Page 55 of And Then Came You

At worst, he thinks I’ll rob the place. At best, he thinks I can’t afford a tie tack in here.

Normally, that look would have caused me to turn on my heel and storm out. Screw anyone judging me because I have ink on my skin. But Lexi saw something here, something she wanted.

Something I’m going to get her.

So, here’s to proving the man wrong.

“There was a woman in here, just a moment ago. I saw her looking at something in the window. Would you show me, please?”

The minute I ask, his face softens, and he wags his finger at me, a smile crossing his face. “A-ha. See, I knew it.” He doesn’t elaborate, but brings out a necklace from the front window. “She loved this, kept raving about the design. It’s a custom piece, made by a local artisan. I even had her try it on. Looked beautiful on her.”

“It’s exquisite.” I examine the stone before meeting the shopkeeper’s gaze. “What’s the birthstone for September?”

“Sapphire, sir.”

“Will you find out if this designer could fashion a similar piece with a sapphire instead of a ruby?”

“Certainly, but they might request payment in advance.”

“That’s not a problem.” I wait for him to make the call, gazing around at the jewelry cases. I want this gift to be perfect, but I also want it made especially for her.

Lexi never expects anything, so I want to give her everything.

“It will be ready in two weeks. Does that work?”

“I’ll take it.”

“Don’t you want to know the cost?”

“I’ll take it.” I don’t bat an eye as I pull out my Amex black card, and finally a look of understanding crosses his face.

“I’m glad she has someone who loves her. She seems a most wonderful woman, even though we only spent a few moments together.”

“She’s my everything.”

In that moment, I know I mean every word.

* * *

Ifind Lexi tucked into the furthest corner of the bookstore, her nose buried in a book about Jung.

“There you are. I wondered where you were hiding.”

“I knew if anyone could track me down, it was you. What do you have there?” she questions, nodding toward the book under my arm.

I settle onto the leather couch, patting the cushion. “Come sit with me and I’ll show you.”

Without hesitation, Lexi plops down with a grin. “I like this version of you much better. The other one—the grumpy, ill-tempered one—sucked.”

“Trust me, even Caroline could barely handle my attitude these last few weeks. It needed a serious adjustment.” Pivoting toward her, I grasp her hand. “I need to ask you something, but I promise not to give you any crap, regardless of your answer.”

Lexi captures her lower lip in her teeth, her gaze darting around the store. “I suppose.”

“Are you dating either Damian or Gianni? I need to know.”

A scoff flies from her beautiful mouth. “I’m dating both, simultaneously, along with several other men. They round out my harem.”

She’s grinning, but I’m not. “Not funny, Lex Lex.”

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