Crave (Splendor Book 2) (7 page)

Mr. Gregson had been - well,
glowing
might not be far off the mark. He had looked younger, happier, and more relaxed than Marlene had ever seen him. And he’d been intent on picking out a variety of clothing, shoes, handbags, coats, accessories - quite a lot of it considering the relatively short time he’d spent at the store - and all of it apparently for one very lucky woman.

“I’ll send her by this afternoon to try on the blue dress and the Louboutins,” he’d informed Marlene. “The Burberry coat as well. And I think the Coach bag will go nicely with the shoes, do you agree?”

Marlene had nodded, impressed by his fashion sense and quick decision making. “Absolutely, Mr. Gregson.”

“Once you’ve confirmed her sizes, then I’d like to have you deliver the rest of the things to my home. And you’ll be able to arrange for the other services we discussed?”

Her curiosity had been wildly aroused, anxious now to see this woman who had undoubtedly captivated one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. Ian had seemed almost nervous, certainly anxious that what he had chosen would please this woman, and Marlene only hoped she wouldn’t be some haughty diva who was impossible to satisfy.

She was almost shocked speechless, therefore, when the impossibly young and heartbreakingly lovely blonde girl approached her shyly, asking in a timid voice, “Are you Marlene Brennan? I think you’re expecting me. I’m Tessa Lockwood.”

Marlene hoped that all of her years in working with customers had given her the skills to conceal the surprise she felt at meeting this young woman. Her sharp, discerning eye immediately pegged the girl’s raincoat, shoes, and bag as being both well-worn and inexpensive, and she tried very hard not to automatically assume that this ripe, sexy beauty was a gold digger. It was very easy to see why the girl would be attracted to a handsome, wealthy man like Ian Gregson, but Marlene could also understand why he, in turn, would be obsessed with this beautiful girl who stood regarding her uncertainly.

Marlene smiled at her reassuringly. “Yes, my dear. I’m Marlene. Welcome to Neiman Marcus, Tessa. Have you shopped here before?”

Tessa shook her head. “No. I’ve never even been inside. Everything I’ve seen so far is beautiful, though.”

Marlene patted the girl’s arm. “Well, you’re in good hands with me. And as for beautiful things - I think you’ll be pleased with the items Mr. Gregson has picked out for you to try on. He has excellent taste, the things are exquisite.”

Tessa’s cheeks pinkened, and Marlene was startled anew, for in her line of work she seldom saw women blush these days. “I - I told him this wasn’t necessary,” stammered Tessa. “I don’t - I’m not used to anyone buying things for me. This is all - I don’t know what to think.”

Marlene felt a rush of empathy for the girl, who was clearly out of her league in this very high class environment. “Not to worry, my dear. We’re just going into a private dressing room so you can try on the dress he selected for you. If it’s not to your taste, there are plenty of others to choose from. Do you like to shop, Tessa?”

Tessa nodded. “I do. I, um, used to work in clothing stores during high school. Nothing like this, of course.”

Marlene began to guide her toward the dressing room. “Where did you work?”

Tessa looked embarrassed to admit she’d worked at both Forever 21 and Old Navy in the past.

“Well, nothing wrong with that, dear. I started off my retail career selling shoes at Sears,” confided Marlene. “And here I am today. We all have to begin somewhere.”

She unlocked the door to the spacious dressing room and ushered Tessa inside. As the girl removed her raincoat, Marlene’s eyes widened as she quickly inspected Tessa’s tall, shapely figure. It was small wonder that Ian Gregson seemed so infatuated with her, given the full, rounded bosom, slender waist and hips, and long legs. The fact that her black sweater and checkered skirt had seen better days didn’t matter in the least. Tessa had a body built to entice men, and it made little difference what she wore.

“Let me show you the dress Mr. Gregson was especially taken with. He said he liked you in this particular color.”

Tessa’s eyes widened as Marlene brought over the elegant dress of electric blue gabardine. It was sleeveless, with a scooped neck and scalloped hem. The garment would fit Tessa’s slim but curvy body lovingly while still shrieking class and elegance.

“It’s Lanvin, dear,” explained Marlene. “From the oldest couture house in France. This is one of my favorite pieces in their current collection. And Mr. Gregson has excellent taste, the color and style will look marvelous on you. Would you like to try it on?”

