But I didn’t do it. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe because he was so close to me, walking almost right up against my shoulder the whole time. I didn’t think he’d hurt me in public, but he seemed smart enough to convince someone that I might be insane. Either way it would make a scene and he’d drag me back to the car and I’d lose my chance.
No, if I made a move, I’d make sure it worked.
He took me to a few places. Gap Outlet, Forever 21, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Marshalls, and a parade of others. I bought tops, bottoms, underwear. I got a toothbrush and some shampoo. I got shoes, socks, an obscenely expensive pair of boots that he didn’t even bat an eye over.
I couldn’t remember the last time someone had let me buy whatever I wanted. Probably never.
It was strange and exhilarating.
He carried most of the bags and didn’t complain about it.
“Let’s go in here.” He stood outside of Victoria’s Secret.
I shook my head. “No thanks.”
“I’ve been good. Not going to reward me?”
I looked at him like he was insane. He probably was.
“No thanks.”
“I’m sure you need something.”
I wanted to argue but thought better of it. “Fine,” I said. “Lead the way.”
He didn’t even hesitate. Most men are afraid of Victoria’s Secret. He looked around like it was Walmart.
I browsed their stupidly expensive sweatpants and loungewear. I picked out a few things and tossed them to him before moving toward the underwear.
I saw a little glimmer in his eye and had an idea.
“Pick me out something,” I said.
He tilted his head. “What’s that?”
“Pick me out something. Since you want a little treat.”
He smirked. “I’m not falling for this.”
I shrugged. “There’s plenty of stuff in here. I bet I’d look good in half of it. Just pick something and let’s find out.”
He tilted his head and watched me carefully. I could tell he didn’t believe me, but it didn’t matter. My heart raced as I formulated my little plan.
It might work. If I was lucky, it might work.
“All right,” he said. He walked over toward a rack of skimpy bra and panty sets and pointed one out. “How about those?”
I found my size and took it down. “Anything else?”
He narrowed his eyes then looked around. He walked over to what was probably the most embarrassing thing in the whole store: a set of black lingerie that left very little to the imagination. It was the kind of thing I’d never, ever wear in a million years, but I just smiled and found my size.
“Let’s go,” I said.
He followed me. I could practically taste his suspicion. I took him back to the dressing rooms where a bored older woman with a short, severe haircut stood folding shirts. “Can I help you?” she asked.
“Can I have two dressing rooms?” I asked. “He wants to try those on.” I pointed at the sweatpants.
Leo grinned. “What can I say. They’re soft.”
The woman rolled her eyes, walked around the corner, and unlocked two doors. “Go for it,” she said then pushed the little rolling cart she was using to fold the shirts away from the dressing rooms.
Leo went into the first room and turned to me. I lingered in the doorway. “Stay there,” I said.
“You’re going to run.”
I shook my head. “I’m not.”
“Leave the door open.”
“I’m not going to run.” I went to close the door.
He caught it. My heart began to race.
“Leave it open,” he said.
“Fine.” I stepped away. “Be right back.”
I walked into the second dressing room and shut the door.
My heart was beating so hard I thought I might throw up. I stripped off my clothes and slipped on the matching bra and panty set. They were nice, and I looked good, except my face was pale and I had a cold sweat dripping down my skin.
But this was part of the plan.
I left the dressing room and walked around the corner into his room. He looked up as I stepped inside and pulled the door shut behind me. I wore nothing but the bra, panties, and my shoes.
“Here I am,” I said.
His eyes moved over my body. “Here you are,” he said.
“What do you think?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I think you’re up to something.”
“If you don’t like it—”
He grabbed my waist and pulled me against him. I let out a breath as surprise and excitement rushed through my stomach and chest. I felt my skin flush as my lips parted.
“I didn’t say you could go,” he said. “I know you’re trying something. But you look pretty fucking good right now.”
“I’m happy you like it.”
He let out a little purr. I felt that shiver run down my spine and roll between my legs. His body was hard and large and I was suddenly very aware that I had almost no clothing on. If he wanted to rip the bra and panties off and take me, right then and there, I doubt anything could stop him.