Page 9 of Where We Fall

"I'm sorry, Lexi. This is horribly uncomfortable, I know. I'm just trying to make sure we pull this off."

He looks mortified that he's having this conversation with me right now. I almost feel for the guy.

"No, I get it."

I look down at my hands, clutching the edge of my seat so hard that they're turning white.

He doesn't say anything for a while.

"Okay," he says loudly. I look up and see him sitting straighter in his seat. "We're not gonna let this be awkward. We're gonna have fun. You get to go dress shopping, and some other clothes in case they ask us to dinner over the weekend. It's all on the company's dime. I'll drink champagne while you model for me. It'll be like our own little Pretty Woman experience."

"Except I'm not a prostitute," I say with a small smile.

He laughs. "Yeah, sorry. No prostitution in our version. So, what do you say? Lunch and a shopping spree on me tomorrow?"

I nod. "Sounds good."

"Good. I'll make a reservation for lunch tomorrow."

He pats my desk with a lopsided grin on his face, then walks out of my office.

I'm not sure what the hell just happened. I think I just agreed to a makeover from my boss. Shit, what the hell did I get myself into?

Chapter Four

Marcus

"Orderwhateveryouwant,"I tell Lexi as we sit down at the restaurant. "It's on me."

She gives me a shy nod and thanks me.

Yesterday was quite possibly the worst day of my life. I hated having to suggest a makeover. But I also know that the stakes are high, and we can't risk it with this client. It still didn't make the look of embarrassment that flashed across her face any less painful to see.

I wanted to back out of it and tell her I was joking, but a joke about a makeover seemed ten times crueler.

It's not like she has nothing appealing about her. I can tell underneath the glasses there's a pretty face. I'm not an idiot. But she needs to look like someone who is confident enough to be on my arm. I think if she felt like she looked the part, she might come out of her shell a bit.

We need to look comfortable together.

"Alright," I clap my hands together, "tell me something about yourself."

She takes a sip of her iced tea then puts it down and leans forward on her elbows.

"That's such a broad question. Like what?"

I match her posture and lean forward myself.

"Anything. What were you like in high school? Was computer class your favorite?" I joke.

She smiles at me. I never noticed how pretty her smile was. Maybe it's because I've never paid attention. Her lips are nice and plump.

"No, I was into volleyball in high school."

"Volleyball, huh? I remember going to the training room before and after football practice just to watch the volleyball players through the window of the gym. Spandex was my kryptonite."

Lexi lets out a small but uninhibited laugh. I decide I like making her laugh. It feels like an accomplishment coming from her.

"Why does that sound so in character for you?" she jokes.

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