His Desire, Her Surrender (8 page)

*****

Tabitha wasn't familiar with the Soho area, but had little trouble finding Madriana. The shop looked quaint and quirky, yet clearly upscale. The wide windows displayed beautiful gowns with full, flowing skirts. She braced herself and opened the door. A tiny bell jingled as she stepped inside. The saleswoman met her gaze and smiled in a reassuring way. Tabitha realized she wore her trepidation on her face.

Tabitha scanned the store, unsure where to begin. She jumped when she realized the saleswoman had silently glided to her side.

"May I assist you?" The saleswoman's voice was friendly and welcoming.

Tabitha stammered. "Uh, yes. I'm looking for a dress."

The saleswoman projected calm and patience. "What is the occasion?"

Tabitha wished she brought a friend for support. "It's a charity function, formal."

"We have a number of gowns that would look lovely on you. With your height and coloring, you'll have plenty of choice."

This lady was good. Tabitha felt some of her tension ease.

"Might I show you a few suggestions?"

"Yes, please."

The saleswoman crossed to the wall and flipped through several dresses. She selected one and removed it from the rack. She held it out for Tabitha's inspection. The dress was a deep sapphire blue, smooth satin overlaid with matching lace. A wide ribbon accentuated the waist. "This color is lovely against your skin. You can definitely carry off the strapless look. I'd recommend a wrap, though."

Tabitha reached out and stroked the fabric. "It's gorgeous."

The saleswoman smiled. "Would you like to try it on?"

"Yes, please." The dress reminded her of princesses in fairy tales.

The saleswoman gestured toward the bodice of the gown. "I also have the proper foundation if you need it."

"Oh, yes. I don't have a strapless bra. I'll need one."

"No problem at all. The changing room is in the back."

Tabitha followed her to the rear of the store. The saleswoman guided her into a small but elegant room. This wasn't her usual dressing room experience at all. Mirrors covered an entire wall and a large three-way mirror dominated another wall. A banquet presented ice water, a selection of teas, and light snacks.

The saleswoman hung the dress on the wall and fluffed out the skirt. "Wait just one moment. I'll get the bra."

Tabitha sank into a plush chair. Her image mocked her from every angle. What was she doing here?

The saleswoman returned and handed Tabitha a boxed bra. "Do you need any further assistance?

"Uh, no. I'm good."

"If you have trouble zipping the dress, just let me know. I'll be happy to help."

Tabitha nodded. "Thank you."

The saleswoman exited, closing the door. Tabitha examined the bra. It was the right size. The saleswoman clearly knew her business. She stripped out of her clothes, hanging them on the provided hooks. She put on the bra and again admired the sumptuous dress. She slipped it off the hanger and undid the zipper. She shook the dress slightly to open the skirt and stepped inside. She pulled it up over her bust and reached behind her. She could only zip it part way herself.

Tabitha held the bodice in place as she turned toward the mirror. The dress was quite simply gorgeous. It seemed to have a magical quality that lent luster to her hair and vibrancy to her skin. She stared at herself for a moment and then crossed to the door, opening it slightly.

The saleswoman must've been hovering outside. "Do you need assistance?"

"Yes, please. As you suspected, I can't quite get the zipper."

The saleswoman entered and assisted Tabitha. She zipped up the back of the dress and fastened several small hooks. Stepping back, she adjusted the bow at the waist.

The saleswoman gestured toward the mirror. "I knew it would look fabulous on you. What do you think?"

The image in the mirror surprised Tabitha. She didn't consider herself gorgeous or fashionable. Her reflection showed her she could be more than average. The dress emphasized all the right things, hugging her figure and highlighting her coloring. "It's beautiful."

"Do you want to try something else?"

Tabitha shook her head. "No. This is right."

"Do want to take the bra also? We have slips, if you need one."

Tabitha stared at herself in the mirror. "Yes to both."

