Page 46 of Game Over

Lock and Key

If I ever had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting her piece of shit ex in public, his face was going to get the pleasure of becoming acquainted with my fist. Your girlfriend is struggling with her mental health, and your first thought is to make her feel crazy? What a fucking douchebag.

I rolled my shoulders to release the tension building there and followed behind Allie as we made our way to the starting point of stores. Stopping in the middle of the store, I let her decide which one to go to first. She tapped her foot on the ground, head swiveling back and forth for a moment before speaking.

“Well, the dress store, obviously, and then I’ll pair the shoes and jewelry with it from there. I have to start with a base layer and base everything around that.” Always one with a thought-out plan.

“Oh, yes, of course, how could I be so forgetful. After you, beautiful.” We headed to the dress store, and I placed my hand on the small of her back as I ushered her inside. I could feel the shiver that made its way down her spine at the contact.

The staff came to greet us and offer us champagne while we shopped. Allie picked out a few dresses to start with. I took a seat in front of the area where she could stand on the small podium and look at all angles. Pulling my phone out while I waited, I double checked the bookstore’s hours to make sure we would have plenty of time for her to shop for anything she wanted and not to feel rushed. As long as the search was correct and we didn’t run into any problems, she’d have plenty of time to browse and hopefully get whatever she wanted. As long as she didn’t fight me, however, knowing her, she’d try.

“Okay, so here’s the first one, it’s like an emerald green color, but I don’t know how I feel about the fit in the chest and shoulders. What do you think?”

The dress made a light swishing noise as she walked out in a floor-length green dress with straps that sat on the sides of her shoulders and was fitted to her body like a glove.

“I think that it shows your curves in a way I don’t want other men to ogle you. It’s jaw-dropping, that’s for sure.” I held my hand up and twirled my finger in a motion so she’d do a little twirl for me. “How do you feel in it, though?” While she was looking at herself in the mirror, I quickly snapped a couple of pictures of her in case she wanted them.

“Calm down, caveman. No one is going to be ogling anything.” She let out a small laugh and turned in the mirrors, taking the dress in. “I don’t love it, but the color is nice. I’m gonna try the others on before I pick.” She headed back to the dressing room to try the next one on. Two more dresses were marked off because she didn’t like how they looked, or the fabric felt weird. On the fourth one, she walked out wearing a sparkling black dress that tied in the back and cinched in the waist, kind of like a corset. The glittering fabric flowed from the bottom of the waist down to the floor and trailed ever so slightly behind her. When she stepped onto the podium, I noticed on the right leg there was a slit that went from the floor to right above mid-thigh.

Fuck did she look gorgeous.

“This is it. This is the one. What do you think?” She was absolutely glowing when she turned around to me. The happiness and confidence radiating from her was potent. I set my champagne down and walked over to her, careful not to mess up the delicate fabric on the dress.

“I think you look absolutely exquisite in this dress, and I can’t wait to escort you in front of everyone. To be able to say that this beautiful woman is mine.” The last word came out on a growl, causing her cheeks to flame as she twisted her fingers together.

“You’re sure it isn’t too much? I can find something that doesn’t show so-” I cut her off. I wasn’t going to let her mind and past experiences ruin how she felt.

“It’s perfect, sweetheart, just like you. So this is the one, huh?”

“I love it so much, I just need to check the price.”

“Nope. I told you I’m spoiling you today.” I looked around for the sales

woman helping her. “We’ll take this one, please. Thank you.” Her mouth opened and closed, lost for what to say. Finally, her brain caught up, and she grabbed my arm.

“Spencer, no. Seriously, I can get this. I don't need you to buy this. Help me get this price tag so I can check it.” She started spinning in a little circle, trying to reach the back. It was amusing, but I also didn’t want her to hurt herself or the dress. I grabbed her hips to stop her twirling and pulled her into me. She let out a sharp exhale as she placed her hands on my arms. Those hazel eyes were filled with so many conflicting emotions. I leaned in closer, my lips ghosting hers as I spoke.

“Allie, what did I tell you earlier? I want to do this, so please let me. Let someone spoil and do something for you simply because they want to. Please, baby girl.” She swallowed, her shoulders tense, still unsure of how to answer. Another moment passed until finally she let out a deep breath, smiling, and dropped her shoulders.

“Hmm, maybe I could get used to you spoiling me.” She smirked as she

stepped down from the podium to go change back into her clothing.

“Now that’s what I like to hear,” I smacked her ass as she walked away.

“Let's go find you the other pieces of your outfit, pretty girl.”

After we paid for the dress and gathered it in a protective bag, we headed

to the jewelry store next door, where we both looked at pieces. While Allie looked at the bracelets and earrings first, I stepped over so I could find a new watch and necklace. After debating, I went with a simple gold chain and a gold watch with a black watch face. Simple and elegant, just what I liked.

I headed back over to where Allie was now looking at necklaces to go with the golden diamond tennis bracelet she picked.

“I can’t decide which one I like most. I narrowed it down to these three, all different lengths, but it’s so hard. What do you think?”

“We’ll take all three of them. That way, you can wear them for other occasions too.”

“What’s next, a new purse? A new puppy? I only need one Spencer.” She rolled her eyes at me in disbelief. Stubborn woman. She’d fight me any chance she could if it came to me helping her.