Chapter Twenty-Eight - Self-conscious

McKenna

Paxton and I arrived at the dress shop not too long ago. It is weird being in here and it being locked. The staff have been lovely, though. They have been nice not only to Paxton but to me, too. I can’t believe he paid to close this place for us.

“Do you know what you are looking for?” the owner, Jill, asks.

I glance over at Paxton, “You know better than me what I need for the event.”

“I am sure you will look great in any of them.” He smiles.

“How about we find different styles and colours for you to try on?” Jill says.

I nod, “Sure. I don’t want anything to short of revealing.”

I feel a little nervous. I don’t know why, maybe because I still get self-conscious, and I will be trying dresses on in front of Paxton. Yes, he has seen me naked, which makes me sound ridiculous, but this is different. I know the type of women who are going to be at the event. They will be beautiful, skinny and perfect. I am far from perfect. I am sure some of the girls he has been with will be there. It is probably a good thing that what is going on with us is a secret because if anyone knew, they would soon realise I am not good enough for someone like Paxton.

I am beginning to spiral. I need to stop. The owner took us around the store, and I picked out four different dresses, all different styles and colours. Strapless, off-the-shoulder, long, mid-length and the colours vary from red, blue, purple and silver.

She showed us the way to the dressing room, hung the dresses up for me and left me to try them on. Paxton took a seat outside to wait for me. I sigh as I close the door behind me. I stare at the dresses. They are all beautiful, probably too beautiful for someone like me. The price of them is a little high too. As much as I hate my brother paying for my dress, I would rather him than Paxton. I hate not having enough money to afford it myself. I have some money, but not enough spare to buy something so pretty. I will pay him back, and if he refuses to take it, I will find another way to give him his money’s worth back.

I stripped it down and tried the silver one first. It is the off-the-shoulder one which is long; it will stop just above my ankles and is sparkly, too, with a slit up the right side. I pull it on and zip it up at the side. I stare at myself in the mirror. It is a stunning dress, but I don’t think it is the right one for my body shape.

I take a deep breath and step out of the changing room.

“Dress one,” I say.

The sound of my voice makes Paxton look up from his cell. He runs his eyes over me, and his eyes widen, “Wow. You look incredible.” He smiles, standing and coming towards me.

“It is a gorgeous dress, but I don’t think it is the right one for me.” I sigh.

He places his hand on my hip, “Why? What is wrong with it?”

“I don’t think it is right for my figure. It shows up my stomach, and my boobs are too small for it.” I say honestly.

“No, it doesn’t. You look amazing, and so do your boobs.” He says, smirking at the last part.

I laugh and shake my head, “Trust you to point that out.”

“I am being honest. I think you look beautiful, but I want you to wear something you feel comfortable in, dimples.” He smiles and strokes my cheek.

“Paxton, what are you doing? We are in public. Anyone could walk by, and you don’t know if you can trust the staff entirely.” I whisper.

He sighs and pulls back, “Sorry. I forgot for a moment.”

I tuck my hair behind my ear, “It is okay. I will try the second one on.”

I work my way through the other three dresses, but none of them seem to be what I want. I don’t feel comfortable in any of them. I hate this side of myself. Paxton and the owner loved them all on me, but it didn’t seem to change my mind.

As I removed the last one, there was a knock on the changing room door. “Hey, dimples, I have found another dress I think you may like.”

I open the door slightly to take it from him. I hang it up to look at it. It is a beautiful emerald colour. It is satin with a sweetheart neckline and thin straps. It is long with an opening up on the left side. It will probably show a little thigh, something I am not sure I am comfortable with. It is gorgeous, though; Paxton has good taste. Thank God we have two hours in here because I may need all that time.

I pull it on, and the satin feels nice and soft on my skin. I zip it up and glance at myself in the mirror. It seems to fit perfectly. It hugs my hips, doesn’t show up my belly, and even my boobs look good in it. It is perfect. It is the first one I feel comfortable in.

I step out, and Paxton is right outside the changing room. The second his eyes fall on me, he swallows hard before the biggest, brightest smile grows on his lips, and he stares at me in complete awe.

“Y-y-you look breathtaking.” He stammers out.

His reaction takes me aback. I have never made him stammer before. How he looks at me is causing butterflies in my stomach and my cheeks to flush.

“I think this is the one.” I smile.

“It really is perfect, angel. You will be the belle of the ball.” He compliments.

He glances around before coming closer and presses a soft kiss to my lips. It lasts only a moment before he parts from it. It is probably best considering where we are.

“You really do look incredible, McKenna. How do you feel in it?”

“I feel good in it.” I smile.

“Good. I am glad.” He replies and kisses my forehead.

I close my eyes and draw in a breath. He quickly pulls away and rubs the back of his neck, making sure there is a distance between us. I guess he didn’t mean to do that. I smile awkwardly and disappear back into the dressing room to change. At least I have finally found a dress. I check the price tag. I am surprised with the cost. I thought it would cost more. Six hundred dollars is a lot for a dress, but the other ones I tried on were nine hundred to over a thousand dollars each.

I will use the money I have to buy the heels to match. I change back into my clothes and take the dress to the counter, Paxton paying for it with a card.

“I thought my brother gave you the money?”

“He did, but he transferred it into my account.” He smiles.

I guess that makes sense. We get the dress, and Paxton pays for the time they were closed and left—Paxton with his cap and shades on again.

“Can I treat you to coffee and cake?” I ask.

“Sure, but I will treat you.” He says.

I shake my head, “No, I am paying. Do not argue with me.” I state firmly.

Paxton holds his hands up, “Fine.” He chuckles.

He paid for breakfast; I am paying for coffee and cake. It only seems fair.