He's Captured My Trust (Captured Series Book 2) (9 page)

“It’s great to meet you too.” I blush.

“I’m guessing a UK ten,” Sophie says, running her eyes all over me. “Maybe a twelve on top. Am I right?” She turns to her mother. “I was moving some boxes out in the back.”

“Yes, spot on,” I say.

Sophie looks like a younger version of her mother. She is pretty, but that doesn’t surprise me. Her shoulder-length hair is slightly lighter than Alex’s, but she has the same striking brown eyes that sparkle as the smile on her face widens.

“So, Libby, any colours or shapes you prefer, or can we have a bit of fun with some of my designs?” Sophie asks with excitement in her voice.

“Let’s have some fun,” I reply. Who am I to deny her?

Sophie takes off, whizzing round the shop at an alarmingly high speed, taking dress after dress off the racks, much to her mother’s amusement. Sarah takes a seat in an oversized purple velvet chair and watches.

I leave Sophie and wander around her shop. I can’t believe these dresses are all her designs. She is extremely talented. I go from rack to rack, admiring her work.

“Libby, if you see anything you like, put it in the dressing room along with all the others. You’re going to love everything I’ve picked,” she says as she passes me with a few more dresses in her hand.

My eye goes to a cream satin dress—not a colour I would usually go for. I take it off the rack. It’s simple but elegant, has a great shape, and is almost completely backless. The dress reminds me of my mother. It’s a colour she would wear and pull off, like the stunning woman she is. I stop and reach forward to put the dress back on the rack.

“Elizabeth, that colour would look great on you.” Sarah’s voice distracts me from my thoughts. “You’re lucky you have such great colouring. You must be able to pull off most colours.”

“Thank you. I’ll take that,” Sophie takes the dress from me to add to the growing collection as she passes me with yet more dresses.

Shit.
Maybe I would’ve worn that if it weren’t for the scar on my back.

“Okay, Libby, I think I have enough for you to try on. Come on. Let’s get you undressed.” She laughs. “I’m sure I’m not the only Mathews who has said that to you lately.”

“Sophie! Enough,” her mother scolds her.

Sophie’s got that right, but it sounded much better coming from Alex. I think Sophie and I are going to get along.

We all head through to the dressing room where Sarah takes a seat in yet another oversized velvet chair.

“Here—this one first,” Sophie says, handing me a black strapless little number as I finish taking my jeans off. “You know what would make this much more interesting? Some drinks.”

“Sophie!” Sarah voice echoes in the room. “It’s far too early in the day for that.”

“You’re right,” Sophie says, sighing. “But I do have soft drinks. We can put that in some champagne glasses and pretend.”

Sophie and I giggle at the same time.

“I can see I’m going to have my work cut out with you two.” Sarah smiles as she shakes her head at us both.

“Right, Libby. Turn around.” Sophie zips the dress up at the side, moves my bra straps out of the way, and then stands back. She looks puzzled and shakes her head. “Look in the mirror and tell me what you think. And tell me if you feel it rubbing against your back.” She smiles, acknowledging how I might be feeling.

The three walls in the dressing room are mirrored, and a large, freestanding mirror is at the side. I walk toward it because I know I’ll be able to see the whole dress in all the mirrors. I look up. The dress is stunning, but . . .

“The dress is stunning,” I say. “I love the detail on it—”

“I hate it on you,” Sophie interrupts. Strong word choice. “It’s not what I see you in. Black is not a colour you should wear.
Ever.
” She unzips the dress and helps me out of it.

She hands me a red one next and asks Sarah to help me while she removes at least half of the dresses she had picked out. They are all black. She takes them away and puts them back on the racks. I step into the red and Sarah zips me up. She takes a step back and the smile on her face makes me smile as well.

I know red is a good colour for me. I walk back toward the mirror. The fit is perfect. It has a deep plunging neckline. I know Alex would struggle to take his eyes off me in this. It nips in perfectly at the waist and has a split all the way up the side of my leg. At the back is a crisscross effect that leaves a lot of skin on show but still manages to cover my scar. I love it.

“Much better,” Sophie says, entering the room. “Turn around so I can see how the back looks on you.” I do as she asks. “It’s perfect for you. Okay. Now I have some sort of idea of colour and style. Mom?”

