Intensity Read Online Free Page B

pressed a buzzer and within seconds another woman brought out drinks and finger foods on a silver cart.
    You’ve got to be freaking kidding me. Ugh! This was all too much.
    Two women entered the room. Both looked younger than me, dressed in gold silk tops and black pants. They could be twins and wore similar, professional expressions that said, “Let’s do this.” Moments later with arms full of clothes, they rushed off to a room behind Mylaynee. I watched it all unfold like the movie, Pretty Woman . Ready to pinch myself to make sure I hadn’t been magically transported to the set.
    A loud clap broke me out of my trance. “Okay everyone. This is Serena. Lincoln sent her to us. She gets a complete wardrobe. Tricia and Katrina, keep the clothes coming including undergarments, shoes, everything.”
    The twins nodded.
    “I’ll help her get dressed. The rest of you know what to do.”
    They all smiled.
    Liza ushered me into a gold-draped dressing room with a couch and dresses galore hanging everywhere. An antique mirror positioned in the corner and classical music filled the small space—tranquil and regal at the same time.
    “Serena,” Liza’s voice jolted me. “This may seem a little overwhelming, but we’ll take good care of you.” She squeezed my arm. “Have fun, enjoy it. It’s nice to get all dolled up.” Her sweet smile made my heart pinch, but I returned the gesture.
    “Thank you, for everything,” I whispered.
    “It’ll be okay. You’ll see.”
    Like a hidden message, I could hear Gram’s voice as she said those exact words to me the last three years of her precious life. A huge lump formed in my throat.
    Goodness, why were these memories hitting me now?
    I sucked in a shuddered breath and looked down at my twisting hands, getting control so I didn’t make an idiot of myself in front of complete strangers.
    A dark green dress shimmered in front of me. Thick wide straps darted to a sweetheart neckline. A thin, diamond chain hung around the middle. The length might sit a little above the knee, but I couldn’t tell for sure until I put it on. It looked…modest.
    Huh, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
    Then Liza flipped it around.
    My mouth fell open.
    The material scooped way down and would no doubt dip to my ass. I guess I should be grateful that wasn’t the front.
    “That is the back, right?”
    Liza laughed. “It’s going to look amazing with your hair and skin color. Just wait and see. Come on, let’s get you in it.”
    I didn’t look in the dressing room mirror after we slipped it on. Instead I kept staring at the silvery mesh stilettos, hoping I didn’t trip on the way out.
    “It fits you perfectly, dear. Go out to the platform and let Maria and Kara take a look. They’re the seamstresses and have a great eye. I’m sure they’ll agree though.”
    When I entered the room, all eyes darted my way. A chorus of gasps and sighs could be heard throughout the space. One step onto the platform, and I still hadn’t looked in the mirror. Chicken.
    Mylaynee rushed up to me, clasping my hand in hers. “Damn, girl. That color is stunning on you. I got chills. Imagine what Linc will do when he sees you.”
    I giggled, and my nerves settled a bit.
    Behind me, the seamstresses murmured to each other, tugging and adjusting the fabric.
    I winked at Mylaynee. “Thanks.”
    “On our way home, I’ll pick up an oxygen mask and a defibrillator for Linc.”
    The room swelled with laughter, and the remainder of the afternoon passed by with light-hearted banter as I tried on one outfit after another, complete with shoes and the sexiest lingerie I’d ever seen.
    The ladies treated me like a princess .
    All the while the little voice in my head countered, “Fool.”

Promptly at six, I entered the lounge. The enormous room must run the entire length of the building. Walls painted the same platinum color as Linc’s office gave it a chic vibe. When I got to the bar in the back corner, an