"We also have lovely shawl for a wrap. Shoes, though …." The saleswoman tapped her finger. "Silver perhaps. We have some strappy heels that would match this perfectly. And a clutch as well?" Her question hovered in the air.

"Yes, thank you." The reflection drew her eye. Was that her? Who knew a dress could make such a difference? Perhaps it was the sensation of putting on something special that made her glow.

Before she knew it, Tabitha was back in her street clothes, exiting the store with more bags than she could carry. As she hailed a taxi, she wondered if her hair salon could squeeze her in for an appointment.

Chapter 7

The black sedan braked to a stop, and Marcus stepped out. He offered his hand to Tabitha and assisted her onto the sidewalk. She adjusted her wrap as he took her elbow, steering her through the milling crowd on the sidewalk. An attendant open the door as they approached, and they proceeded inside.

Opulent floral arrangements enhanced the already lavish space. Wood parquet flooring in an intricate geometric pattern gleamed under sparkling crystal chandeliers. Embellished fabric covered the walls. Marcus and Tabitha strolled, arm in arm. One room merged into another, where large, circular tables dominated the space. Skirting the outside edge of the room, they proceeded toward the front.

As they approached the dais, Tabitha slowed. "We're not sitting there, are we?"

"No." He guided her toward a table in the front but to the side.

Tabitha glanced around. "Couldn't we sit somewhere less conspicuous?"

Marcus laughed. "This is inconspicuous. Once everyone is seated, we'll hardly be noticeable at all. Besides, you look gorgeous and I want to show you off."

Tabitha blushed. "Well, the dress is gorgeous."

Marcus stopped and turned to face Tabitha. "
You
are gorgeous." He pulled her close for a quick kiss. "We'll have to work on your ability to accept compliments."

"Yes, Sir." Tabitha flipped her hair behind her shoulder. "It's warm in here. I need something to drink."

"That is easily remedied. What would you like?"

Tabitha deliberated. "Fruit juice?"

"Okay. Do you want to come with me or wait here?"

"Perhaps I'll wait here, my shoes are new, and they're pinching a bit."

"No problem." He pulled out a seat for her. "I'll be right back."

Tabitha sank into the seat with a grateful sigh. Her feet really weren't hurting too badly, but she wanted to go easy on them. She didn't want to be limping by the end of the night. People streamed into the banquet area, and the mix of voices bounced off the walls, creating a chaotic cacophony. Tabitha entertained herself by scrutinizing the array of beautiful gowns. Hers was more than appropriate and her confidence gained a boost. She looked her best and she knew it.

"Well, you must be Marcus's new friend."

Tabitha turned her gaze toward the cultured voice and rose from her seat to face a beautiful, poised blonde.

The blonde extended her hand. "I'm Sydney. Marcus and I are old friends."

Tabitha took the proffered hand in her grasp and gave it a quick squeeze. "I'm Tabitha." Was this the Sydney he'd mentioned?

"Tabitha. How sweet. I've heard so many things about you."

"You have?" Was their relationship the focus of gossip? She supposed it was given Marcus's wealth.

"Of course. Everyone is abuzz wondering who Marcus's latest lady is. It gets hard to keep track sometimes. And as I'm not shy, and as I said, a friend of Marcus's, I decided to introduce myself and get the dirt." Sydney laughed lightly.

Sydney's voice sounded friendly on the surface, but Tabitha detected a certain catty vibe. Tabitha was determined to be polite. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Marcus and I go way back. We've known one another since we were children. Our families are very close." Her inflection implied she and Marcus were very close as well. "What about you? Where did you meet Marcus?" The question contained a challenge, as if she couldn't believe a woman like Tabitha would come into contact with a man like Marcus.

"Marcus and I met in Hawaii." It wasn't a secret, and Tabitha saw no reason to be evasive.

"Hawaii! How romantic," Sydney gushed.

