11.

~ Ariadne had to bite her bottom lip hard to keep from grinning.

Her fingers traced lightly over the exquisite bead work of the black dress Arthur had selected for her.

His taste, always fashionable, made her think of something she have worn to Mr. Gatsby's parties. It's beadwork covering her chest and down to her hips, where a chiffon skirt cut flatteringly to her knees.

She wondered how he had decided on her size, then realized he had already seen every inch of her. She held the dress up, excitement stirring though her like a child on Christmas, and she couldn't wait to try it on.

She quickly dried her hair, put her make up on, and even some of the perfume from the gift basket. She hated to think how much the stuff cost. It was so subtle and beautiful.

She was about to take the dress off the hanger when she noticed a satin bag, was tethered to the dress.

Curious, she opened it to reveal black lace panties that were completely see through.

She let out a laugh of utter embarrassment as she held them to the light. They would provide no cover at all if someone saw them on her. Her normal panties looked like old lady underwear compared to these.

'Well, he won't see me in these anyway.' she huffed to herself.

She pulled off the hotel robe she had put on, then, looking at her own body in the mirror, decided that it wouldn't do.

"Alright, Arthur." she sighed. Her excitement for tonight picking up. "We can have it your way."

She found her little razor in her bag. She had never used the extra shaving attachments that came with it. She was always an underarm and legs girl. But the panties he wanted her to put on would look hideous if she wore them like she was now.

She used scissors from her nail car kit to trim herself as best she could. It was an awkward task and difficult to master, but she was able to shave much easier after.

The air felt cool on her there and delightfully forbidden. As if she had done something very naughty.

She smiled at her own reflection now as she pulled up the lace panties and saw that once again, the Point Man had good taste. The black lace looked sexy and felt amazing on her skin. She covered her breasts and turned around in the mirror to see herself.

"Wow." she breathed. It was such a shame Arthur wouldn't get to see her in them.

Next she slipped on the Gatsby dress. It was heavy with all the beading on it. She wished she had more time to fix her hair, but her sudden shaving had cut the hour Arthur told her to get ready drastically.

All she had time to do was zip up her dress, thankful it had a built in bra, and apply a light base, blush and lipstick.

She left the marble bathroom and wandered out into her bedroom on her bare feet, wondering what kind of shoes she should ware. She didn't normally pack shoes for a nice dress like this.

But the Point Man forgot nothing. There was a heavy, violet colored box with a black bow sitting on the bed. Ariadne recognized the stylish name brand an felt her heart stop beating. Shoes so pricy, she would laugh at the person who bought them.

She pulled open the bow and with trembling hands, took out the most beautiful shoes she had ever seen.

They matched her dress perfectly. The heel wasn't too high and they were cut to make her feet look dainty and beautiful. She even loved the tiny beaded tassel on the toe that no one would even notice. She grinned at the matching stockings that came with it and quickly pulled them on. Surprised to find they weren't like modern stockings but the old fashioned kind that required a guarder belt. A black, lacy ting that was discreetly tucked inside the box.

She almost giggled at how sexy it made her feel. She looked at herself in the mirror for the full effect of her dress and shoes. She looked like a new person. A person who belonged at this hotel with the Point Man at her side.

She wanted to do nothing more than run through the hotel in this dress, as she opened the doors into the living room.

Arthur was sitting on the edge of the sofa. His posture slightly slumped and careless as he waited patiently for her.

Her face fell at seeing him. She had been so blissfully happy in her new dress but seeing Arthur, having to remind herself she was mad at him, spoiled that happiness.

Not that Arthur was bad to look at. He was dressed in a full on tuxedo. The jacket undone for comfort and revealing a deep red vest that caught the light. The vest tailored high on his chest to match the vintage style of her dress.

On a lesser man, he might have looked like he was going to his wedding or prom, but Arthur made even a tux look casual, normal and everyday.

"You look amazing." he said and stood.

Ariadne took a step back as he moved close to her. His hand going to her waist as she watched his eyes drink in the sight of her.
"It's... it's the dress." she stammered and felt her cheeks grow warm.
"It's you." he grinned.

She wanted to argue, but couldn't. Not with him looking so handsome right before her.

So, she straitened his tie, even though it was already perfect.

"I couldn't decide on a bow tie or not." he said as she took pride in the way he looked tonight.
"I like the bow tie." she said and felt her face become hot again.

"Good." he said and she felt his lips touch her cheek. Felt him breathing in her scent.

'Why is it so hot in here?' she thought as her date slipped away from her and went to a shopping bag on the coffee table.

"I got this as well. I wasn't sure how comfortable you'd be in the dress." he said.

He pulled free a back shawl that was nothing put lace and sparkling bead work.

She gasped and her heart fluttered in her chest at the sight of it.

She quickly turned around and let her Point Man drape the shawl over her shoulders.

"Very nice." he observed as she turned back for him to see. "We don't want to make the ladies at dinner too jealous do we?" he teased.
"This dress is so beautiful." was all she managed to say. She had forgotten how to speak. She had never felt so amazing in her life.

She felt she was shaking as he took her hand and laced her arm in his.

"Let's go." he whispered and walked her out.