Tessa touched the fabric almost reverently. “It’s lovely. Is it very expensive? I really don’t want him spending a lot of money on me.”

“He can afford it, dear,” assured Marlene. “And I know he very much wants you to have it. Why don’t we see how it fits, hmm? Mr. Gregson was guessing at your size, so this is a six we have here, but I can always get a different size if necessary.”

Tessa shook her head and slowly began to pull the sweater over her head. “I think a six will be fine.”

Marlene frowned as Tessa stripped to her underwear. The black lace bra and panties were mismatched and a bit shabby, and it was obvious from the way her full breasts almost spilled out of the cups that the bra wasn’t sized properly. The thigh high black stockings were also starting to pill in several places.

“When was the last time you were fitted for bras, Tessa?” she inquired casually.

Tessa looked ill at ease with the question. “Um, I don’t recall. I’m not exactly sure I ever have been.”

“No problem. After we try the dress and shoes on I’ll fit you. Mr. Gregson also selected some, ah, lingerie for you.”

Predictably, the girl’s already rosy cheeks flushed a deeper shade and she merely nodded. But then, as Marlene zipped her into the classic blue Lanvin, Tessa’s eyes grew big as saucers as she gazed upon her reflection in the mirror.

“Oh. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I’ve never had anything this nice before.” Tessa skimmed her hands a little uncertainly over the fine fabric.

The girl’s heartfelt reaction touched Marlene, and she felt a sudden tenderness towards her. Marlene didn’t have children of her own, but she was certainly more than old enough to be Tessa’s mother. And after so many years of catering to vain, demanding patrons, it was a refreshing change to be able to really help someone as sweet and innocent as this lovely girl. She could certainly understand Ian’s infatuation with her.

“It looks wonderful on you,” confirmed Marlene as she straightened the skirt just a bit. “I can see now why he favored this color - it’s perfect for your eyes and skin tone. Now, let’s try the shoes, hmm? I have three different sizes here to choose from.”

Tessa wore an eight and a half, and the nude Christian Louboutin pumps fit her to perfection. Marlene showed her the other items Ian had selected for her to wear this evening - a butter-soft leather handbag in a coordinating shade to the shoes, and a luxurious camel-colored cashmere coat lined in a satiny fabric.

Tessa was seemingly fascinated by the coat, touching the soft fabric. “It looks so warm,” she marveled. “The weather has been so cold these past few weeks.”

Marlene wondered if the thin raincoat could possibly be the girl’s only coat. There was no other reasonable explanation why she would have worn it on a bitingly cold but otherwise clear day. “Its pure cashmere, dear, and a Burberry. One of the finest coats we sell here. He wanted only the best for you.”

Tessa smiled. “He’s wonderful, isn’t he?”

“I think he feels the same way about you, Tessa,” replied Marlene gently. “Now, why don’t we get you out of that dress so I can measure your bra size. Then Mr. Gregson has arranged some other, ah, services for you.”

A quick check with the tape measure confirmed that Tessa’s bra was indeed a full cup size too small, which clearly explained why she’d almost been falling out of the black lace garment. While she slipped back into her own black pumps, Marlene handed her a belted smock, the kind used in hair salons and spas.

“You can leave your things here, Tessa. I’ll lock the room while you’re gone and you can come back and change afterwards,” assured Marlene. “Follow me now, we’re just going up one floor.”

Marlene left her charge off at the in-store salon, where she was to have a blow-out, a mani-pedi, and a makeup application. When Tessa returned to the dressing room nearly two hours later, she looked a bit dazed but even more beautiful - her skin glowing, her blonde hair smooth and shiny, her nails buffed and covered in pale pink polish.

She helped Tessa dress, satisfied with the fit of the pale blue lace bra and panties, and with the new pair of sheer nude thigh-highs. After Tessa was zipped up into the dress and wearing her new shoes, Marlene added the finishing touches - a sapphire pendant suspended from a dainty gold chain, and a matching pair of drop earrings.

“These aren’t real sapphires, are they?” asked Tessa with what sounded like panic.

“They are, yes. Don’t worry, Tessa, they’re insured. And the necklace has a very secure clasp so you can’t possibly lose it.”

“It’s not that.” Tessa’s big blue eyes grew shiny with tears. “This is all just a little overwhelming. I feel like Cinderella.”

