Read Online Vanilla On Top by C.J. Ellisson - Free Book Online Page B

senses as I enter. The muted lighting and loud music almost feel at odds with one another, each giving off a separate and distinct vibe. Coats, chaps, boots, shirts, pants—dozens of colors and textures hang on racks and wall displays. You name it, it’s here and made of leather.
    A rugged man in his late thirties with sideburns and a wickedly sexy grin approaches me. “Can I help you find something today?”
    I try my best not to stare at the swirl of colorful tattoos over his chest and arms peeking behind his skimpy black leather vest. “Yes. I like the black corset in the window.”
    His smile grows, and the twinkle in his eye makes me think he’s picturing it on me as we speak. “Sure thing. Follow me and I’ll help find your size.”
    I trail after him toward the back of the shop, noticing his leather pants really show off his butt nicely. “Here we are.” He whips around and my face burns, sure he’s caught me staring at his backside.
    “Thank you.” I reach blindly for the rack, willing the redness to pass. “Uh…how are these sized?”
    “Some are small, medium, and so on. Others are bra band sizes.” He eyes me with masculine appreciation, no hint of reproof or judgment that I might not be well endowed up top. “You look like a thirty-four, that about right?”
    My facial burn returns, as I try to look anywhere but at his welcoming face. “Yes, that’s right.”
    The salesman pulls out a beautifully intricate style, something I never would have chosen. The bodice is offset with a black embroidered swirling design, reminiscent of vines and leaves. He turns the corset around to expose an open-back weave design, large crisscrossing straps of leather instead of the traditional solid back with corset ties.
    Immediately, my mind goes to Tony’s hands running down my back last night, almost reverent in their touch. A slight chill runs through me as I extend a hand to accept the hanger. “I’ll try this one, thanks.”
    He nods toward the dressing rooms, giving me space to get there on my own. My eyes sink to the bulge in the front of his pants, well hugged and cupped by leather. My voice rings out before I’m even conscious of the thought, “How about pants, too?”
    Within thirty minutes I’ve bought leather pants that fit like second skin and a corset top to pair with it. If the hint of appreciation in the salesman’s eye is anything to go by, they look damn good on me. Anticipation spikes through me. What would Carla say if she saw me in such a get up?
    I’d like to think she’d hoot and holler for me, but with the way we’ve been at odds lately, I’m not too sure. Warmth starts low in my middle when I ponder what Tony would say. I bargain he’d love the outfit — what man doesn ’ t like a woman in tight leather?
    I travel to the mall, which is near the coffee shop where I agreed to meet Tony later, and remember last night. Our mutual ending was out of this world hot. I never expected it would go so smoothly, not in a million years. I’d enjoyed hearing about his likes and interests, even though he divulged little about his family.
    But, who am I to complain? If I’m perfectly honest, I haven’t exactly presented myself as I really am, more like who I’d like to become. Can I meld this new me with the old me?
    I stop in front of a shoe display, eyeing the expensive designer shoes I’d never normally buy. The spike heels and strappy designs scream sex . I walk in, zeroing in on the handsome salesman near the counter. His olive skin and brown hair remind me a little of Tony, and the idea of shopping and pretending it’s him intrigues me. I smile and he jumps to attention, rushing over to assist me.
    “Hi. Was there a style that caught your eye in the window? I’d be happy to get it for you.”
    I can do this. I can flirt and not stumble on my words. I nod. “The red ones with the silver heel, please.”
    He gestures to an empty chair near the front of the store. “Please, take a