Page 113 of Desperate Pucker
Her smile turns amused. “You want to take me dress shopping?”
Excitement flickers in my chest at the thought of watching Maddy try on a bunch of sexy dresses.
“Yeah. It’ll be fun.”
She bites her lip, her smile growing. “Okay.”
We walk up to a storefront in the upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver.
“I think this place is closed,” Maddy says, squinting at the darkened entrance.
I can’t help but smile when I knock on the glass door. “The owner’s opening the store just for us.”
Maddy’s mouth parts open right as a petite woman with short dark hair and a bright smile opens the door.
“Hello, Ryker?”
“Hi, Ms. Salonga. Thank you for opening your boutique for us today.”
I don’t miss the way Maddy’s eyes widen when she recognizes her name.
“Call me Kara. ‘Ms. Salonga’ makes me feel so old.” She chuckles. “Come on in.”
We follow her inside.
“You’re Kara Salonga,” Maddy says, her eyes bright. She’s starstruck.
Kara chuckles. “I am. And you’re Madeline Macer. I’m a huge fan.”
Maddy’s jaw drops, and she stammers. “You know who I am?”
Kara chuckles and gently pats Maddy’s arm. “Of course I know who you are. I’m a big figure skating fan. You are incredibly talented. And I’m so honored to have you shopping at my new store.”
She gestures around at the minimally decorated space. The walls are light pink, and the floor is made of smooth blonde-hued hardwood. There are built-in clothing racks along the walls, but they’re only half full.
“This is the space for my new evening wear collection,” Kara says. “I’m so honored to have you as the first official customer.”
Maddy turns to me, a shocked smile on her face.
“Aww she’s so surprised, I love it.” Kara laughs. She pats my arm. “Well done.”
She motions for us to follow her to the other side of the space. “Ryker tells me you have a black tie event coming up.”
“It’s Casino Night for the Denver Bashers hockey team. I work for them as a skating coach.”
“Oh, I love black tie events!” Kara stops at a rack full of evening gowns. “I selected these from my upcoming collection. No one has seen them yet, so I’m excited for you to try them on.”
Maddy’s eyes are glittery as she stares at the dozen gowns hanging along the wall.
“The dressing room is just behind that curtain. Try on as many of them as you’d like.” Kara smiles at Maddy. “Have fun.”
We both tell her thank you when she walks off.
Maddy turns to me, beaming. “Are you kidding me right now?”
I just smile and shrug.
“You requested a private shopping appointment for me at Kara Salonga’s new boutique—her new boutique that hasn’t even opened!” she squeals in a soft voice.
