Page 73 of Tempt Me

“Hello, can I help you?” she said as she put the phone down.

“I’m not sure. I’d like to buy colored contact lenses. Do you sell them?”

“Yes, we do. I’ll show you.” She waddled toward one wall and pointed to a shelf of blue boxes.

“We have these Glamour contact lenses. They have an Aztec design that enhances the effect of your iris, giving you a glamorous look. For your green eyes, you could wear aqua, blue, gray, honey, or violet, which is a bit of fun.”

I had no idea this would be so easy. “How much do they cost?”

She picked up one of the boxes. “They’re $55 each. You get two lenses per box, and they should last you about six months if you look after them properly.”

The price shocked me—I thought they’d be so much more expensive. “Great, I’ll take all of them.”

“Oh.” Her eyes bulged in surprise. “Have you used contacts before?”

“No. Are they hard to put in?”

“Most people find the first couple of times a bit fiddly, but after that, you’ll be an expert. Would you like me to show you?”

“Yes, please.”

By the time I walked out of the shop, I’d managed to put contacts in and take them out of my eyes with success. I’d also bought five pairs of colored contact lenses, eye drops, a lens wash solution, a cute little travel box to store the contacts in, and a pair of sunglasses. She was an excellent saleswoman.

I checked my watch and couldn’t believe it was already midday. Picking up my pace, I made my way to Isabella’s Passion, and a fresh-faced young girl offered to assist me. So, feeling lucky with my first purchase of the day swinging off my arm, I told her what I wanted.

I tried on many brands, including Elle McPherson, Goddess, and Playful Promises. I tried French knickers, G-strings, boy-leg, full briefs, crotch-less panties, and a pair of gold hot pants that would serve as a great Kylie Minogue costume. Within no time, I was sold on fifteen or so pairs.

Then, the lovely Catherina started to bring out the fun stuff. I tried on a Leather and Venice corset that was delightfully wicked and totally sexy at the same time. I added it to my “hell yes, I’m buying it” pile. She brought me tempting teddies and cheeky bustiers, everything from a collection called Sultry Seductress, full-body stockings, and other bits and pieces featuring barely any fabric at all.

I was both impressed and bewildered by the extensive selection. Before I lost an entire day in the lingerie store, I re-dressed and hefted my abundant selection to the counter. When I finally left the store, I had four bags of goodies and $674 less in my bank account. As I hadn’t bought lingerie since I left my hometown more than three and a half years ago, the purchases were justified.

Besides, I’m worth it.

Hunger pains dictated my next purchase, and back at the food court, I ordered a lamb doner kebab with extra cheese, sour cream, and barbeque sauce. As I ate, my head spun over my morning shopping success. Normally, shopping was torture. I could try on fifty things and walk out with nothing. My life really had become amazing.

It was one o’clock before I crawled my weary ass into bed and fell asleep.

It seemed like only twenty minutes when my alarm sounded at eight o’clock. I’d slept like a log and the creases on my cheek were evident even after a long hot shower. Forty-five minutes after I woke up, I headed downstairs to start my night shift.

I hugged Marjorie’s bony shoulders to my chest as we said hello. “How was your day?”

She rolled her eyes. “Not too bad, except for the weirdo in the bar.”

“Who?” My eyes shot toward the Triple H Bar’s entrance, but I couldn’t see past the doorway.

“This guy came down the elevator at about six o’clock and asked me if I knew someone named Memphis. He’s the second guy to ask for Memphis, and I’m wondering if she’s the hooker John was talking about.”

I just about swallowed my tongue.

Chapter Twenty-Two

My heart exploded in my chest, and before I oozed into the rubbish bin at my feet, I clutched at the countertop for support. “What hooker?”

“John said he’s seen a woman here a couple of times who he thinks is a hooker.”

I covered my mouth, feigning shock, and swallowed the enormous lump in my throat. “Why does he think she’s a hooker?” I faked naivety.

“She was dressed in a trench coat and long black boots.”

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