Sarah comes back over to help me, and Sophie is off again. Taking a few more dresses away before bringing a few more back and then taking off again. This time she comes back with glasses filled with what looks like orange juice. Here I am, standing in a dressing room in only panties and a bra, drinking juice from a champagne glass. I laugh as I look in the mirror.

“What is it?” Sophie asks. I can only point at myself in the mirror. With that, Sophie laughs as well and then whispers, “There’s some wine in our glasses with the juice. I won’t tell if you don’t.”

Sarah is still shaking her head at us both as we burst out laughing again. Yeah, Sophie and I are going to get along fine. She reminds me of Kirsty.

I spend the next hour or so putting on and taking off lots of different styles in a variety of bright colours. So far my favourite is the red. But Sophie has, I think, deliberately left the cream dress I was admiring till last.

“Sarah, are you all right? You’re awfully quiet,” I ask out of concern.

“I’m fine. I’m enjoying watching you two together. Remember, Sophie, Elizabeth has a lunch date with your brother.”

“It’s fine, Mom. We’ll be done in plenty of time,” she replies. “Right, Libby—last one. Close your eyes.”

“I can’t close my eyes and get dressed.”

“Yes, you can.”

I close my eyes as Sophie gives me instructions. I feel the material slide up my legs and over my hips. She then removes my bra completely before gently guiding my arms through. Then, raising my arm, she pulls the zipper up and fastens the clip.

“Take my hand,” she says. My eyes are still closed as we walk slowly. “I’m going to let go of your hand, but don’t open your eyes yet.”

I nod slowly and wait.

“Open.”

I open my eyes slowly. I gasp. It’s stunning. It looks as if it was made for me. The fit is perfect. I’m scared to focus my attention on the back, because I know I’m not going to like what I see, but from the front, it’s perfect.

“Wait. What shoe size are you?” Sophie asks.

“A five.”

“So a seven.” She darts off as soon as I answer. She is back only moments later with a bag and matching black shoes. They are beautiful. I slip them on and look back into the mirror. I love it. The cowl neckline is flattering but not too revealing. I glance in the mirror at the back—or lack of it. I see the scar, although not all of it. Some of it is hidden under the material. Could I be comfortable for the night, wearing this knowing some of my scar would be visible?

Sarah comes to stand beside us at the mirror. She obviously senses my concerns. “I know what you must be thinking. But I have to be honest with you. Not that much of it is showing, and it doesn’t look bad. And this dress is perfect on you.”

I sigh, thinking that if it weren’t for my scar, this dress would win hands down.

“I believe, Elizabeth, you have a decision to make. Red or cream?” Sarah asks with a smile.

“You know, whichever one you pick, Libby, my brother will love you in it and, later, out of it,” Sophie says, laughing.

“Sophie Mathews!” Sarah exclaims.

“Mom, I’m only speaking the truth.”

I can’t hide the smirk on my face, because deep down I know exactly what she means. I can see the look on his face as he unzips me out of either one. This thought I like. So . . . red or cream?

“Come on, Libby, don’t keep us in suspense. What’s it going be?”

“Ladies, I’m afraid I’m going to keep you waiting until tomorrow night, because I’m going to buy them both.”

“That’s great, although I am disappointed I have to wait till tomorrow. I’m sure it will be worth the wait,” Sophie says. “Now, you must know you aren’t buying any of them. They’re a gift.”

“I can’t take them as a gift. I won’t.” I shake my head at her.

“It’s from Alex, so I don’t want to hear another word about it. Take it up with my brother. Now, tell me what you’re wearing tonight for dinner.”

“Uh, jeans. This was a spur-of-the-moment trip. I didn’t have time to plan and pack.” I should have thought more when I was packing that we would be doing something other than staying in bed the whole time.

“Right. I see you in something fun and flirty, and I have the perfect dress, although I don’t have any shoes to go with it. We’ll need to go out for those,” Sophie says, walking toward the back of the store.

Sarah watches as her daughter takes off again.

“Is she always this hyper?” I ask.

“Yes. Out of my three children, she has always been the one with the most energy,” Sarah says, laughing. “But when we add Michael into the equation, he wins hands down.”

