Chapter Forty-Eight
“Fierce!”
Col knew that was a high compliment on his appearance from Aylwyn, as the auburn hairedWaryeorwalked into the living room, fully dressed for his dinner date with Katie Cooper.
The blondWaryeorlooked him up and down. “I may order up some Hugo Boss myself now.”
“I’m surprised you do not already have some already.” Barric growled. “Do they not make dresses?”
Aylwyn threw his head back with a hearty laugh. “In the event they make large sized flowery ones, I shall be sure to order a dozen for you, mineBrodher.”
Barric’s answering rumble was part laughter, part threat but Tybalt rose to his feet with a stern look on his beautiful features, quelling any outbreak of violence between the two males. Merek had not yet returned from the Faire where it had been his turn to patrol. Miller Armstrong was on his way to pick up the two children. And Simon, the male who had been caring for them all was now walking into the room behind Col, looking very much like a proud parent.
He was also the next to speak, with his phone in hand.
“Just got a text from Miller—he’s going to drop Katie off at a lingerie shop in town to buy what she needs for toni—.”
Aylwyn and Barric started to hoot and holler, and even Col had to grin. Aylwyn, Barric and Merek had learned about lingerie during their frequent nights of wenching. It was a surprise gift wrap, a momentary delay that well presented a delight. Lingerie was most certainly one of the modern garments that Col found greatly to his liking. He was already looking forward to seeing what Katie Cooper purchased….and removing it from her perfect body.
“Mayhap you wouldst meet her at the lingerie shoppe? She might well welcome the chance to try on various sets for your perusal,” Barric suggested. His leer revealed that he was imagining a lingerie show featuring Katie Cooper, even as he spoke.
“I shall do so,” Col decided, after resisting the urge to render the large male unconscious, and therefore unable to imagine Katie Cooper with or without lingerie. “After I first find certain blooms to please her with.”
“Showing up with flowers is always a good idea,” Simon chimed in. “Or so I’ve heard.”
Col remembered how Katie’s face had lit up when he had presented her with a bouquet of Calla lilies. It had been worth the effort to locate a floral merchant who had them in stock, as they had been difficult to find. They apparently were not as common as other flowers — much like his Lily. Yes, she deserved whatever it would take to hunt down a bouquet of the most beautiful flowers, blooms that bore the special name she had asked him to use in private.
“I shall leave now,” he announced.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Aylwyn called out.
“Don’t do anything hewoulddo.” Barric added.
Tybalt merely said quietly, “Ever keep in your thoughts that by honoring yourDestine, you honor She Who Grants Abundance.”
Col crossed his arms quickly, thumping his chest. “As you say, so shall it be,Vixar.”
Simon was the last with parting words. “Remember, be yourself.” He pushed his glasses back up, and herded Col out. “Now go, an awesome woman awaits you!”
Col couldn’t agree more.
* * *
Undercover Frills on Main was a fairly large shop, given that all it sold was lingerie and related items. It was located near the beginnings of Main Street, which wasn’t densely trafficked. At this time of day, there were very few people walking around. It seemed to be a store that people planned a visit around, as opposed to casually happening upon on the way to a restaurant or one of the other businesses in the busier sections of Gardendale.
The single story building was abutted on either side by driveways, one offering parking in the back. The storefront was fairly wide, with three window displays that were tasteful, featuring delicate lace frippery atop manikins that could pass as contemporary glass sculpture. Light colored velvet curtains shielded the patrons of the store from the prying eyes of passersby.
Miller had dropped off Lily curbside with a jaunty wave and his hopes for a pleasant evening. With the twins strapped in the back seat, she insisted that she just hop out, without his having to open the door for her. He had raised an eyebrow as she seemed to momentarily struggle with the large shopping bag containing the beautiful dress and matching shoes that she couldn’t wait to change into, but he understood.
Lily was almost buzzing with excitement as she raced the few steps from the curb to the store entrance. She had never been to a lingerie shop before, not even to the one in the mall where she knew Lucie frequented all the time. Her basic underwear came five in a pack from Walmart, and her bras from the next aisle over. The one with the signs announcing clearance sales. TraceyAnn was right, the beautiful dress that Rika had selected for her deserved far better than discount undies that had seen better days, and selected because of the price and not for the pattern printed on it.
Once she reached the door, though, she stopped short, spotting a sign against the glass that read “closed”. But was it? It was still light out, and Rika had said that she would call ahead. She was expected. Lily tried to peer in through the windows, but no dice. The drapes were in the way.
Miller had already taken off in Lily’s car, so she was a bit —make that alot —screwed if the shop wasn’t open. She had been counting on using the store’s phone to get a car service after she was fully dressed, to take her to the restaurant where she would be meeting Col.
Col! His name energized her. Their first real date! That got her moving again.
She tried the handle anyway, and found that it turned easily. Lily walked in, and then went no further. She gasped.
