Page 17 of No One Else

“See, was that so hard?” I nudge him softly.

“Excruciating,” he fully smiles, standing up. “Now, are you going to pick out something for me or what?”

I nod, glancing around again at the clothes.

It doesn’t stand out in any way, but I go over and take a coat off the hanger, examining it. “This is for you. Here.” I motion for him to take it.

His eyebrows raise. “You want me to try it on?”

“Yep.”

“Uh, okay.” He grabs the back of his hoodie, pulling it off over his head, his shirt underneath riding up a little to expose a sliver of his toned abs.

I look away, focusing on the coat instead. I hold it out for him to slide his arms in, his broad shoulders filling it out nicely.

I stroke the fabric between my thumb and index finger. “Durable material because as a frugalist you’ll use it forever.”

He gives me a chuckle, the tension from earlier gone.

My fingers lightly trace the silver starburst embroidered on the breast pocket. “A Suncoast logo to reflect your loyalty. But a tiny one because you’re not flashy.”

I move my hand off him when I realize it’s been lingering, putting both my hands into my own coat pockets. “And navy blue which gives off a sense of trust and security. Dependability.”

His lips twist wryly. “Real exciting.”

I give him a questioning look and he huffs a sarcastic laugh. “Durable. Loyal. Dependable. You just described a dog or a truck or something.”

“Those are important qualities,” I insist.

He shakes his head, giving me a small smile. “Those things don’t get you noticed.”

“Whose notice is so important to you? Sarah’s?”

He sighs, running his hands through his hair. “Forget about it.” He shrugs off the coat and puts his hoodie back on. “Listen, I’ve got to head over to the gym and get ready for my afternoon appointment. Maybe we can finish this up at work? Will you be there tonight?”

“No, I have the day off,” I tell him, confused at his sudden change in demeanor. Like he’s frustrated with me or something.

“Next time then.”

He leaves me there, still holding the planner he picked out.

What did I do?

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