Sophie comes bounding back with two dresses. In her right hand is a red, short-sleeved jersey wrap dress, and in her left is a cream crocheted dress. Sophie must like these colours. I quickly try on both and, again, I can’t decide, so I take both. Unlike the others, though, I pay for these two, much to Sophie’s disapproval.

Sarah and I help tidy up while Sophie bags my dresses, along with the shoes and bag. It doesn’t take us long before we are outside with Sophie, locking up the shop.

Murphy gets out of the car. He comes around and takes the bags from us. “Ladies, are we going elsewhere?” he asks.

“Murphy, we won’t be long,” Sophie tells him. “We’re going two shops down. Ten minutes max.”

We walk down the sidewalk and straight into a gorgeous shoe shop. I know exactly what I want for both dresses, and it doesn’t take me long to find them: a pair of black wedges and cream sandals. Perfect. Sophie and Sarah both agree.

We head back outside, and yet again Murphy takes the bags from me. We say good-bye to Sophie, who has a few errands to run, and head off in the car. I’m excited to see Alex. As much as I have enjoyed my morning, I can’t wait to have him to myself for a bit before tonight.

“Sarah, can I ask a question?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll be the only one at the party wearing one of Sophie’s dresses?”

She nods.

“Why hasn’t she offered the bride-to-be a chance to come in and shop? She is obviously going to be family.”

“Sophie hasn’t taken to Emma. You’ll see tonight. I can’t put it into words. Emma is a bit overbearing. Sophie can’t figure out what Connor sees in her. But Connor loves her, and that’s all that matters. I should tell you that Alex isn’t that keen on the whole family, but I should leave that story to him. He was upset with me for telling you about Katherine,” she says, leaving me intrigued.

“I’m glad Sophie asked what I was wearing tonight. I would have hated to feel underdressed two nights in a row with company.”

“Who was the company last night?” she asks.

“Katherine called round, and all I’ll say is, I was slightly underdressed.” I really wish I hadn’t said it, because the look on Sarah’s face tells me she is furious. I must admit Katherine kind of had the same effect on me.

“That woman is going to be the death of me. Tell me what happened.”

I tell her the story and don’t leave anything out, because I know she will find parts of it amusing. I was right; we have a good laugh together about it. In the rear view mirror, I’m sure I see Murphy laugh as well. I know Joan found it all amusing, and he was keen to see the back of Katherine. She must have that effect on everyone. It would be easier if I could get along with her, if only for Alex’s benefit.

“So, Elizabeth, how is your adorable little niece, Lucy?” Sarah asks. “That beautiful baby girl has stolen my heart. She is perfect. And, as for your brother, Ethan, how is he coping now? Can I tell you something? He is handsome, but that didn’t surprise me at all.”

“She gets bigger every day, it amazes me, how much she changes more every time I see her. I do still see her like her mother, but that doesn’t surprise me. Lindsay was a beautiful woman. As for Ethan, he is doing much better—back at work and starting to get into a routine. I know he misses Lindsay terribly still, but his life is moving in the right direction—forward—and I know Lindsay would want that for him, Should I inform Richard that he’s competing with a younger model?” I smile as the words leave my mouth.

“Elizabeth, I may be a bit older, but I can still appreciate a fine young man when I see one. And as I see it, it does no harm to look.” Sarah laughs. She does have a good sense of humour. I didn’t see that side of her on her visit to Scotland. I’m glad I get on with her, although I still have doubts over whether Alex and I have a future together. Regardless of what happens with us, I have made a good friend.

I try not to dwell on my relationship. I’m trying to take one day at a time. Alex has opened up to me about how he feels, but I’m scared to do the same. I know the minute I do, decisions will have to be made, and I don’t think either of us is prepared for that. It’s not that I don’t love him, because I do. I fell pretty fast for him.

Then there’s the media spotlight he lives in. That’s a whole different ball game altogether, and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. I can only try, but I’m not a fan of the media. They have a way of twisting the truth, to sell their papers. And when truth is twisted, there are always bound to be people hurt along the way.

The car starts to slow down before coming to a stop.

“Elizabeth, that’s us here.”