Free Finding You (Finding You Series Book 1) by Amanda Mackey

extremely short for me. Looking in the mirror at the way it hugged my body though, I had to admit that it was stunning. If I didn’t have scars on my arm it would definitely have been in the running. My heart sank a little. There was no way I could wear something like this and be so vulnerable.
    “How are you going in there?”
    “Um, it’s not really appropriate.” Disappointment washed over me.
    “Can you just show me? Even if you don’t buy it, I’d like to see what it looks like on someone so I can tell my customers.”
    I felt like I was practically naked but slowly opened the door, chewing on my bottom lip.
    The attendant squealed with delight. “Oh, it’s perfect! It looks beautiful! He must be truly special, yes?”
    My face flushed as I tugged on the hem, hoping it would grow a little more.
    “Pardon me?” The women on the island were not backward at coming forward, that’s for sure.
    “Well, you must be buying it for a special man. Any red-blooded male would go crazy over that dress. I just wish I looked as good as you in it.”
    “Uh, thanks. I did want a dress to wear for someone nice actually, but I only met him a couple of days ago. I really don’t think this is for me.”
    “Baloney! If you really like him, then wear it. He will be hooked once he sees you in it.”
    “I…uh…I’m not used to wearing anything so tiny.” I turned sideways so she could see the long slash on my arm. “I’m a little self-conscious about this.” I looked down at my arm and then back up at the woman as she moved her eyes to where my scar was.
    Unfazed, she smiled. “Don’t worry. I have just the thing to cover you up there while still showing off the front of the dress.”
    She hurried away and then a moment later she returned with a beautiful cream Pashmina shawl. “See, now you wrap it around your shoulders and drape it down your arms—like this—and no one will ever know that you’re trying to hide something underneath. Here. Look in this mirror.” She walked me out into the store so I could stand in front of a full length mirror beside the two change rooms.
    Wow! I had to admit, the shawl really complemented the dress and covered up my arm perfectly, making me feel far more comfortable.
    I eyed myself from every angle in the large mirror, still dithering. My legs weren’t that bad but I still felt like I was open for business.
    “You have an amazing figure. Don’t hide it. Show it off. You’re on holiday so it doesn’t matter. People wear anything around here and no one takes the slightest bit of notice. Trust me.”
    A little dubious, I changed and paid for the dress, happy to be out of the claustrophobic store. I hadn’t planned on spending so much time looking for one outfit. It was now 11 a.m. and my stomach was grumbling, not to mention the fact that my caffeine withdrawal had hit an all-time high. I desperately needed sustenance.
    I saw a small café as I walked down the main street, offering hot and cold food and beverages. Settling on a yam pie and a double-shot latte, I sat outside, deciding the weather was just too perfect to stay indoors. I seriously needed to work on my tan while I was here and any opportunity to be in the sun, I would grab.
    This was freedom at its best—something I was so unused to. Being able to do what I wanted when I wanted.
    The pie was delicious, filled with yam and other vegetables in a spicy sauce. As I relaxed and ate I sent my parents a quick text to let them know I was fine and loving my holiday so far, even though it was early days. I wasn’t expecting an immediate text back, not knowing what time it was back home, so I finished off my lunch and then wandered around some more shops, purchasing a bikini, a handful of tees with matching shorts, flip-flops and sandals, and three pretty sun dresses, before deciding to walk back to the resort.
    The day had turned into a blistery, torrid afternoon and as I trudged over the rugged roads, lugging my