Page 72 of Remembering Passion

“Consider it a business expense.”

“Creative accounting is bad for business.”

The clip of the redhead’s shoes caused us to turn. Over her arm, she had a stack of different coats. Her smile grew as she came near. “I didn’t ask your size. I guessed and brought out what we had that would fit.”

Ella stepped forward and tugged on a bright pink sleeve. “May I see this one?”

The woman set the stack over a chair and began to dig toward the pink coat.

“Pink?” I asked.

Ella flashed me a stunning smile. “Exactly, not one you would choose.”

At first glance she was right. However, as the coat was lifted higher for viewing, I was sold.

The woman was speaking as she untied the sash. “…a Carolina Herrera wrap with a shawl collar, made with virgin wool in Italy. I believe the striking color will look stunning with your hair.” She held up the coat and Ella stepped forward, sliding her arms into the sleeves.

Walking to a three-way mirror, Ella tied the belt around her waist and pivoted from side to side. Sliding her hands into the pockets, she turned all the way around. Finally, her blue eyes met mine. “Do you hate it?”

I didn’t. “I thought my opinion didn’t matter.”

“If you’d like to try on any of the other ones.”

Ella shook her head, still wearing the bright pink coat. “Could you give us a minute?”

The woman nodded and stepped away.

With my hands on her shoulders, I turned Ella until she faced the mirrors and stood behind her. “It isn’t the one I would have chosen, but it’s stunning.”

Ella’s smile grew. “Do you really think so?”

“No.”

She spun back toward me. “Damien.”

“You’re stunning. The coat is lovely, and the color brings attention to you, the attention you deserve for being the smartest, the most informed, and the most gorgeous woman in the world.”

She turned back to the mirror. “I do like it.” Lifting one sleeve, she pulled out the price tag and her eyes grew three sizes.

I reached for her arm. “The price doesn’t matter.”

“Holy shit,” she stage-whispered. “She said discounted. It’s discounted to eight hundred dollars.”

“Not a problem.”

“I said I’m paying for it.”

“You can pay me back.”

“Damien, I have the money. It’s just that buying a coat for a weekend is unnecessary.”

Reaching for the belt, I leaned toward her ear and whispered. “Wear this coat to my room tonight with those heels and nothing more and your debt is paid.”

She sucked in a breath as her cheeks pinkened to match the coat. “Inappropriate.”

I lifted my brow and tilted my head toward the other coats. “I’m sure you’d look stunning in any of those.”

Ella snagged her lower lip with her front teeth. “It is warm.”

---