by Ami Snow
WEREWOLF ROMANCE
By: Jennifer Mckenzie
The Glamorous Howl
Chapter One
I unlocked the doors to the boutique and flicked the switch on the wall. The store became swathed in light. It was a crisp autumn morning so I was quick to get the heating going. As manageress it was part of my job to open up each morning, the girls soon to follow. But I always tried to make sure the place was warm and welcoming before they arrived.
When I had taken the position three years ago it had only been a temporary contract, but I enjoyed it so much I had decided to stay on. I was fortunate enough to have employers who were happy to leave me to run things. So it felt more like having my own place rather than just working here.
The girls who worked with me were all wonderful. All hardworking and an asset to the company. We had grown to be more like family than colleagues. Me being the auntie and confidant to each of them.
I poured coffee beans into the pot and switched it on. My nostrils soon filling with aromatic scents. As I pulled back the blinds the suns morning rays flooded the store. Lighting the array of clothes that dressed the mannequins.
My hand went out to touch the delicate fabric of a nearby dress. I took a deep breath, wishing yet again that I could one day afford to purchase something from here myself.
Crystals Boutique was one of the most expensive places to buy clothes in the city. Only the rich could splurge their earnings shopping here. And it was our job to ensure that the people who came here were pampered and their every desire catered for.
Sometimes I did get infuriated when there was a particularly awkward customer that I had to deal with. Certain ladies who came to purchase one of our exclusive designs were some of the most arrogant people I had met. Yet I had to remain patient. Always speaking to them with a smile. Ready to assist in any way that I can as a professional.
The door suddenly opened in a rush. Izzy dashed inside, the end of her nose red from the cold. She shivered as she stood before the fire that was set into an alcove on the far wall. Izzy gave me a large smile as she removed her coat and hung it out in the staff area.
“So Clarissa, how was your weekend?” Izzy gushed.
“Just me and Sophie as always,” I laughed.
“You two need to come on a girlie night with me and my friends. You would have a great time.”
“Maybe one day.”
Izzy was a lovely girl but I couldn’t imagine joining her on a girlie night out. She often told me and the other girls the tales of what she and her friends got up too. Playing pranks, teasing the men, and flirting with the doormen to get into VIP areas. At thirty eight I had grown out of such antics years ago.
Now I spent my Saturday nights with my best friend Sophie. She would come round to the apartment early. Leaving her boyfriend Chris to go out with his friends while she spent time with me. We had been friends since school, and had grown to be inseparable over the years.
We would settle on the couch, choosing a movie to watch while we drank our wine. Pulling the menus from the drawer and debating whether to have Thai or Indian. Chatting about the week we had had. Always laughing at the tales she told of her and Chris.
I knew Sophie wanted me to find a man, and had often set me up on dates with Chris’s friends and colleagues. I just hadn’t found someone that I had connected with yet. They had either been arrogant, or just dull and boring. I wanted to be with a man who electrified me, who made me feel alive. She had been lucky in finding Chris, and I was sure that the right man was out there for me. I was just to meet him.
Cindy came through the door and I welcomed her arrival. As expected, Izzy was instantly distracted. The two young girls laughing as they caught up after the weekend. I smiled as I turned the sign on the door to indicate that we were open for business.
The telephone suddenly rang shrilly, causing me to jump. Quickly I picked up the receiver. Hearing a man’s voice on the other end of the line, I introduced myself. I lifted my hand to silence the girls so that I could hear his gentle voice. Nodding patiently as I listened to his requests.
As I replaced the telephone the girls looked at me expectantly. Desperate to hear who had called. I couldn’t prevent my smiles as I turned to face them. Nervously smoothing down my skirt as I considered the importance of our new situation.
“That was the attendant to Mr Harry Forester. Apparently he would like to book the boutique for a couple of hours this afternoon so that he can treat his sister to some new clothes. Of course, for security reasons, we will have to close while he is here. But he will expect the best champagne and canapés I am sure. So everything needs to be perfect before his arrival,” I told them.
Like giddy school girls Izzy and Cindy clapped their hands excitedly. I could understand their enthusiasm. It was always a boost to the business when someone rich and famous came. Not only did we earn a healthy commission for our efforts, but we would soon be the talk of the city. So other customers would be sure to follow.
Harry Forester was highly regarded throughout the city. Not only with other business moguls but also with the normal people on the street. He had come from a humble background, yet now he owned billions. Yet he was always ready to give to charities and the less fortunate. He was adored by everyone. And still people knew little about his private life. Only that he had a younger sister, and that his parents were looked after on his vast estate.
Chapter Two
As the time drew closer to Mr Forester’s arrival we were all filled with nerves. We had to ensure that everything was perfect. I sent Izzy to the local deli to collect some canapés, laying out the food along with napkins and our finest silverware. Taking a bottle of champagne from our store in the back I popped the cork and set it into an icebox to keep it chilled.
I held my breath as a tall muscular man entered the store. He looked around before offering me his hand to shake.
“I’m Curtis, Mr Forester’s head of security. I just need to take a look around to be confident the store is fully secured,” he said with a brief smile.
