Chapter 11: The Bikini Dilemma
733 Words
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The next morning, Linda and Liam drove to one of the most luxurious boutiques in town. The place screamed elegance, with chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and racks filled with the latest designer pieces. Linda, excited at the idea of shopping on someone else’s credit card, dived into the selection, trying on dress after dress.
But with every dress she picked, Liam had something to say.
“That one’s too short.”
Linda rolled her eyes. “It’s just above my knee.”
Liam’s expression didn’t change. “Still too short.”
She grabbed another one and held it against her body, examining herself in the mirror.
Liam sighed. “Too revealing.”
Linda turned to glare at him. “It literally covers everything!”
Liam smirked. “Barely.”
She groaned and reached for another dress, slipping into it before stepping out of the fitting room.
Liam didn’t even let her twirl before commenting, “Looks cheap.”
Linda threw her hands in the air, frustration written all over her face. “Then why don’t you pick something for me?”
Liam chuckled at her expression before leaning back against his chair, his arms crossed. “Relax, princess. I have a better idea.”
Linda narrowed her eyes. “Oh no, what now?”
“Let’s switch to bikinis.”
Her jaw dropped slightly. “Bikini? Why?”
“There’s a pool party tomorrow,” Liam said nonchalantly, checking his watch. “You need something that’ll make an impression.”
Linda gave him a suspicious look but shrugged, deciding to play along. She walked over to the swimwear section, running her fingers through the endless choices before picking something bold.
A deep red, two-piece bikini with thin straps that hugged her body in all the right places. The top accentuated her curves, and the high-cut bottoms elongated her legs, making her look nothing short of breathtaking.
Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, Linda stepped out of the dressing room, standing confidently in front of Liam.
Liam, who had been scrolling through his phone, glanced up casually—and froze.
His lips parted slightly, as if he had forgotten how to breathe. His throat went dry, and for the first time since they met, he was utterly speechless.
Linda smirked, walking closer, fully aware of the effect she was having on him. “What do you think?” she teased, tilting her head.
Liam swallowed hard, shifting in his seat. “Too revealing,” he muttered.
Linda bit her lip to suppress her laughter. She took a slow step forward, then another, until she was standing right in front of him. She bent down slightly, placing her hands on his chair's armrests, their faces only inches apart.
“A bikini is meant to look revealing, Liam,” she whispered, her voice soft and teasing. “And I’m supposed to stand out at this party.”
Liam clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening as he stared into hers.
Linda straightened up with a playful grin. “I’m keeping it.”
She turned and walked back into the dressing room, her hips swaying slightly.
Liam ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. No way. There was no way she was wearing that in public.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he muttered to himself, “She cannot wear that.”
After a few more tries with dresses—most of which still didn’t meet Liam’s standards—they finally settled on a few outfits, and Linda, triumphant with her bikini win, walked out of the boutique with her shopping bags in hand.
The drive home was awkwardly silent.
Linda glanced at Liam, noticing how his grip on the steering wheel was a little tighter than usual. He hadn’t said a word since they left the boutique, and she could almost hear the thoughts running through his head.
Smirking, she decided to push his buttons just a little more. “Liam?”
He hummed, eyes still on the road.
“So, about the pool party…” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “What color do you think I should paint my nails? Red to match the bikini, or something softer?”
Liam inhaled sharply, gripping the wheel even tighter.
Linda bit her lip, holding back her laughter. Oh, this was going to be fun.
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- Writer