Tabitha agreed. "It's a beautiful place." When she thought of Hawaii now, it wasn't the soft, sandy beaches or the sparkling blue ocean that she recalled. Not even the memory of sailing with whales or the delicious food came to mind first. Her first thought was Marcus. Always Marcus.

Sydney resumed talking as if she hadn't noticed Tabitha's response. "I've been there many times myself. And you know Marcus, he's always traveling. Everywhere he goes, he always picks up … souvenirs." Sydney's friendly expression slipped.

Tabitha's spine stiffened. She had not imagined that insult.

"His whole place would be filled with knick knacks if someone didn't come along and clean some of them out occasionally."

Speechless, Tabitha didn't answer. Such barbed conversation was out of her normal experience.

Marcus reappeared and set the drinks down on the table, placing his hand on Tabitha's shoulder. "Hello, Sydney. I see you two are getting acquainted."

Tabitha exhaled, relieved at Marcus's appearance.

Sydney smiled, her demeanor warming. "Marcus, I saw you escort your new friend in and I thought I'd introduce myself. She looked so lonesome over here all by herself."

Marcus squeezed Tabitha's shoulder with reassurance. "That's kind of you, Sydney. Where are you and your family seated?"

"Oh, we're over there somewhere." Her hand fluttered in the general direction of the middle of the room.

"Well, it looks like everyone's coming in. Perhaps we'll speak to you again later." He dismissed her.

Marcus's brush-off didn't crack Sydney's poised demeanor. "It was so lovely to meet you, Tabitha."

"Yes. Please enjoy your evening." If Tabitha didn't know better, she'd think the other woman genuinely meant her sentiments. Sydney's voice had lacked the hard edge that had been evident before Marcus's arrival.

As Sydney turned and walked away, Marcus leaned toward Tabitha and pressed his lips to her hairline. "If you were wondering if she was my former fiancée, she was."

Tabitha frowned, swallowing hard. "I did wonder when she introduced herself."

"She keeps sort of a sisterly watch on me."

Tabitha almost laughed. "I'm not sure her feelings are sisterly."

Marcus shook his head. "She's married with kids of her own. She seems happy. I'm glad we were able to recapture the friendship we had before we were romantically involved."

Tabitha studied Marcus's face. Did he really believe that? Sydney's demeanor had indicated more than sisterly interest.

"They're herding everyone in. They're going to make an announcement."

He was correct. Within minutes, the banquet room bulged with people. Tabitha tried to arrange her skirts so they didn't infringe on the seat next to her.

"Is there a problem with your dress?"

Tabitha tugged on the fabric. "Not at all. I'm just trying to contain the skirt."

"I have an idea that would help."

Tabitha looked up. "Oh?"

"Yes." Marcus curved in close. "Go to the ladies' room. Take off your panties. Bring them back to me."

"Uh, Marcus. I'm not sure that's such a good idea."

Marcus straightened in his seat, his gaze intense. "It wasn't a suggestion."

Tabitha didn't know how to respond and hesitated a moment. She realized she was trembling. Marcus's directive had excited her. She whispered, "Yes, Sir."

Marcus stood and helped Tabitha from her seat. He smiled and kissed her hand.

Tabitha fluttered inside. Marcus could talk her into anything. Well, almost anything. Most of the time she needed a little encouragement to follow his lead.

Tabitha made her way toward the lobby. She'd seen the facilities on the way in. Shutting herself into a stall, she lifted her skirt, unhooked her garters from the stockings, and shifted the garter belt. She peeled her panties down her legs and stepped out of them. After adjusting the belt, she refastened the straps and straightened her skirt. She tucked the panties into her clutch. Exiting the stall, she washed her hands and quickly made her way back to the banquet room.

Tabitha blushed as she sat down and glanced around the table. Though she knew no one could tell her panties were missing, the absence felt conspicuous. The satiny fabric of her skirt brushed her skin and heightened her awareness of the missing fabric that would have shielded her most secret place.