“Of course. Feel free,” I replied.
We waited patiently as Curtis went into every room. Checking the dressing rooms, and the office area beyond. I heard him rattle to rear door. Clearing making sure that no-one could enter through there and catch him by surprise. With a nod of approval, Curtis opened the main door to the store. Beckoning to colleagues that everything was in order.
I took a step back as Mr Forester came through the door. Although I had seen many photographs of him in the past, he was much better looking in reality. He towered above me as he leant to kiss my hand. A broad smile on his lips as he thanked me for organizing the store for him.
Taking a seat beside him, I began to quiz him about the type of clothes that he would like to see. While we spoke I struggled to remain focused on the job in hand. Yet I was finding it increasingly hard not to become absorbed within the crystal blue of Mr Forester’s eyes. His blonde hair was cropped short, and the suit that he wore was free of any creases. Enhancing his muscular frame beneath.
The girls began bringing clothes from the rails. Elegant dresses, flowing blouses and tight fitting skirts. Mr Forester eyed them careful. His hands covering every inch of the material to see the quality of the stitching.
“Have you seen anything that you think your sister will like Mr Forester?” I asked politely.
“Please call me Harry. As far as Rebecca goes, she would love anything that I purchase from here. She is always raving on about the clothes in your boutique Miss,” he replied.
“Clarissa please.”
“Well, now that we are on first name terms there is something else that I would like to ask. Would you possibly model some of the clothes for me?”
“Of course Harry. I will get one of the girls for you,” I told him obligingly.
Harry rested his hand upon my arm as he shook his head. His eyes met mine, a kind glint flashing within their depths.
“No Clari
ssa. I would like you to model them for me,” he said quietly.
My hand went to my throat as I looked at him, stunned by his request. No-one usually asked me to model the clothes. Preferring to see one of the much slimmer girls parading the garments. I felt my cheeks grown red as Harry waited for my response.
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t one of the other girls be a better option for you?” I asked shyly.
“When I like to see clothes, I prefer them to be modelled by a lady who has a curvaceous figure. I beautiful figure such as yours,” Harry whispered.
I rose from my seat, heading into the dressing rooms slowly. My mind was filled with the kind remark that Harry had just made. Although I was happy with the figure that I had, I did often wonder how men saw me. Well aware that I may not be appealing to many of the single men in the city. Yet I was loathed to change my appearance to please them. Hoping instead to find a man who loved me for the person that I was rather than the outer shell.
Slipping a silk dress on I relished the feel of it against my skin. Sashing back into the room and noting the look of approval that Harry gave me. I began to change into different outfits. Either receiving a nod or shake of the head depending on whether or not Harry liked it. A large pile was soon mounting on the counter ready to be wrapped in our exclusive packaging.
As I finished modelling the clothes, Harry thanked me again. Cindy and Izzy were busy ringing the figures through the cash register. Their eyes wide as they saw the balance mount. Harry stopped me suddenly, pulling me to one side so that the others wouldn’t overhear.
“I would like to thank you properly for all you have done for me today,” he began gently.
“I was just doing my job Harry. It’s fine honestly.”
“No Clarissa, you went the extra mile for me and I am very grateful. Please, would you join me for dinner this evening?”
After a moments consideration I finally agreed. Butterflies fluttered inside me as we made the arrangements. Yet again Harry had left me stunned. When I came into work this morning I had no idea that my day would end like this. A large commission for the garments Harry had purchased, and a date for the evening.
Chapter Three
As soon as I arrived home I called Sophie to tell her my news. Holding the receiver away from my ear as she squealed in delight. I laughed as I told her about my day. Still finding it hard to believe myself. One of the most important men in the city wanted to dine with me. A mere boutique manageress who he had only met earlier in the day.
I stepped into the shower, feeling the hot spray against my skin as I lathered myself with shower gel. After dampening my hair I ran shampoo through my long black locks. Reluctantly leaving the warmth of the shower to towel myself dry.
Opening the door to my closet I pondered on what to wear. It was a chilly evening, but I wanted to look my best for Harry. Finally I opted for a knee length patterned dress, its delicate shades complimenting my dark skin. I slipped into a pair of black heels and chose a matching purse to complete the look.
In front of the dressing table mirror I carefully applied my make-up. The colors used drawing attention to my deep brown eyes. After drying my hair I tied it high, enhancing my cheek bones.
Once ready I nervously waited for Harry’s driver to arrive. Harry hadn’t told me where we would be going for the evening. So I was unsure of what to expect as the intercom announced the driver’s presence.
My mouth fell open in shock as I reached the street below. A stretch black limo was waiting for me. The driver waiting patiently as he held open the door. I slid onto the plush leather seat, making myself comfortable as the car pulled away from the curb.
Sometime later and the limo turned onto a sweeping driveway. The large iron gates we had passed through closing behind us silently. I could hear the gravel crunching under the weight of the car as it came to a stop before the impressive mansion.
The walls were painted white, with imposing columns on either side of a large oak door. There were an array of windows, each with shutters and balconies to enjoy the views of the grounds. Tall trees sheltered the property from prying eyes, still full of lush green leaves. Flowers filled the beds, casting a variety of color amongst the foliage.
