Page 24 of Kai
"What do you think?" Plucking an elegant plum-colored dress with a daring neckline and narrow skirt, he held it up. "This looks like a size two." He glanced over at her appraisingly. "Your size, I believe."
"You know nothing about me." She stood where she was, determined to keep her cool. She told herself that what she had decided would stand firm, but seeing him here was weakening her resolve.
"Did you read the letter?"
"No." She shifted slightly when he merely gave her a look. "So?"
"I also have a mother." His soft comment had her blinking.
"What?"
"You're assuming that I am shopping for a girlfriend. I'm reminding you that I also have a mother."
"Oh." She did not question the relief pouring through her at that or her crossing to stand next to him. "I really like this one." She picked out a black sheath that looked deceptively simple, until draped over a body. "As I recall, she's also petite." She worried her bottom lip and sent his blood pressure spiking.
"Or this one." Putting the black dress back, she selected a sober-looking lime green dress with a demure neckline.
"I think I much prefer this one." He still had the plum-colored dress in his hand. "How about accessories?"
She guided him over to the immense glass case displaying her own designs as well as others. Opening it, she scanned the shelves and took out a set in a velvet case. "It's one of my favorites," she murmured, toying with the chunky necklace with the multi-colored stones woven between the silver. There were earrings and a thick bracelet to match. Shaking her head, she started to put it back when he stopped her.
"I don't think this would suit her."
"I like the set. Now shoes and a purse."
Giving him a puzzled look, she marched over to that section and helped him to select them.
"Is that all?"
"For now, yes."
They walked over to the counter, and she went behind it, wondering why he hadn't made a move towards her.
"This is our most expensive design." She shrugged when he fished out a gold card and handed it to her. "Which would not be a problem for you."
"I want it delivered. You do offer that service, don't you?"
"Of course. But wouldn't you rather take it with you?"
"No." A smile ghosted his lips. As soon as she finished ringing up the sale and placed the items into a fancy shopping bag with the store's logo, he reeled off the address.
She was halfway through typing it before she realized where it was. Lifting her head, she gave him a look that could have melted iron. "What kind of game are you playing? This is my address."
"I'm aware." Shoving his hands into the pockets of his tan dress pants, he gave her an enigmatic stare. "I want you to have dinner with me on Saturday."
Refusing to acknowledge the quickening of her pulse, she held his stare. "I have a date, and I certainly do not want you buying me anything. I will zero out the sale and refund you--"
"No, you won't." His enigmatic stare turned cool. It occurred to her that they were alone in the store and his presence, the way the thin red sweater stretched over his chest and shoulders was making her acutely conscious of his incredible sex appeal. His hair was hanging over his forehead, taking her back to ten years ago.
"Look, I already have a date--"
"Break it." His deep voice did not rise, but the steel behind the tone was unmistakable.
"Why, you arrogant--" She let out a gasp as his hand closed over hers and pressed down hard.
"I already told you that I am here and am not going anywhere."
Maxie felt her heart tripping inside her chest and drowning everything out. She was rooted to the spot, her limbs liquified as he slowly and inexorably walked around to stand in front of her. Drawing her away from the machine, he lifted a hand to clasp strands of her hair, winding them around his wrist.
