Page 29 of Dangerous Obsession

“Let me get a feel for this customer first, then I’ll check with Shayna. Deal?”

“Is that really necessary?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s really necessary.”

“Okay. Fine.” She led the way to the main part of the boutique, and they split up.

He moved to the door, his eyes shifting between her and the customer.

Marigold headed toward the woman in the far corner. “Hi, can I help you find anything in particular?”

The woman carefully placed a beaded, vintage evening bag back on its display stand and turned. Her face was partially obscured by a cloth mask with a designer logo printed on it. The boutique’s customers were not required to wear masks but were encouraged to do whatever made them most comfortable.

“I certainly hope so. I am in desperate need of something to wear to my company’s annual awards banquet.” Her voice was slightly muted, but her smile was evident in the crinkles at the corners of her eyes. “I’m being presented with an award for top sales associate.”

“Congratulations. I’m certain we can find something that’s perfect for you.” Marigold asked her a few questions about the event, her style and color likes and dislikes, dress and shoe sizes. “How would you like to have a seat and enjoy a mimosa while I pull together a few things for you to try?”

“Oh, gosh, that sounds wonderful.” She placed her Louis Vuitton tote on the small table, smoothed her skirt down the back of her thighs, and sat on the tufted, wingback chair.

“I’ll be back in just a moment with your mimosa.” Marigold headed into their small kitchen and poured fresh-squeezed orange juice and champagne into a fluted glass.

“Want me to take that to her?” Shayna strolled in.

“That would be great, thanks.”

Marigold went back to the store area and noticed Viking had moved to stand with his back to a wall nearer the dressing rooms. She wasn’t sure what that was all about but didn’t have time to question him about it right now. She hustled from rack to rack, gathering items and arranging them on the hooks in the oversize dressing room.

“Okay, I’ve got six different ensembles put together for you.” Cocktail dresses, long gowns, and palazzo pants with sparkly tops. “I’ve included shoes and handbags, just in case.”

The woman leaned close and whispered, “Is he your bodyguard?”

Marigold followed her attention to Viking, his feet set apart, arms down, his hands clasped in front of him. Yeah, he totally looked like a bodyguard.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had some thefts recently, and he’s here to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

“Oh, that’s awful.” She gave him another quick look. “Well, he’s certainly a deterrent.”

“That he is.” To everything but Marigold’s libido. She turned back to her customer. “If you need anything, my name is Marigold and—”

“Wait,you’reMarigold?” The woman’s brows furrowed, and she looked Marigold up and down. “You’re the owner, correct?”

“I am.” Her name was somewhat unique, and some people remembered it from the magazine article. “Have we met before?”

“Oh … uh … no. No, we haven’t.” She shook her head. “A friend of mine told me about your boutique and recommended I come here.”

“I love hearing that.” Word of mouth didn’t cost her a penny. “Shayna is the young woman who brought you your mimosa, and she’s brilliant. If you need anything, either one of us can help you.” She showed her the small, antique brass button mounted on the wall next to the dressing room mirror. “Just press this button and this little light outside your room will come on to let us know you need something.”

“Thank you.” Her fingertips touched the center of her chest. “My name is Deborah, by the way.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Deborah.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, too.” She sounded almost surprised by that.

Her new customer moved into the dressing room and gave her an odd look as she slid the curtain closed.

Marigold walked back to the front, expecting Viking to follow, but he didn’t. He continued to watch the dressing room, as if Deborah was in there assembling a bomb or something.

“Viking, can I see you for a moment, please?” She moved behind the counter to boot up the point-of-sale tablet.

---