Page 29 of Captured Love

“Just try them on,” she encourages. “No commitment required. And look, they have stretch!”

I take a deep breath and accept the jeans from her. “Okay, fine. But if they don't fit, we never speak of this again.”

Isla mimes zipping her lips. “Deal. Now go. I'll grab a few tops that would look cute with them.”

With the jeans and an armful of blouses and sweaters Isla picked out, I make my way to the fitting room. Kate unlocks a door for me with a reassuring smile.

“Take your time! And remember, if you need anything I’m right here, gorgeous.”

Her unprompted kindness catches me off guard. “Oh, um, thank you,” I stammer before ducking inside.

In the privacy of the dressing room, I strip down to my underwear and avoid looking at myself in the mirror. With a deep breath, I slip on the first pair of jeans Isla picked out. I'm surprised when they glide over my curves without resistance. Slowly, I turn to face the mirror.

The girl looking back at me looks...good. Really good. The jeans hug my hips and thighs in all the right places, smoothing and shaping rather than squeezing and pinching like I'm used to. For the first time in a long time, I actually feel sexy in a pair of jeans.

Fighting back a smile, I try on one of the tops. It’s a flowy, off-the-shoulder burgundy blouse. The color is stunning against my red hair and the drape of the fabric skims over my stomach in a way that makes me look effortlessly chic rather than self-conscious about my midsection.

I can't help but do a little twirl in front of the mirror, watching the way the outfit moves with me. I feel confident, beautiful, like I could take on the world. Tears rise again at the corners of my eyes. When was the last time I felt this good about myself?

A soft knock at the door startles me out of my reverie. “Selene? How's it going in there?” Isla's voice filters through.

“I'm...I'm good, actually.” My voice shakes slightly. “Really good. I think you need to see this.”

I open the door and step out. Isla's hands fly to her mouth as she squeals in delight. “That outfit was made for you. Seriously, you're a total bombshell.”

I can't help but grin. “You really think so? I don't know, it's been a while since I felt this good in clothes...”

“Oh this makes me so happy! I did ask Kate to grab a couple of other things for you to try on. And if I’m doing too much, please tell me.”

My gaze narrows at her. “Isla, what did you do?”

At that moment, Kate appears with some more clothes, but not too many thank goodness. However, when I notice that several of them have lace, I know this is actually what Isla was referring to. “I found a few more pieces I thought would be perfect for you and a few pieces of lingerie if you’re interested.”

I feel my cheeks grow red as I take in the lacy lingerie Kate is holding up. “Oh, um, I don't know about all that,” I barely get out, but I manage to shoot Isla a look.

She just grins at me. “Come on, Selene. You deserve to feel sexy, inside and out. At least try a couple pieces on?”

Kate chimes in, “The material is so soft, you'll forget you're even wearing it.”

My eyes dart between the two women in front of me before I give in.

“Okay, fine,” I relent, taking the garments from Kate. “But if I hate them, I’m never speaking to you again!”

“Yeah, yeah whatever. If you need me, just holler. I’ll be trying on my own clothes.”

Back in the fitting room, I slip a matching bra and panty set in a rich plum color over my own underwear. The bra has a plunging neckline that showcases my cleavage in a way that manages to be both tasteful and sexy. The panties are a cheeky boyshort style that highlights the curve of my ass.

I take a deep breath before turning to face the mirror. The reflection staring back at me takes my breath away. The lingerie hugs my curves in all the right places, accentuating my figure rather than trying to hide it. I feel powerful just wearing this for myself. For the first time in a long time, I don't immediately zero in on my perceived flaws. Instead, I see a confident, sexy womanlooking back at me. Not to mention I notice the gains I’ve been making at the gym as well. All of this is a reminder that I am more than just my doubts and insecurities.

I hear Kate's muffled voice from outside the fitting room. “Are you okay in there? Do you need help with anything?”

A smile plays on my lips as I call back, “I'm fine, thank you for this. I'll be out in a minute.”

Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I straighten my posture, feeling a newfound sense of confidence that is anything but fake. With a deep breath, I push open the door and allow Kate to see me.

“Wow,” Kate says as she checks that the items fit properly. “Told you the lingerie would make you feel amazing.”

“You’re right. I’ll definitely take these and maybe another set if you have them in a different color?”

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