Damaged -Grayson Dolan-

Chapter Forty

"How long will you be gone?"  Grayson said wrapping his arms around my waist.  I stood in front of the mirror in our hotel room, combing out my hair.  "As long as it takes Mina to find a new bathing suit to add to her collection." 

"That could take years," Grayson whined.  "Why can't she take Ethan?"

"Because Ethan doesn't have the fashion opinions of a girl,"  Mina answered coming into the room.  "Have you seen my earrings?"

"They're probably in the bathroom," I answered. 

"Please don't go," Grayson whispered in my ear.  "Don't leave me with Ethan."

I rolled my eyes, detaching his arms from my waist.  "You'll be fine.  We'll be back before you know it and go out for dinner, okay?" 

Grayson looked at me with puppy dog eyes. 

"You know that doesn't work."

"Fine," he sighed throwing himself on my bed.  "But remember you left me behind and I'll be anxiously awaiting your return."

"You are the most dramatic person I have ever met."  I walked over to the bed and kissed him lightly.  "You'll find something to do."

Grayson rolled his eyes.  "I suppose."

"Ready, Al?"  Mina was waiting by the door. 

"Yep," I answered as we left our hotel rooms.  "I cannot believe I'm doing this,"  I said as we walked out into the Flordia sun and down the boardwalk.  "Do you think he suspected something?"

"No."  Mina shook her head.  "You're just overreacting.  Stop thinking about this so much and just had some fun!"

"Have some fun," I repeated. 

"Yes," She nodded her head vigorously.  "You're buying lingerie for your boyfriend so you can have the best night of your lives.  It's supposed to be fun."

I sighed.  "Okay, I am a little excited.  But more nervous."

"It's just Grayson," Mina told me as we passed by a few shops.  "You know him and you're the most comfortable around him I've ever seen."

"I know, I know.  It's just... new to me that's all."

"Aren't you always saying that he's done so much for you but doesn't seem to realize it?  And you have no idea how to show him that?"  Mina came to a stop in front of a small boutique-type store.  "Well now's your chance."

I glanced up at the title scrawled on the building.  Baci Lingerie

"Well, it's now or never," I said. 

"That's the spirit!" Mina pushed open the glass door and we stepped inside.  It was well lit and decorated with rich colors of maroon, purple and red.  Velvet curtains blocked out the windows tied with tassels of silver.  Ivy vines snaked across the ceiling and around the pillars inside.

"Welcome to Baci Lingerie!"  A woman came out from behind the corner.  She was dressed in a sheer shirt through which I could see her pink lacy bra beneath.  She had on a pair of black leather pants and bright purple heels.  "My name is Anya.  Is there anything I can help you ladies with today?"

"Yes," Mina answered with a bright smile.  "This is my friend's first time buying lingerie," she gestured to me, "any ideas?" 

Anya studied me and I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze.  "Any specific occasion?"   

I swallowed.  "It's for my boyfriend," I muttered. 

"No need to be ashamed of anything here!"  Anya's voice was like liquid honey that flowed with each word.  "That's not allowed here in my shop.  We want you to feel as comfortable and as sexy as possible.  That's what all women deserve."  

Mina chuckled.  "Yes, she's a little reluctant to do this but I managed to convince her."

Anya clapped her hands together.  "In my opinion, everyone woman should have a piece of lingerie that makes her feel beautiful and sexy."

"I could not agree more," Mina raised an eyebrow at me. 

"Alright, dear- what's your name?"  Anya looked back at me.

"Alanna," I answered. 

"Well, Alanna, let's get started."  Anya began to walk through the shop as Mina and I trailed behind.  "Since you've never done this before, we don't really have any idea what you prefer.  So let's have you try on several different types and go from there.  Sound good?"

"Okay," I agreed.  Anya measured me and then handed me a few different pieces to try on.  I stepped into the plushly lined fitting room, changing into each number and then stepping out to show Anya and Mina.  Each one was okay, but not the one they kept saying. 

With a sigh, I retreated back into the fitting room and picked up the last piece.  It was a one piece that was a pretty maroon color.  I stepped into it, hooking the straps over my shoulders and glanced in the mirror. 

Holy shit

The top was lacy and had a plunging neckline all the way down to my mid stomach.  From there was another lace panel that went down to my legs.  The back ended just above my ass and was basically a thong.  On either side of my stomach, it was mesh and completely see through. 

I could hardly believe the person in the mirror was me.  My boobs had never looked this good in entire life. 

"Al, you good in there?"  Mina's voice called from outside. 

I pushed aside the curtain and stepped out into the light. 

"Holy shit, Alanna," Mina said her eyebrows almost all the way to her hairline.  "Is that really you or a Victoria's Secret model?"

"Yes!"  Anya clapped her hands together.  "You look absolutely stunning, my dear.  Positively stunning.  How do you feel?"

I glanced in the mirror again.  "Hot," I admitted.  "And pretty.  And sexy and bold and dangerous."  I turned back to face them.  "I feel confident."

"Then that's the one," Anya told me with a smile.  She held up a finger, "Wait- I have something else that will be perfect for you."  She rifled through a rack a few feet away, muttering to herself about colors.

"See," Mina told me.  "I told you this would be fun."

"It sort of is." I agreed, looking at my reflection again.

"Here it is!" Anya crowed from the other end of the store.  She raised a piece of clothing above her head in victory.  "This should be perfect," she hurried back over to us.  "Put this on, yes, now let it drape- yes- just like that."  She took a step back. 

It was a long white shirt that looked almost like men's overshirt.  The sleeves were rolled up and I let it hang off my shoulders as instructed.  The hem brushed the top of my thighs.  I grinned at my reflection, suddenly feeling like I never had before.  "I'll buy it," I said turned back to the two women. 

"Yay!"  Mina clapped her hands together as I went back to the fitting room to change.  A tiny spark of excitement grew in my stomach.  I couldn't wait to wear it.