AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tinsley grinned at the idea, but dismissed it when she saw the glare he gave her. “He’s not a pack mule, Kiley.”
She shrugged and took another sip of her Frappuccino. “He’s got all those muscles. Why waste them?”
Grady stood, downed the rest of his coffee, and crumpled his cup, displaying all that strength. “Let’s get this over with.”
Tinsley’s eyes fell to his tight fist.
“Get this over with? That’s not a very positive attitude,” Kiley said, rising from her chair.
“Come on.” Tinsley stood and led the way.
They walked across the lane of diagonally parked cars. Grady scanned for trouble and Tinsley rolled her eyes. Did he think someone was going to jump out from behind a parked car to do her bodily harm?
They entered the store and were immediately greeted by a sales associate with a curly mop of hair, a purple tie over a pinstripe shirt, and red-rimmed glasses. “Good afternoon, Miss Wyatt, Miss Bernard. Sir. Are we shopping for anything in particular today?”
“I need a dress for the Ten Best Dressed luncheon, Jonathon, and a gown for the Oilman’s Ball.” Tinsley pulled her glasses off, glancing around the store. “I’m only interested in the latest lines.”
“Excellent. I’m sure we can find everything you need. Follow me.” He led them to a curtained off room with several plush chairs and a three-way mirror with a pedestal. “Would anyone care for champagne?”
“I’d love one,” Kiley said.
“Sure,” Tinsley replied.
The women sat. Grady clasped his hands in front of him and stood outside the curtain. It was tied back on either side with a tassel.
“And you, sir?”
“I’m working, Jonathon.”
“Very good, sir.” The associate scurried off to pull dresses. He returned with a female sales associate, each of them carrying several dresses over their arms. They hung them on hooks on the wall. “I have several suitable for the luncheon, and three gowns for the ball. All just off the runway. Would you like to try them on, Miss Wyatt, or shall I have April model them for you?”
“I’ll try them.” She couldn’t wait to torment Grady.
“Excellent. I’ll leave you in April’s capable hands.” He exited the curtain, dropping the tie backs and giving them some privacy.
“Shall we get started with these short gowns?” April asked.
Tinsley stood and walked to them. “Let’s start with this pearl gray one.”
April helped her into the gown and brought her matching heeled sandals. Tinsley stepped up on the dais and looked at her reflection. The gown was a Zac Posen pleated tulle fit-&-flare midi dress. She did a little twirl, and the skirts flared out from her hips.
“It’s pretty,” Kiley said. “But I’m not sure if that shade is right for you. It washes you out.”
Tinsley cocked her head. It was a sweet dress with a fifty’s vibe, but hardly anything that she could torment Grady with. “I’ll try another, please.”
Next, she slipped into an Oscar De La Renta floral poplin dress with little cap sleeves, fitted bodice, and a full skirt. It showed a good amount of neckline.
“Grady,” she called out. “Come in here.”
He poked his head through the curtain, his eyes immediately dropping to the dress.
“What do you think?”
“Very pretty. Reminds me of Sophia Loren somehow.”
Tinsley studied her reflection. She could see that. “Thank you. That’s all.”
He withdrew, and she slipped on the last short dress.
