Too Late for Regret novel Chapter 40

pter 40

Analise’s POV

I was discharged this morning, with my doctor allowed me to leave early as I hadn’t been dizzy for over twenty–four hours. I was also instructed not to wash my hair for the next few days. Since I have an open wound, I can’t use dry shampoo either. I showered this morning, and just washed the ends of my hair. I stayed away from the open wound. I felt better after I showered.

I was wheeled down to the lobby, with Drew walking with me. I was happy to see Charlie pull up to the curb with the SUV. Gwen had taken an Uber to come to the hospital. She was riding back with me. We would go over the shoot as we headed back to my company. I created a group text for important matters that included

my parents and Seth. I told them that I had been released and that I was fine.

“Has everything been prepared?” I asked Gwen.

“Yes. Emily’s in makeup now, and they understand about your wound. They will be very careful. I told them that nothing can be sprayed on your hair. So one of them will stay behind to re–curl your hair if necessary.

Your dress is already in the dressing room, along with everything else you need. We’re ready to go when you are. Emily will teach you her patented moves. You know, the one that manages to show off each piece of jewelry. Emily makes it look effortless, but you were always a quick study in college. I know that you’ll shine. We’ll be doing a much bolder makeup on you today, since this is an advertisement, and the lights can wash you out. Just a heads up,” Gwen advised.

“I see you glossed over it again, Gwen. It’s starting to worry me. What are you putting me in?” I asked.

“Ana, you know what a print ad and commercials look like for jewelry or perfume. This isn’t your first go–around. You know what Emily usually wears. You know it’s usually a slinky dress. She dresses more conservatively for the handbags and watches. Jewelry has always been, what’s the best word for it, suggestive. When a woman is given an expensive set of jewelry, it is usually for her birthday, an anniversary, or for a reason. s*x is usually just around the corner. Just like with perfume ads, why are they wearing perfume? Because they are trying to attract someone, such as a husband or boyfriend. They want to feel sexy

or special, in that moment,” Gwen replied.

Charlie winked at me in the rear–view mirror, and I looked away, flushing. His low laugh didn’t go unnoticed by

Gwen, who was now looking back and forth between me and Charlie. I see a small smile playing on her lips,

and the wheels turning in her head. Thankfully, this photo shoot should wrap up quickly before she can come

up with some kind of harebrained plan to try to hook us up. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in him. He’s

very attractive.

I was ushered into a makeup chair as soon as we arrived. They got me ready quickly, and I was turned over to the hairdresser. He was quick and professional. He used a pick to make my waves stand out, but placed a comb between the pick and my scalp to keep from hitting my injury. I gasped when I saw Emily’s dress. She wore a cream colored slip dress with thin spaghetti straps. It was my design, but it was intended for a much slimmer person, who could go braless. Giving a delicious view, but not scandalous. It was a best seller in our

#OC

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MNN

1/4

O

< My Muse

line, and came in a variety of colors.

+15 Points >

Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to work for me. I glared at Gwen in the mirror, and she gave a little grin. She

had disappeared for twenty minutes while I was getting ready. Now she was back, acting as if I should be

happy with her dress choice. She knew why I was upset. Emily entered the dressing room behind us, and I

saw my dress. Unlike Emily’s dress, which was straight down, mine gathered at the waist, with an almost

“Just try it on. But first, we have something that will help. Put these pasties on, and we will help you put the

“You don’t have to, Ana. You know we are always here for you, no matter what. We have your back. We need to get you ready because the photographer will be here in twenty minutes. I need to show you my signature move, and we can see how you can tweak it to make it your own,” Emily told me.

I had put the pasties on, and they showed me how the adhesive worked. I have to admit I was impressed, as I wasn’t worried about a nip slip now. I felt covered, and my breasts looked great. I mean, seriously great, like I would go out to dinner in this dress after the photoshoot, great. The neckline was low, but you couldn’t see the adhesive bra. It was like gravity had been kind to me all these years. The dress skimmed me, clinging to my breasts and tapering in at my waist before flaring out. I was glad that Gwen got my undergarments from

my office.

+15 Points >

I turned around and loved the view from the back as well. The deep V was replicated on the back, showing even more skin than the front, in a larger, more daring neckline. I have to admit, Gwen was right. This dress looked fantastic on me. I was still so caught up with how I used to look, my mind couldn’t fully wrap around the fact that my body was much different from what it was before. Her grin told me that she already knew what I was thinking, and I didn’t have to say it, but I would.

“You were right,” I told her. “I didn’t think it would work, but it really does. I think I will have him take a few pictures for our online catalogue for others at the same size, or larger, can see how it looks on a larger figure.

“Absolutely, I think it will open us up to getting more business. I have more ideas, we should get together so I can outline what I was thinking,” Gwen replied. If you’re not reading this on Dreame/StaryNovel, it’s been stolen from Kat Von Beck.

“Set it up, Gwen. I have some ideas that I’d like to discuss with you, but the last week and a half have been incredibly busy. I have Roger and Holden dealt with now. I can move on to my own business,” I responded happily. I knew that Gwen was going to be on board with my ideas when she saw them, especially after she put me in this dress.

“We entered the studio where we filmed our ads. The walls were a glossy white color, and we added occasional decorations, like stacked blocks in various colors. Today, it was a light gray color. The colors were to enhance the clothing or whatever accessory we were promoting. The other side of the room was dark, and you couldn’t see anyone because of the lighting, which helped. I felt awkward, but I had practiced Emily’s move. The move was primarily for the video ad, but I continued practicing while we waited for the photographer to get everything set up as he wanted.

Emily watched me practice and smiled. “You always try to emulate it, as you were shown, but you just need to relax. You need to make it yoursAna. You need to act like you want your lover to get rock hard at seeing you in your jewelry. It’s a seduction, Ana. So don’t be afraid to show your feminine side. You’re not the boss right now. You’re a woman who loved the gift she was just given. A gift given to the woman he loves. It means something, so focus on the love. You need to show it by your eyes, lower your gaze to the floor. Then, when you lift your eyes, show him the desire that you have for him. Bite your lip, like you’re fighting back your desire to kiss them,” Emily quietly instructed me.

“Easy for you to say. I’ve been waiting for marriage,” I replied. I was trying, but it was hard. I feel good, but I didn’t feel sexy.

“Not even with Roger after you were engaged?” Emily asked in shock.

“He didn’t want to sleep with me. I found out I was too fat for him. I was waiting for marriage to sleep with him. I’m so glad I waited. Out of everything, I’m thankful for that,” I replied.

“Then picture someone you’d like to sleep with, and use them to get the desired result, no pun intended,” Emily said with a wink.

I just wish I didn’t know exactly who I would be using as my muse.

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