Page 76 of His to Have
“Um… here’s the sample,” the associate cleared her throat, reluctantly interrupting us, as she appeared beside us. She tried to keep her voice neutral, but I caught the slight flutter, andblush that crept on her fair colored cheeks. Not to mention the way her eyes flicked from Teo’s hand on my waist to the proximity of his mouth to mine. Yeah... she’d seen it all. Probably even heard him. But I didn’t care, not one bit. And that’s what was kind of scary.
“Thank you,” I said, stepping out of his grasp, and forward just enough to break the tension.
The woman handed over the small can and gave me a quick smile, but her eyes lingered on Teo a second too long. I didn’t blame her. He was distracting.... as hell.
Like he said he was handsome and a fucking tease. Especially today... in his gray sweats. Just out here showing all the ladies my goods. Once we finally moved on from paint swatches, we found ourselves in the aisle of light fixtures, which somehow felt even more overwhelming.
I trailed my fingers along a brushed gold chandelier, feeling it maybe just a little bit over the top.
“This is too much isn’t it?” I looked once more at the elaborate design.
The loops were large with sparkling crystals that caught the light in every direction. I liked the globes clustered in the center and thought it would be the perfect focal point for the entrance. Its grandeur would certainly make a bold statement.
“It’s giving... opulence.”
Teo turned toward me slow, one hand slipping into his pocket. His other one rubbed his jaw like he was trying not to laugh. “Is that what we calling’ it now? Opulence?”
I gave him a side-eye, unbothered. “Yes... Teo.”
“If you like it Amore, just get it. You know I’ll buy this entire aisle for you.” He still had that amused smirk on his face, but I knew he was serious.
I know I gave him a hard time about tagging along, but honestly, I was happy he was here.
The first time I set up my boutique, I had no one.
Well, that’s a lie.
Teo was around but it wasn’t like this. It was always from a distance — a phone call away... or several states over. He was there; as my childhood and familyfriend.Never nothing more... at least in my mind. But now, he was here. Not watching from afar. Not calling to check in. But standing beside me as I brought Blissfully Wed back to life.
As we methodically made our way to the next aisle, I continued to browse any and everything. Since I was redoing my bridal shop, I figured I might as well give it a complete makeover. When a floor-to-ceiling mirror came into view, I stopped.
It was dramatic and expensive-looking, with a carved, champagne-gold frame and beveled glass that made it look antique. Just like the one Teo gifted me for my Manhattan store. It was timeless.
“This,” I whispered more to myself, brushing my fingertips over the edge, “belongs in the fitting room.”
Teo came up behind me again, close enough for his chest to brush my shoulder. “Then that’s where it’s going.”
I caught our reflection in the mirror. Me with paint samples still in my hand, him with one arm resting around my hip like it lived there. He looked too damn good for a hardware store. And we looked... married... happy... and damn good together.
“You keep looking at me like that,” he murmured, “and we’re not making it to dinner.”
“Dinner? We have dinner plans?”
He didn’t answer right away, just grinned. “Yes, gorgeous. We have plans. We’re going to this place called, Vortex.”
I raised a brow. “Is that a club?”
He smirked. “Nah.”
My head tilted slightly. “You got any more details? I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s exclusive, Amore,” he said simply. “You wouldn’t have had a reason to go there before.”
It wasn’t an insult. Just the truth. Judging from his tone it was likely an underground club. My name would’ve likely gotten me in there, but there has never been a reason for me to visit any of those off-the-books places. Back then, I was content with my relatively safe life.
“Guess that means I should find something to wear,” I murmured, my voice lighter than before.
“You’ll look good in whatever you put on. But in the closet, there’s a brand-new dress, a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti’s, and a clutch that I picked out just for tonight.” He kissed the side of my neck. “Wear that.”
