Page 72 of Billionaire Protector

Do you know I might arrest you if you don’t release him?“No,” Sarah said.

“Perfect.” With a not-so-gentle tug, she led Cole away.

And, damn it, she cared.

Sarah stomped to the racks. She didn’t exactly spy on Cole, just peered at him through the clothing (in other words, spied). The shopkeeper was showing him the peasant-chic dress from the mannequin, and he was smiling like when he’d first seen her in prostitute-chic. Well, fine. If he wanted to put her insomething inappropriate, she’d find the ugliest outfit possible, fit for the servant of a servant of a servant.

But, of course, that’s not what she did.

She recognized perfection when she saw it, displayed by the largest mannequin in the store. Gorgeous, if a man’s garment could be called such, the masterpiece was magnificent in every way. Crafted of deep blue brocade with accents of spun gold, the suit featured a thick jacket, pitch black pants and shining ebony boots. Atop the figure, a golden crown gleamed, glittering with authentic looking rubies, sapphires and emeralds. It was perfect for a king, or a man who ruled his world like one.

Before she changed her mind, Sarah slipped the outfit off the mannequin and raced to the designated room. After hanging it on the wall, she went to her dressing room to await her fate.

Mere moments passed before the silky teal curtains rustled. Like her, Cole must’ve chosen swiftly, most likely the risqué wench costume that would get her laughed off the force if word got back to Harmony Creek. And, of course, wordwouldget back. The curtains opened and the shopkeeper entered, carrying a thick opaque garment bag. Yet instead of her earlier glee, she seemed annoyed.

Sarah took a deep breath. “Is that what Cole picked out?”

“It is.” The woman’s frown deepened. “Unfortunately, he didn’t go with my selection. Are you ready?” She unzipped the garment bag.

Sarah just stared. “I don’t believe it.”

“How long did you say she’d be?”

“A long time. Averylong time.”

Cole held back his displeasure. It had only been forty-five minutes, but it seemed an eternity since Sarah disappeared. He longed to see her in the dress he knew would be pure perfection. If she didn’t return soon, he would find her.

Sarah’s choice for his garment had been another in a long line of surprises – and mysteries. He’d been expecting the ugliest of mud show wear, servant garb or worse. Yet the sapphire suit was regal and imperial, and extremely well-tailored. No doubt she’d be as surprised by his choice for her.

The shopkeeper prattled on. He’d been raised to be a gentleman, but in some cases, it was a challenge. She annoyed him with her rudeness to Sarah, and her favorite pastime seemed to be insulting every woman that passed. Even before she displayed her vindictive personality, he’d felt none of the desire he normally experienced for an attractive woman. He would’ve been worried if he didn’t feel such intense desire for his beautiful boss. No, things were definitely working as they should, apparently just focused on a single force.

He was falling deep.

The signs had grown more compelling with each moment. He hadn’t been joking about not lending her his car so they would spend time together. Nor was his silence inadvertent when the shopkeeper asked if they were dating. No, he was definitely discovering (and rediscovering) feelings, and they were anything but slight.

The woman continued on her mean-spirited gossip, “And so I said to her, eat if you want, but you’re not going to fit into that size two dress–”

“Are you ready for the big reveal?” A voice from the back silenced the woman. In the next moment, Sarah stepped out, and all thoughts of the shopkeeper (and every other woman in the universe) disappeared. All he could focus on was the enchanting queen before him.

And royalty she was, glittering in a sapphire gown that matched sparkling eyes. With delicate beading and luminescent pearls, it shimmered, the rich satin tracing her trim waist and curvaceous hips before flaring out to a fairy ballgown. Off theshoulders sleeves exposed creamy skin and just a hint of luscious breasts, less revealing than the peasant’s frock, and yet far more alluring for its coy boldness. Still, it could not compare to the ethereal creature wearing it.

With her hair and makeup done to his specifications, Sarah had been transformed. Her black hair had been swept into a dazzling array of braids, with glittering jewels threaded throughout. Delicate makeup emphasized her natural beauty, highlighting gleaming eyes and glossy pink lips. Desire hit him like lightning from a summer storm, and it took all his strength not to gather her up and divest her of everything but that shimmering makeup. She was stunning, gorgeous andhis.

Wait, his?

Yes.

HIS.

He stepped closer, halting inches from her. If only he could reach out, touch her to make sure she was real and not some fantasy creation, but somehow he stopped himself. She was the sheriff, the girl he’d known since grade school, his oldest friend and his most complicated opponent.

Perhaps something else as well?

He cleared his throat. He had to stay focused. “You look lovely.” Satisfaction rose as her eyes widened. She could never hide his effect on her.

“I still would’ve gone with the wench costume.” The shopkeeper pushed herself forward, studying Sarah with a critical eye. “This accentuates your curves a bit much, don’t you think?”

The color drained from Sarah’s features, and anger boiled. Cole captured Sarah’s hand, holding her gaze, as he spoke to the waspish woman. “Actually, I can’t imagine anyone more perfect, on the outsideandon the inside. Anyone who can’t recognize that is either extremely rude, jealous or both.”

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