Marlene laughed. “And you look like her, too. You’re a beautiful girl, Tessa, and Mr. Gregson is going to be speechless when he sees you. He’ll be very pleased.”

That seemed to do the trick as Tessa looked to Marlene for assurance. “You really think so?”

Marlene nodded. “I know so, dear. He was very anxious earlier today for you to like the things he chose. I’ve rarely see a man take the sort of care he did. Now, come. It’s time to dazzle him.”

Chapter Four

Ian discreetly pulled back the sleeve of his shirt to check the time on his Cartier watch. It was still a few minutes before six-thirty, but he’d arrived at Neiman Marcus a bit early in the hopes that Tessa would already be finished with the salon treatments he had arranged for her. He’d been waiting for this moment with ill-concealed impatience ever since she’d left his office earlier today.

After his doubts of last evening, he had breathed a huge sigh of relief after finally seeing Tessa today. In fact, her response to him had been well beyond his wildest expectations. She was still shy and uncertain, and he couldn’t be too aggressive with her, but he was overjoyed to discover that the attraction between them was very mutual. He had never envisioned making this much progress so quickly, and was looking forward to speeding up the very enjoyable process of seducing his golden girl. How many times had he fantasized about this - taking her out to dinner and then quite possibly to his bed.

But, no, he couldn’t push her. Despite her eager response to his advances and her shy admittance of being attracted to him, Ian could still sense her uncertainty and inexperience, behavior that seemed odd for a soon-to-be divorced woman. He wondered if Peter had been her only boyfriend, her only sexual partner, which could explain her shyness around other men.

And while he would love nothing better than to bring Tessa home with him tonight and finally make her his, he wasn’t going to rush things. The last thing he intended to do at this point was to scare her off and ruin his chances with her. He’d waited this long, surely his patience could last a while longer.

But his good intentions were all dashed to hell when he saw her emerge from the dressing room, Marlene Brennan trailing in her wake. Ian froze as he got a good look at Tessa, and his heart caught in his throat at just how beautiful she looked.

The blue dress, almost exactly the same shade as the one she’d worn to the office Christmas party, clung in all the right places and made her look svelte and sexy while still shrieking class. Her breasts looked higher and rounder, and he wondered how she looked in the seductive blue lace bra he’d selected for her, as well as the tiny matching panties. His erection began to throb painfully and he groaned in silence, realizing it was going to be a damned long night ahead if he kept up this train of thought.

Tessa was glowing - there was really no other word for it. Her lovely face didn’t actually need cosmetics, but the makeup artist had done an excellent job with the subtle application she’d given her. His gaze lingered on the soft pink gloss on her lips, and how her eyes seemed even bigger and bluer than usual. Her hair was shiny and smooth, falling in a straight, glossy fall down her shoulders and back. The sapphires he’d chosen to go with the dress were just right, not too large or showy.

She was smiling as she reached him, standing a couple of inches taller than usual with the added height from her new shoes.

“Hi,” she said breathlessly.

Ian grinned at her, absurdly proud of how striking she looked and how happy she seemed. “Hi, yourself, darling. You look gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. I assume you like the dress?”

She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, and his skin burned from the contact. “It’s beautiful. All of it. Thank you so much, I love everything. But it’s way too much, you know, especially the sapphires. You didn’t -”

He placed a finger over her lips, careful not to muss the pink gloss. “I know I didn’t. But it gives me just as much pleasure to buy you things as it does for you to receive them. So indulge me, hmm? I’ve waited a very long time to be able to do these things.”

Tessa nodded. “Okay. Just - thank you.”

He couldn’t resist wrapping an arm around her waist and hugging her close. He buried his face in her hair, which smelled like vanilla and spice. “It was my pleasure, love. Especially when I see how happy my little gift has made you. Are you ready to leave now?”

“I just need to get my coat and bag,” she assured him, and turned to face Marlene.

Ian took the cashmere coat from the personal shopper and held it open for Tessa. He smiled as she buttoned up the coat and then snuggled the collar more closely around her neck.

“I really love this,” she said guilelessly. “I’ve never, ever had anything so nice before. Or so warm.”

He leaned closer to whisper in her ear, “Careful, or I might find myself getting jealous of a coat. Though I admit it’s a big improvement over that bloody raincoat.”