Slipping Into Her World (3/14)

Lucas was getting used to the routine—Brittany would show up with a suitcase full of carefully chosen clothes, a bag of makeup, and that teasing smirk that made his heart race. Each session left him feeling a little braver, a little more… himself. He’d thought today would be the same, but when Brittany strolled in, she only carried a single outfit, neatly draped over her arm.

His face fell. “That’s it?” he asked, glancing at the lacey polka-dot romper and strappy black heels she’d set on the couch. “Not that it’s not… cute, but—”

“Trust me, princess,” Brittany interrupted, pulling him to sit in front of the mirror. “You’ll love where this is going. Now hold still.”

Brittany wasted no time, pulling him to sit in front of the mirror. Her fingers moved with expert precision, smoothing foundation over his skin to create a soft, flawless base. She lightly defined his eyes with a touch of brown eyeliner and mascara, keeping it simple and natural. The final touch was a soft red lipstick, adding a subtle but elegant finish to the look.

When she stepped back, she gave him a once-over, nodding approvingly. “Perfect. Now, let’s get you dressed.”

Lucas slid into the romper, the lightweight fabric skimming his freshly shaven skin. It cinched perfectly at the waist, the playful polka dots giving it a flirty charm. The heels were next, and he buckled them on with ease, the movements feeling smoother after all their practice sessions.

“There,” Brittany said, handing him a beige handbag. “You’re all set.”

He took the purse, frowning. “Wait. What’s this for?”

She grinned, slipping her own purse over her shoulder. “We’re going out.”

Lucas froze, his heart lurching. “Out? Out where?”

“Oh, just a little shopping trip,” she said nonchalantly, heading toward the door. “You’ve been borrowing my clothes long enough. It’s time you got your own wardrobe.”

His pulse quickened. “In public? Like… dressed like this?”

She turned, arching a perfectly sculpted brow. “Sweetheart, you look incredible. No one’s going to bat an eye. And if it’s too much, we can always leave.”

Lucas hesitated, his mind racing. The thought of stepping outside like this—heels clicking on pavement, the sun on his bare legs—made his stomach flip. He glanced back at the mirror, adjusting the purse strap on his shoulder. Everything about the outfit looked perfect, but was he really ready for this?

“Alright,” he said finally, gripping the purse strap tightly. “Let’s do it.”

The mall was bustling, the sound of footsteps and chatter filling the air. Lucas kept his head down as they walked, his heels tapping loudly against the tile floor. He felt hyperaware of every movement, every glance in his direction. Was someone staring? Did they know?

Brittany led the way, walking confidently toward a trendy boutique. Lucas trailed behind, gripping the purse like a lifeline. “Relax,” she murmured over her shoulder. “You’re fine.”

Inside the store, she flipped through racks of dresses, holding up a floral sundress with a critical eye. “This one would be cute for brunch. Try it on.” Lucas blinked. “Here?”

“Of course, here. That’s what the dressing rooms are for,” she said, shoving the dress into his arms.

He reluctantly stepped into the small fitting room, his hands trembling as he slipped out of the romper and into the dress. When he stepped out, Brittany gave him an approving nod. “See? Adorable. Now, let’s find some shoes to match.”

Store by store, she kept up the pace, pulling skirts, blouses, and lingerie off the racks. Lucas started out nervously, his face burning every time he had to step into the light, but no one seemed to notice—or care. The sales clerks smiled warmly, offering assistance, and other shoppers barely glanced his way.

By the time they reached the third store, the anxiety had started to fade. Lucas found himself admiring the racks of clothes, his fingers brushing over soft fabrics as Brittany handed him more to try on. In the shoe section, he even spotted a pair of pink stilettos that made his heart flutter.

“Those,” he said, pointing.

Brittany raised a brow, smirking as she plucked them off the shelf. “Someone’s getting bold.”

As the trip went on, Lucas’s confidence grew. He stopped trailing behind and started walking beside her, the rhythmic click of his heels matching hers. By the last store, he was practically skipping ahead, his purse swinging with each step as he eagerly made his way toward the racks.

“Slow down, princess,” Brittany called after him, her voice laced with amusement. He glanced over his shoulder, a sheepish smile spreading across his face.