Page 17 of Driven Daddy

“Good. Oh, let me buy this book.”

She waved me off. “Least I can do for you doing me a favor.”

“You sure?”

“Best write-off ever.” She winked. “I’ll see you tonight. The Mason Jar has the best view of the water at night. Wear something warm and we can sit on the deck.”

I nodded. “See you then.”

I slipped out of the gift shop and headed back down to the vintage clothing store. I’d seen a few cute things I could add to my wardrobe when I’d been in there.

I should have just bought them when I saw them, but I didn’t want to be weighed down with packages while I walked around the town.

I tucked the book into the crook of my arm. My tiny wristlet purse wasn’t going to do, either. Guess it was time to do some shopping.

Leaves swirled around my ballet flats as I passed the bench. The urge to sit and read my new book was hard to resist, but I rushed for the door to the shop instead.

A horn blared, making me glance over my shoulder as a delivery truck made a narrow escape from slamming into a massive Ford truck. A sleek, black car came to a screeching halt behind the truck.

The man from the window was driving.

Our gazes met, and I gave him a half smile before opening the door.

At least I was pretty sure they did. The fizzy arrow that slammed into my chest said we’d definitely made visual contact. He was wearing stupidly hot aviator sunglasses, so I wasn’t completely sure.

I couldn’t help myself from sparing another peek in his direction, and he smacked his hand on the steering wheel before going around the truck.

Maybe it had just been my imagination, and I was grinning like an idiot to no one.

That was more my luck.

“You’re back!” Ember met me at the front of the store, her multicolored hair and skirts floating behind at her quick pace. “I knew you needed that other wrap dress.”

My cheeks flamed. “I really did love that one.”

“It flatters you greatly.”

“I actually need a few outfits. Think you can help me?”

“That’s exactly what I’m here for.” She hurried to a rack of clothes. “I actually thought of you when I was putting something away and found this.”

She pulled a long plum dress out with a full skirt that swung around my knees when she held it up to me.

“See, this is perfect for you. I know it’s a little dressier than you were looking for when you came in.”

I caught the hanger against me and moved to the mirror. “Actually, I suddenly need something…”

“Fabulous?” The proprietress of Vintage December finished for me.

As I got a look at myself, I sighed. “Yeah. Fabulous is a really great word.” I draped it over my arm then turned around. “And some everyday wear. Comfy clothes and cute.”

“What’s my budget?”

The sparkle in her eyes made me nervous, but it was time for me to get out of my own way for once.

“Generous.”

She rubbed her hands together. “I got you.”

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