Page 51 of Whatever Lola Wants

“That was just because, well, wedding.” Anna reached out a tentative hand, fingertips brushing over the soft, sheer fabric. “It’s gorgeous.”

Lola’s breath sighed out in relief. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

“I have to get a strapless bra.”

“Go,” Lola ordered. “I’ll get it off the hanger and out of the bag. Hurry, before Grant decides to crash the party.”

“Right. Right. Oh, my God!” Anna squealed, running from the room.

By the time she got back, stripped down to panties and a white strapless bra, Lola had the dress out of the bag.

“Do I step into it, or does it go over my head?”

“I have no idea.” Lola eyed the dress. “Let’s try stepping first.”

She held the dress open while Anna stepped in, then drew it carefully up. She helped Anna work her arms into the delicate illusion sleeves, tugged and shifted them over Anna’s shoulders, then circled to do up the row of covered buttons at the back.

“Okay, I say get it for the buttons alone. It’ll drive Grant mad with frustration to have to undo all of them on your wedding night.”

Anna gave a breathless laugh. “Hurry up, I can’t wait to see.”

“Okay, I’m almost done.” Lola fastened the final button, then bent down to straighten and fluff the skirt. “Is there a mirror in here?”

“On the inside of the closet door.”

“Okay, close your eyes.”

“What?”

“Close your eyes,” Lola repeated. “I want you to get the full effect all at once.”

Anna gave a frustrated whine and closed her eyes. “Okay, but hurry. I’m dying to see how it looks.”

“Keep them closed,” Lola warned as she opened the closet door, positioning it so Anna’s reflection stared back. “Hang on, let me fuss with the skirt a little.”

She fluffed fabric until she was satisfied, then stepped back. Watching Anna’s face carefully, she said, “Okay. Open them.”

Anna sucked in a breath as her eyes flew open, then just stared. “Oh.”

Lola didn’t need to ask if that was a good oh or a bad one. It was written all over Anna’s face. “Honey, you look amazing.”

Anna’s eyes flooded with tears even as pure joy beamed across her face. “It’s perfect.”

Her shoulders and arms were covered with the thinnest layer of fabric, the illusion neckline so sheer that the smattering of freckles that adorned Anna’s shoulders were visible underneath, the soft, barely there blush color the same shade as the rest of the gown. The top of the dress under the chiffon was a straight line across the tops of her breasts, nipping in at the waist before floating out in dreamy puffs of soft silk to the floor.

Lola felt her own eyes well up with tears at the happiness on Anna’s face. “You’re so beautiful, Anna.”

Anna simply beamed. “I am. I really, really am. Oh God, Lola, this is my dress.”

Lola blinked back tears. “You’re damn right it is. Okay, take it off.”

“What? No. I want to keep wearing it.”

Lola shook her head. “You can’t. It’s going to need to be altered; you’re a little narrower in the shoulders than the previous owner, and in the hips.”

Anna frowned. “I think I have someone who can handle that.”

“Cool. But in the meantime, take it off and give it to me. I’ll keep it at my place.”

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