Page 32 of What's the time, Mr. Wolfe
I tried on trousers and shirts, flat shoes, and another midnight blue, full-length dress. That one slinked over my body and because it was satin, it caused my nipples to pucker. He noticed that, of course. Another pair of high heels accompanied that dress.
By the time we were done, I had added smart jeans, some polo shirts, and jumpers. I refused a new coat. I loved the red one and fully intended to wear that.
“Bag all this up, please,” he said to the shopper as I handed the last item from the dressing room. I slipped on my dress and Dr Marten boots and joined him. He handed her a credit card.
We followed her to a till and I nearly fell on the floor when it rang up the total. He’d spent over three thousand pounds on me. I opened my mouth to speak.
“Strike two,” I heard quietly. I looked at him. He had two fingers stroking the side of his face.
“I didn’t say anything,” I whispered back.
“You were about to. Be happy.”
I was, in fact. I couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of the new clothes. I then felt a pang of dismay. Other than work, I had nowhere to wear the dresses. Maybethat would change. Perhaps there would be work outings I’d be invited to.
I took his hand in mine as he paid and squeezed it. He didn’t look down, but squeezed back. I leaned in close.
“Thank you. Honestly, I know I’m a bitch most times, but I really do appreciate what you’re doing for me.”
He took back his card and the receipt and then smiled down at me. He gave me a wink and I all but melted inside.
“I’m still not paying you back with sex, though. You can keep asking,” I said, then grabbed my bags and walked off.
“Strike three,” he called out, and I laughed.
I jogged back to the entrance and slid into the car before he got there. The driver took a call, and I noticed Sebastian walking towards the car, also on the phone. I started to get excited, but also worried. I wanted to know what happened after strike three but didn’t at the same time.
He slid into the seat and didn’t look at me, let alone speak.
The car pulled away. I sat and stared at him; he looked forwards. He must have known I was looking at him, I’d turned in my seat to face him.
We drove past my house, past the office, and outtowards Kent. I panicked a little at that point. I sat straight in my seat and looked out the window. Eventually, we pulled up at metal gates and waited for them to open.
A tree lined drive led towards a large modern house. The car stopped outside. Sebastian opened his door while the driver opened mine. I went to gather the bags.
“Leave them,” Sebastian said, and it was the first time he’d spoken since we’d left the store. His voice was gravelly.
I did as I was told and stood by the car, not sure what to do.
“Come,” he said.
I didn’t want to, but my legs had other ideas. I walked towards him, and the driver carried my bags to the front door. He opened it, not Sebastian, and placed them in the vast hall. I followed Sebastian in. The hall was cool and white, with a marble floor and grand staircase to one side.
When the driver closed the front door behind him, we were left standing in the vast space together. He stared at me.
“What’s the time, Mr. Wolfe?” I whispered.
“One O’clock,” he replied.
I took one step closer to him.
“What’s the time, Mr. Wolfe,” I asked again.
“Four O’clock,” he said.
I took four steps. My body was touching his. I looked down, keeping my eyes closed.
“What’s the time, Mr. Wolfe?” I whispered.
