really will need help out there. I only have a few days once I get there to do fittings and all the alterations."
"Really? I am so there! I just need to clear it with the higher ups and make sure they have someone to cover for me. When do we leave?"
"In three days."
"I'm going to run up now to get everything squared away. Call me later when you find out all the details. Sure you won't change your mind? Maybe you'd like to bring someone else?"
"Someone else? No. I need help and we get along great. Who else would I bring?"
"Well, it is the city of love...maybe Mr. Sexy?"
"I don't have any way of getting in touch with him. Besides, I really need help out there. Plus I probably won't even see him before I go."
"If you say so. He's heading this way though," she said before jumping into the elevator and hitting the button repeatedly for the door to close.
As I turned towards the direction Dianna's eyes were focused on, Will appeared. With him dressed in a dark blue suit complemented by a sky blue button shirt, with the first couple of buttons undone and no tie, I couldn't take my eyes off him as he cut through a couple of departments on his way to me.
"You are hard to find," he said.
"Helps if I know when I'm being looked for."
"I'll pick you up at five tonight at your apartment. Bring a change of clothes, you'll be staying the night," he said then walked away.
I stood there with my jaw on the floor in shock, unable to speak. I wanted to say no and challenge him, but I couldn't. My mouth wouldn't even work to ask how he knew where I lived. The more forceful and demanding he became, the more I needed to have him and the more my body reacted to his gruff voice.
As I stepped outside, I looked around for him but he was gone. I looked for his long black stretch limo but found nothing. Carefully folding my collection and slipping the pieces into my old hard-sided suitcase, I left them in the car and headed back into the store.
Riding the escalator to the second level, I spotted exactly what I was looking for--lingerie. It was time to use my employee discount and credit card. Normally I slept in an oversized t-shirt, but if I was spending the night at Mr. Sexy's, I was hoping to do anything but sleep.
The lingerie department ran along the back wall of the second floor behind a white arch. One side had the basics--bras, panties, and slips in basic cotton, satin, and lace. I went to the other side, where several displays showed off their sexier items.
After deciding I wanted a babydoll, I looked through a few but couldn't find any in a large enough size.
"Can I help you with anything?" asked the saleswoman.
Her name tag said 'Natalie'. She had black and silver hair done in a bulletproof hairstyle she probably paid to get washed once a week. She had small wire-rim glasses perched at the end of her long thin nose, and she sucked in her cheeks as she waited for an answer.
"I'm looking for a babydoll in size 18 or 20."
She clucked and sighed as she quickly scanned the department. "Unfortunately dear, we don't stock much for big girls like you. I think there are a few things in clearance though. If you find anything in there, you're a lucky girl. I just added a few more items and there are some tremendous discounts."
"Thanks, I'll take a look," I said, feeling defeated.
I didn't expect to find anything pretty or sexy unless it was in a size that would fit my pinky, but I had to give it a shot. I didn't have enough time to go shopping if Will planned to pick me up at five. It had been a long time since I got myself lingerie ready for a man.
Looking through the racks of tightly packed undergarments, I became exceedingly disappointed until I saw a small tag with a 20 sticking up with several bright red lines going through the $400 price tag.
I followed the plastic tag down to the hanger and gently pulled out the cutest black babydoll set I had ever seen. Made with silk chiffon with chiffon pleats at the trim, the bra panel had a sheer geometric pattern with vintage floral motifs embroidered onto sheer tulle. To top it off, it came with a simple pair of black panties with ties at the hips. No wonder it cost so much!
Not wanting to try it on in the dressing room, I held it up against me. I thought it would fit, but what about the price? The lowest handwritten price on the tag was still $75. More than I could really afford to pay. Looking around the department, I spotted Natalie by the cash register and brought the babydoll over to her.
"Is the lowest price on here what it costs?" I asked.
She looked up at me and then down at the babydoll in my hands. "Oh goodness, I remember when this first came in. It's absolutely stunning," she said as she took it fro
m me. Scanning the tag, the register beeped then flashed the price. "The clearance sale is 50% off the lowest price, then we also have an extra 20% off."
"Plus I'm an employee."
"Excellent! So another 10% off, that brings it to $27. That's a steal, dear. And trust me, I'm sure your boyfriend will find you good enough to eat in this!" she said with a smile.
"I sure hope so!" I said as I handed her my credit card and waited the longest couple of seconds of my life for the card to get approved.
* * *
Once I got home, I quickly tried the babydoll on. It fit perfectly. I put the receipt on top of my stack of bills and began calculating all my expenses for the month. Even with Will buying the fabric, I still had to spend some money on creating the samples. It was all money I needed to pay my rent.
The way I figured it, if I didn't have to pay rent while I was gone, I might actually have a little spending money in Paris. My landlord was always telling me how he was able to get higher rent for the apartments now that the neighborhood was turning around. Maybe he'd let me out of my lease.
I never liked the apartment anyway, it was the only thing I could afford though. Now, with winning the Hargrove's Designer Challenge, I'd be able to find a nicer apartment. Maybe one that didn't smell like the hot dog stand down the street.
It couldn't hurt to ask. And Mr. Annetti seemed more interested in how much he could make than keeping his tenants happy anyway. I had to call him.
"Hello?" Mr. Annetti's familiar gruff voice answered on the first ring.
"Hi, Mr. Annetti. It's Deborah Hansen in 4B."
"Is it the disposal again?"
"No, I wanted to talk about the lease."
"You want to flaunt that you're my last rent-control tenant?"
"I know how much that bothers you, so I'm willing to make you a deal."
"I'm listening."
"Let me out of my lease now, with my security deposit in full, and you can have my apartment."
"Hmm...I did just have someone call earlier looking for a rental in the new price range. How soon can you be out?"
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