Page 62 of Last First Date

For a moment, she didn’t say anything, studying me with a thoughtful look in her eyes. Then, a slow smile spread across her face as she leaned back in her chair. “Well now, that’s fantastic news. I’m glad you’re taking the leap. I knew you’d be perfect for the show. Yes, I’m sure this feels scary, but you’ll be surprised at how empowering it is as well. Our lingerie is tasteful, beautiful, and elegant. We have ways to make models feel comfortable on stage, so don’t worry about that. But more than anything else, I want you to know that you’re not alone here. If at any point, you feel like you can’t do it, we’ll respect your decision. Alright?”

Relief poured over me. To know I wouldn’t be pushed was a comfort that Knox had never offered me. “Alright,” I said.

“Of course, there will be rehearsals and fittings to attend,” she continued. “And there will be events promoting the line and the event leading up to things. You’ll need to be dressed to perfection. It’s all about elegance and allure. Part of what sets our lingerie apart from our competitors is our elegance. We don’t do sleazy or vulgar.

I nodded. “I’ve noticed that. It’s one of the things that attracted me to your brand. The elegance, the sophistication. I did some research before we flew out here.”

She laughed. “That’s exactly what we’re going for. You’re a beautiful woman, Waverly. I think you’d make our lingerie look simply stunning. We want real women. We want to make women feel beautiful and sexy. Of course, we have the typical models, but we are not all about size twos.”

I felt a warm blush spread across my cheeks at her compliment. “Thank you,” I said humbly.

“Let’s get started then,” she said, getting up from her chair. “We’ve got a lot to prepare for.”

She went over what was expected of me. The panic set in when I considered my meager wardrobe, filled with sensible clothes more suited for the office than the world of high fashion. I was mousy, plain and simple. I didn’t know shit about fashion.

After the meeting, she stood and walked me to the elevators. “I’m looking forward to working with you,” she said, smiling. “I promise, this will be fun. If at any time it isn’t fun, we stop. Okay?”

“Okay.” I nodded. “Thank you so much for the opportunity. Yes, I’m scared, but I’m also excited.”

Once I stepped into the elevator, I felt the fear. It wasn’t fear about strutting down a runway. It was a fear based on my lack of style. I would embarrass myself before I ever stepped foot on the runway. I needed to update my wardrobe before I showed up to an event dressed in one of my frumpy, boring outfits.

Swallowing my pride, I decided to seek assistance from the one person who might possess the fashion expertise I needed. He just happened to be the only person I knew in New York as well. The thought of approaching him was unnerving. I had a feeling he was going to be pissed that I accepted the job without telling him. But it was my decision. He said that several times. He also said he would support me. I hoped that was still true.

I headed back to the hotel. I knocked on his room door, wondering if he would even be in the room. He might have left to meet up with friends or whatever. I knew he was happy to be back in New York.

When he opened the door, I took a second to regain my composure. His hair was messy, like he’d just gotten out of the shower. He was wearing a dress shirt, but it was left unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of his chest and stomach. Turned out, he was still sexy as hell.

“Did you go out?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

We stood staring at each other for a moment. With a deep breath, I gathered my courage. “Knox, I need your help,”

“Help with what?” he asked. “What’s wrong? Come in.”

He was concerned, which made me feel guilty for going behind his back to accept the job.

“I’ve committed to being one of the models for the lingerie company,” I blurted out.

His eyes widened, surprise flickering in his gaze. He stepped back, ushering me inside the room. I stepped in and he closed the door behind us.

“You what?” he asked. His voice was quiet, but not angry, just surprised.

“I accepted the job,” I repeated, a little softer this time. “I met with the director. I’m going to do it.”

Knox sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “You’re scared though,” he stated. It wasn’t a question.

I nodded. “A little but in a good way. The thing I’m most afraid of is my suitcase.”

“Why are you afraid of your suitcase?”

“Because I’m supposed to attend some events and look the part,” I said. “I didn’t bring anything fashionable or attractive.”

His expression shifted from curious to surprised. “I see.”

“Can you help me?” I asked. “I don’t know where to shop. I don’t know what’s fashionable. I just buy what I always do whether it’s trendy or not.”