Falling for Autumn by Sherelle Green

everything come together is making me think about the attire for this event. We’re describing the theme in the invite, but should we explain further?”
    Autumn contemplated Jaleen’s words as she sent both Winter and Taheim a quick text. “Since the theme was their idea and isn’t a surprise, I’m texting them to see if they want to specify attire for the guests.”
    Within seconds, Winter responded followed by an agreement from Taheim. When she read the words, her mouth dropped before she could catch it.
    â€œWhat is it?” Danni asked.
    â€œThey chose the attire...” She texted them if they were sure and they both confirmed again. “Jaleen, you were right in saying we should expect the unexpected. Looks like our models won’t be the only ones wearing lingerie and nightwear at this event.”
    â€œYou’re kidding me, right?” Danni asked as she took the phone out of Autumn’s hand.
    â€œI wish,” she said. “They do want us to have a dress code for attendees and they want us to specify that tasteful nightwear is an option because it goes with the theme. I’m assuming we’d have to set rules, of course.”
    â€œThen, what’s the big deal if it’s optional?” Jaleen asked. She hadn’t looked at Ajay since reading the message.
    â€œThe bridal party doesn’t get a choice,” she said, finally looking at Ajay. “Apparently Winter and Taheim are working on matching designs for the bridal party to wear at the event. Signature Bare Sophistication lingerie and pieces from Taheim’s T. R. Night collection.” Just as she’d suspected, his lips curled to the side in a smile.
    â€œMen are so predictable,” Danni said upon noticing the guys’ faces. How in the world am I going to get out of this? A fully dressed Ajay was hard enough to avoid. But Ajay wearing sexy nightwear? She might as well just hose herself down now because her body was already on fire just from the thought.

Chapter 5
    â€œT hanks for an awesome class.”
    Autumn glanced over at the woman who had spoken. “You’re very welcome. See you next month.”
    A few months ago, Autumn had decided to offer free classes to women that explained the many different types of lingerie and how one would choose the best piece for her body type. Every month they focused on a different topic and even took suggestions from the women. She had a solid twenty women who came every month, so she was really excited with the feedback.
    The only problem was that they couldn’t give the class until after hours when most women could make it. Usually, Danni or Winter worked the store and counter while Autumn conducted the class in one of their back rooms. But tonight, Danni had gone on a date and Winter had plans with Taheim. So she’d been left to lock up and see all the women out.
    As the last woman filed out of the store, she secured the door and started turning off all the back lights. It was only 7:30 p.m., but it had already gotten rather dark outside. When she made it back to the front of the store, she began cutting off the front lights. There were still a few stores around that were open, but Autumn didn’t like leaving this late alone.
    â€œI should have made someone from the staff stay longer,” she said to herself as she gathered her bags and went to lock up the front door. As she got closer to the door, she felt a chill on the back of her neck, as if someone had lightly grazed her.
    She quickly turned around and stared into the darkness. There was nothing there but racks of lingerie. She looked at the dim emergency light that was at the back door. The blue color illuminated only part of the hallway. She felt another chill brush her arm.
    â€œPlease don’t do this,” she said to the empty room. It had been years since she’d felt this unsettled, and the feeling was all too familiar.
    â€œIt’s just in