Page 31 of Courageous Yearnings

“That’s not legal.”

“On paper, it is.”

“Blythe…”

“Look, I really don’t want to discuss it because I need a check rolling in. Besides – Jack is probably right,” she whispered nervously, avoiding Lance’s eyes. “I’m sure once I get back into my office, everything will fall back into place, and it will be just fine.”

“What about getting furniture for your place?” he asked openly before taking a seat on the couch nearby, looking at her.

“I can just work on it slowly over the next few weeks or months – and I can stay there so I’m not bothering you here.”

“You’re not bothering me, but I thought maybe we’d work on this together.”

“I need to get a few outfits for work first, and I’ll get a sleeping bag so I can…”

“Blythe, you are welcome to stay here as long as you need. It’s nice having you around, and we’re dating,” he said quietly, causing her to look up and meet his eyes. They were so warm, so understanding, and so full of concern for her. He wasn’t upset that she was going back to work or taking longer to get settled, but rather, he was worried about her.

“You don’t mind?”

“Not at all.”

“I promise not to be a bother.”

“You haven’t been yet,” he smiled softly. “Besides, it gives me a chance to put a few surprises in your home, kinda like you put in mine,” he murmured, holding up the mouse coffee mug in a mock salute… and she laughed easily at his playful side.

“I need to get some clothes today…”

“Clothing is overrated,” he interrupted, grinning.

“Clothing is necessary at work, funny man,” she retorted, rolling her eyes.

“Fine, we’ll get you some clothing, and I can help select your underwear…”

“Nooooo,” she chuckled nervously in horror. “You most certainly cannot.”

“Ugh, tough crowd,” he mocked, but his lips were twitching. “Fine, I’ll leave you to pick out your own clothing and go shopping for other goodies that you might need at your place.”

“Now that sounds like a deal.”

“A ‘deal’ is a bargain – so once it’s in the cart, we buy it.”

“Fine.”

“Fine,” he replied, holding out his hand to shake. She put her palm against his and felt his fingers start to curl around her hand, noticing the differences between them almost immediately. He was tanned, and his hands were a little rough… and just as she was about to withdraw, he pulled her hand upward to his lips, kissing her fingertips gently.

Her breath caught as she stared at him.

“We’ll take it easy today,” he murmured, not looking away from her eyes. “Clothes, and then we’ll head back over to your place, unload the goodies, and grab something easy for dinner.”

“That sounds wonderful,” she whispered as he released her hand.

Hours later, Blythe had four pairs of slacks picked out and six blouses. She had to get a shopping cart since Lance had taken off with the other one, giving her some space and privacy to look around. Her cart had a few different bras inside, socks, underwear, knee-highs, and two pairs of sturdy, serviceable pumps that would be comfortable to stand in all day long if needed.

Are you trying on undergarments yet?

Blythe laughed at the outrageous text from Lance. She actually had been in the dressing room but trying on pants and blouses to make sure it fit appropriately.

You don’t TRY ON undergarments…

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