Page 62 of Kidnapping Their Third

“Not yet,” Pike answered with a boyish grin. “That’s why I need the book.”

“That’s fair,” Cora said with a chuckle. “If you boys are ready, then let’s check out before Kimble has me buying the entire store!”

“There’s one more place I want to stop at,” Pike said as he gathered up all the books he’d set down. He was still holding the magazine and pulled it out of her reach when she tried to take it to put back. “I want that too.”

He’d dropped the subject of beauty, so she let him include the magazine in the purchases. Loaded down with bags of books, they piled back into the Caddy, then held their breath while Pike finessed it into starting. Once it was clunked into drive, Pike drove the vehicle to a trendy outlet mall.

“My sister shops here a lot,” he said after he’d parked and urged everyone to follow him. “She says they have the best selection.”

Cora started feeling uneasy as Pike walked past several boutiques full of the latest fashions. “What are we shopping for?”

“Sparkles!” Pike declared as he opened a door and gestured for her and Kimble to follow. Cora went still in the doorway, blocking traffic and getting some curious glances.

“I don’t want to go in there.” She sounded like a petulant child, but that was better than sounding half panicked, which was how she felt.

“We don’t have to,” Pike agreed, but didn’t move. “I’d like to point out that Kimble tried on outfits when you asked him to. It’s only fair that you return the favor.”

Kimble stepped up behind her. “I pick something,” he whispered in her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. “I pick something for us. You wear it for us.”

Cora’s resistance melted. The idea that anything from this store would only be seen by Pike and Kimble made it sexy and fun instead of intimidating and potentially humiliating.

“Fine, but only one outfit,” she agreed and let Kimble lead her into the store with Pike right behind them.

***

Cora was impressed with Kimble’s ability to pick out items that fit her. She was in the third dress he’d insisted she try on and it fit her body as if it was made for her.

The one she was currently wearing was made of sparkly gold material that shimmered as she moved. The spaghetti straps left her shoulders and arms bare, drawing attention to her lean muscles. Far from looking flat chested and pale, the fabric draped over her to make her appear lithe and elegant.

This was the type of dress she’d always wanted to buy but never did.

The lighting in the dressing room was soft and flattering and helped Cora imagine what the dress would look like in a public setting. This was the kind of dress you wore to dance the night away at a club. Add a black shawl and it was perfect for a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant. The necklace Kimble had given her matched the dress perfectly, almost as if the two had been designed for each other.

“Can we see?” Pike called out from the other side of the dressing room door. Cora looked at the door and clutched her hands together.

“Um, maybe,” she whispered.

“Please?” Pike responded. She’d forgotten about his amazing hearing. “Kimble looks like he’s ready to pull the door off to get to you.”

Pike’s warning made her smile and relax a little. These were her men; they’d never hurt her feelings. Opening the door slowly, she stared at the floor and waited for their reactions. When no one spoke, she looked up to find both men gazing at her intensely. Kimble with raw hunger, and Pike with admiration.

“You're perfect,” Pike murmured, stepping inside the small room. He took both her hands in his and pulled her out of the fitting room. Letting go of one hand, he raised the other above her head and guided her in a slow pirouette. “You make this dress look amazing.”

Kimble grunted in agreement. “Shiny is you.”

Cora flushed from all the compliments. “It’s not practical.”

“Oh hun, you’ve got to get it,” a woman standing next to a nearby rack said. She had a soft Texas accent and flawless ebony skin with tightly curled hair styled in a small afro around her head. She had several items draped over one arm and a massive purse hanging off the opposite shoulder. Her dark, friendly eyes sparkled with appreciation. “If I didn’t know my wife would object, I’d talk you into joining us.”

A wide grin unfurled across Cora’s face. “Thanks.”

“I’m only speaking God's honest truth. Now you get that dress and let these boys take you out for a nice evening. And if either of them makes you unhappy, you come find me.” She fished around in her purse then produced a business card. “My name’s Mama Monroe, and I’ll give this bear and vampire a piece of my mind if they don’t treat you right. You hear me, sweetie?”

Kimble glared at her. “Go away.”

Mama Monroe wasn’t intimidated by Kimble at all. “What are you, about 2500 years old? Don’t get fussy with me, young man. I’ve dealt with tissue paper tougher than you.”

Cora felt her mouth drop at the woman's bold words. Then Monroe raised an eyebrow, and her skin glowed slightly.

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