I took the hand of the driver as he helped me from the limo, smoothing my dress as he led me to the main door. A butler greeted me warmly, ushering me inside as the driver excused himself. My heels clicked loudly upon the marble floor as I followed the butler across the hall. Entering a large lounge, the elderly man announced my arrival.
Harry was waiting for me before a large open fire, a glass of champagne in his hand. He flashed me a large smile as he crossed the room to greet me. Planting a gentle kiss upon my cheek and motioning toward a seat. Quickly he offered me a drink, which I sipped at delicately as I took in my surroundings.
There were paintings upon the walls, depicting scenes of hunts and elegant gentlemen. Portraits of horses with beautiful women side-saddle upon their backs. Delicate ornaments adorned some of the surfaces around the room. While books and reference journals filled the tables.
“I hope you don’t mind dining here with me. It is just so much easier than eating out,” Harry explained.
“I can imagine that is a problem for you,” I agreed.
“You have no idea! There is no chance to relax and enjoy a meal when people are always approaching you. Then there are the security issues to consider. Curtis won’t allow me to go anywhere unless he has checked it out first. It can grow tiresome sometimes,” he continued with a heavy sigh.
“Eating here is fine Harry. You have a very beautiful home,” I answered in awe.
As we talked I began to feel more at ease. I had expected Harry to perhaps be a little aloof. Yet he was down to earth, speaking to me as an equal. I found that we had the same sense of humor. Often breaking down into laughter as we sat getting to know each other.
We both turned as the butler reappeared, politely announcing that dinner was served before retreating again. I linked my arm through Harry’s as we headed into the dining room. It was decorated in rich shades of red. The large oak table seating over twenty people. Harry held out my chair, taking his own seat at the head of the table.
My stomach rumbled as my starter was placed before. The delicate aromas filling my nostrils. Harry filled our glasses, giving a toast as the crystal clinked against each other. Taking a small bite of the food I couldn’t hide my pleasure at the sumptuous taste.
“Don’t your family join you for meals?” I asked curiously.
“Rebecca is on a date. And my parents have their own wing and usually prefer to eat there.”
I nodded with understanding. I imagined that the mansion could sometimes be rather imposing. Although Harry seemed to be a level headed person, his home was very lavish. It was clearly his pride and joy. He also clearly ran aspects of his business from home. So he needed to make the right impression to potential investors and business colleagues.
Throughout the evening I found Harry’s company engaging. Discovering that we had a lot in common was enlightening. I hadn’t expected to find that a billionaire could possibly have an interest in someone who simply worked in a boutique. Yet he appeared to be interested in everything that I had to say. Often nodding in agreement when talk came to things such as politics.
The clock above the fireplace struck midnight as I arrived home sometime later. It had been such a wonderful evening I hadn’t wanted it to end. I changed into my nightclothes and slipped into bed. Although I felt exhausted, my mind was still racing with thoughts of Harry. The image of him swimming before my eyes as finally I drifted off to sleep with a smile upon my lips.
Chapter Four
At work the following day the girls were keen to hear about my dinner date with Harry. Although I tried, I couldn’t hide my excitement as I told them of the night’s events. They were in awe as I described how his driver collected me in a limo. Explaining in detail the mansion that I owned and dining there.
> Harry and I had organized to meet at the weekend and I was eager to see him again. As soon as I woke this morning my mind had been filled with thoughts of him. Recalling our conversations and how we had laughed together.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I served the customers. Not because I felt that I should, simply because I was so happy. Even though I had only been alone with him for one evening, I had felt an instant attraction to Harry.
The door to the boutique opened causing me to turn to the sound. A young man came inside, holding a large bouquet of flowers. With a furrowed brow I stepped forward to greet him.
“Miss Moore?” he asked politely.
“Yes, that’s me,” I replied cautiously.
“These are sent with Mr Forester’s regards.”
A smile spread across my face as I accepted the gift that Harry had sent. Feeling the girl’s eyes boring into my back as they looked on. I inhaled deeply to take in the sweet aromas. Thanking the delivery driver before he left.
“It looks like someone has an admirer,” Izzy gushed as she rushed toward me.
My cheeks flushed as I accepted her embrace. I hated to admit it but I was flattered by Harry’s attention. With a swell in my heart I picked out the card, opening the envelope to read what was written inside. A broad smile spreading across my face as I saw the romantic remark that Harry was patiently waiting to see me again. I was shocked to realize that I felt like a little school girl again. Full of excitement at the prospect of building a relationship with him.
As predicted for the next few days the boutique was rushed with customers. All eager to know what the infamous Mr Harry Forester had bought for his sister so that they could get the same. I was grateful to be kept busy. Meaning that I had no time to dwell about seeing Harry again.
So before I knew it, it was the day of our second date. Harry hadn’t told me what he had planned for us. Just telling me to dress casually as we wouldn’t be leaving the estate. I chose a pair of leggings and a loose blouse, along with a pair of flat heeled shoes. Grabbing a jacket I headed down to the ground floor to meet the driver.
