Page 61 of Arranged with Twins
Leo listens in silence, his attention focused entirely on me despite the chaos of Manhattan traffic around us.
“I spent four years in London thinking I was independent.” I snort. “However, even there, I was following their guidelines buy choosing conservative colors, classic cuts, and nothing too bold or attention-grabbing.”
“It’s time to change that.”
I respond to the idea with a big grin. “Yes, I think it is.” This will be good practice for standing up to my parents when it comes to bigger issues later, like raising our twins.
The car stops in front of an exclusive boutique I’ve never entered, though I’ve walked past it dozens of times. Thewindows display clothing that’s beautiful yet unconventional from flowing fabrics in rich colors, unexpected details, and pieces that would make Mother purse her lips in disapproval.
“Get whatever you want,” he says, helping me from the car. “No rules except your own.”
Inside, the boutique feels like another world. Soft lighting highlights carefully selected pieces, and the sales associate approaches with subtle professionalism rather than aggressive assistance.
“We’re browsing,” Leo says politely. “She’ll let you know if she needs anything.”
I move through the racks slowly, running my fingers over silk and cashmere, drawn to textures and colors I normally wouldn’t consider. A deep emerald dress catches my attention. It’s fitted through the bodice while flowing from the waist down, with long sleeves that would conceal the changes to my arms where I’ve gained weight.
“Try it on,” Leo encourages when he notices my hesitation.
I frown. “It’s not really my style.”
“How do you know what your style is if you’ve never tried it?” He takes the dress from the rack and hands it to me. “What’s the worst that could happen?”
In the dressing room, I slip into the emerald silk and immediately understand what I’ve been missing. The color makes my skin glow, and the cut flatters my changing figure without hiding it entirely. When I look in the mirror, I see someone confident and striking, and I barely recognize myself.
I step out of the dressing room hesitantly. Leo’s expression changes immediately, his eyes darkening as he takes in the sight of me. “That’s not coming off until I say so,” he says, his voice rougher than usual.
Heat floods my cheeks at the intensity in his tone. “You like it?”
“I like you in it.” He circles me slowly, studying how the fabric moves with my body. “More importantly though, how do you feel?”
“Different.” I turn to see myself in the three-way mirror. “Powerful, maybe?”
“Then we’re buying it.” He signals to the sales associate. “And anything else that makes you feel that way.”
What follows is the most indulgent hour I’ve experienced in years. I try on dresses in jewel tones, soft sweaters in rich textures, and pants that fit my curves instead of hiding them. With each piece, I discover more about myself, or perhaps more about who I’m meant to be.
Leo watches everything with quiet intensity, offering opinions only when I ask while clearly approving of my bolder choices. When I emerge wearing a fitted burgundy top that hugs my breasts and emphasizes my waist, his jaw tightens in a way that makes my stomach flutter.
“That one definitely,” he says, his voice strained.
By the time we finish, I have enough clothes to fill half my closet. At the next boutique, Leo insists on shoes and handbags, yet only pieces I choose without hesitation.
“Now jewelry,” he announces as we load shopping bags into the car.
“Leo, this is too much. You’ve already spent?—”
“I haven’t spent anything yet.” He grins. “That was all foreplay.”
The jewelry store he takes me to is small and exclusive, specializing in custom pieces and unusual stones. The proprietor greets Leo by name, which tells me this visit was planned. “Show her the orange diamond collection,” he says, and I realize this must be where he bought my engagement ring.
The jeweler produces a tray of pieces that take my breath away. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets feature the same unusual orange diamonds as my engagement ring, all set in warm gold that complements the stones perfectly.
“They’re beautiful,” I say, admiring the sparkles.
“Choose whatever speaks to you,” he says. “Consider it an early wedding gift.”
I select a delicate necklace with three graduated orange diamonds and matching earrings. The pieces are stunning yet understated enough that I’ll actually wear them.
