“Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Calder. Please follow me.”
I almost choke. Eli just smiles, as though the title pleases him.
Before I can correct her, she’s already striding off, heels clicking across the polished floor as she disappears behind a curtain.
Eli presses a hand to my back, guiding me forward. As soon as I step into the next room, I gasp.
It’s a private fitting suite with velvet sofas and rows upon rows of dresses.
“We selected a few we thought might interest you based on your call. Let us know if you’d like to try anything else.”
Then she’s gone, and it’s just Eli and me.
He takes a seat, leg crossed, arms draped over the back of the sofa likea king surveying his queen.
I stand frozen, processing.
“You should try that one first,” Eli says, nodding towards a black dress to my right.
I run my fingers over the delicate material.
With trembling hands, I strip out of my clothes and step into the dress. The neckline plunges; the sleeves have a slight ruffle; a high slit runs up the leg.
I look in the mirror.
“No.”
One word. That’s all he gives me.
Tears threaten.
“You’re right. I look ugly.”
Eli stands and moves behind me, his eyes raking over me.
“You looktoobeautiful.”
I shake my head.
“It’s too revealing,” he says. “Try a different one.”
I spin, narrowing my eyes. “You don’t get to tell me what to wear.”
“I don’t want anyone seeing you like this.”
I shimmy the dress off with a huff. “I’m changing becauseIdon’t like it.Notbecause you told me to.”
Each dress I try, Eli vetoes.
“Too much leg.”
“Too much shoulder.”
“Too low-cut.”
By the fifth one, I snap. “You’re not my boyfriend.”
Eli steps in close, jaw tight. “No? But I’m the one who’ll lose my mind at the thought of anyone touching you.”