Page 11 of The Gamble (The Players 3)

“That’s good. I like that.” He chuckled. “After a lifetime of having nothing but the best, I hope you didn’t expect me to lower my expectationsnow.”

“Of course not,” Idemurred.

After hooking my arm through his, Drew confidently led us to the Armani store. Within minutes he’d told the salesman what he wanted and the man had disappeared to assemble his wedding attire. While we waited, we browsed through thestore.

“I suppose it was too much to hope for, thinking Armani might have something for you too,” he joked and added an exaggeratedsigh.

“I’m sorry.” I looked away and tried to pretend the nearby cufflinks were utterlyfascinating.

“Next stop: that shop we passed on the way here. You should try on the pink and black lace dress in the window.” Drew tilted his head and studiedme.

Instantly, I felt self-conscious. “What?” Istiffened.

“I think you would look beautiful in that Givenchy dress.” He seemed flustered as he gestured. “You have these amazing long legs. And you've got this fantastic swanlike neck. That dress will truly accentuatethem."

“Oh, is that all?" I rolled my eyes. "I can't believe you think like this. You're very different from any other guy I'vemet.”

"How so? I mean, I didn't play a lot of sports in boarding school, but I spent a lot of time with Ty and Harry. They seemed to think I was masculine enough." He sighedheavily.

I studied him for a moment, and realized how much my opinion clearly mattered to him. “Different isn’t bad,” I murmured as I moved closer to him. “It’s simply not what I’m used to, that’s all.” I offered a lopsided smile. “It’ll be nice to have someone who actually understands fashion picking out my clothes for achange.”

His brow furrowed. “Who usually picks out yourclothes?”

“Oh, you should see some of the uniforms I’ve had to wear through the years.” I shuddered. “In fact, I currently have one that consists of a bustier and a tutu.” I watched deep crevices form on his forehead. “Ah, you’re picturing it. Pretty terrible,” Iagreed.

“Pretty demeaning,” he muttered. “You shouldn’t have to parade around like that.” Drew reached out and grabbed my hand. “Let me dress you. Let me show you how you should betreated.”

Before I could respond, the salesman returned with a garment bag and a shoe box. We followed him to the register where Drew inspected everything and passed his credit card after nodding his approval. “See.” He grinned as he slid the plastic back in his wallet. “I told you I’d be fast. Now let’s see how amazing you look in that dress.” He laid a hand on my lower back as he guided me out of the store and I could feel this strange heat radiating throughme.

I gnawed on my lower lip, torn between the boundaries I should be setting and my own need for acceptance and reassurance in this strange new world. Soon enough, we were inside the shop Drew had seen earlier and he was asking about the dress. The saleslady smiled insincerely at me after looking me over. “What size?” she asked as my cheeks grewwarm.

“Let’s try a ten,” Drew responded without a hint of judgment. The woman nodded and disappeared. When he met my gaze again, Drew shrugged. “What?”

My eyes widened. “First, how did you know? Second, how come you don’t care?” Before he could answer, I turned away. This was always my most sensitive part of shopping. Ever since I’d moved into the double digits, I barely purchased anything more than yoga pants and t-shirts for my down time. No one cared in college and the only guy I spent any time with outside of work wasFranco.

“Please tell me you’re not one of those girls who thinks she’s fat.” Drew sighed. When I didn’t respond, he continued. “My mother is a very beautiful and incredibly fashionable size sixteen. She loves her luncheons. She loves her life of leisure. And I’ve never seen her pass up adessert.”

My head tilted. “And your father doesn’tmind?”

“My father has been carrying on a series of affairs, probably since before I was born. He’s usually reasonably discreet, but I’m sure this contributes to my mother’s love affair with food.” He sighed. “I don’t care what she looks like. Despite our sometimes-tempestuous relationship, I love her no matter what. Now, my mother is quite sensitive about her weight. She rarely moves outside of her circle, barely travels.” Drew reached out and cupped my face. “You should know, you’re not fat, Talia. You’re not even fluffy. You’re positively perfect and delightfully curvy. You’re real, and I value that more than youknow.”

I looked away as I tried to calm down. His words had helped. “I’m the heaviest person in my family,” I whispered. “I was a size five all through most of high school, but then…” I blew out a breath. “Well, stuff happens. And food is so comforting. And then comfort becomes a habit.” I finally met his stare. “Suffice it to say, I’d feel better about myself if I were about twenty pounds lighter.” I smiledweakly.

“Okay, so after the wedding cake, I’ll slap anything high in calories out of your hand,” he joked. “And you’ll keep all the liquor and wine out ofmine.”

“Deal.” I held out my hand to shake onit.

Instead, Drew offered me a pinky. “I’m more of a pinky promise kind ofguy.”

“Really?” I shook my head inwonder.

He chuckled. “Not really, but I am withyou.”

Our pinkies hooked and I felt unfamiliar tingles. Before I could comment, the woman returned with the dress in hand. “Did you need any accessories to go with it?” She pasted the fake smile on her face and glanced back and forth betweenus.

“Yes, shoes. I think I saw some heels with pearls around the ankle.” Drew tapped his lip as he scanned the store. “A clutch. She’ll need one of those. Just enough room for her ID and lipstick.” He strode across the store and picked up a black envelope style one. “How aboutthis?”

“Very nice choice,” the woman commented. Then she looked at me. “You’re so lucky to have a man who understandsfashion.”

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