Page 35 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

Chapter Ten

The weekend was over before I knew it. I sent Kristoff’s mother information on the Croatian rental, and tips on what to see, where to eat, what to do. The rest of Sunday was spent cleaning, playing with kids, and washing clothes. All the standard stuff that I had a feeling Kristoff and his family knew nothing about.

On Monday morning, I walked into the office with the determination to somehow keep my emotional and physical distance from Kristoff. I sat at my desk, put all my stuff down, and went into the kitchen to grab Kristoff his coffee.

A few minutes later, I was in his office, placing his coffee on his desk. He was sitting there without his suit jacket, his blue expensive button-up shirt highlighting his strong shoulders, his sleeves rolled up, showing his muscular arms. He looked up, and his gaze ran over my body. I never knew what the man was thinking, and it kept me on the edge.

“Morning,” I said while pushing my hair out of my face. It was a nervous habit I could usually hinder; around him though, this habit just kept coming back.

“Morning, Gemma,” he replied in his husky voice that shouldn’t be allowed in the professional world. “I emailed you a few files that I need you to go over and organize. I have a few meetings this morning. I want you to be ready at noon. We are going shopping for more clothes and a dress for the event this Wednesday.”

“Ah… not sure if that’s necessary. I have some dresses, and I did grab one cocktail dress last time I went shopping.”

“I never met a woman that doesn’t like to spend money,” he shook his head. “Be ready at noon.”

“What is it with you and clothes?” I snapped. “Is something wrong with my clothes?”

“No,” he observed me carefully. “Nonetheless, we will go shopping?”

“Mr. Baldwin,” I started. “...if you want me to get another dress, just say so and I will. I don’t need a chaperone.”

“I want to ensure you have the appropriate dress for this event,” he said in his deep sexy voice. “And maybe I’d like to watch you try on some lingerie for me.”

My body warmed at the thought of trying on lingerie for him. Then, I shook my head, not wanting to indulge his flirtatious behavior. I took a deep breath and turned around to leave his office. Before I closed the door behind me, I glanced at him and noticed he went right back to doing his thing on his computer.

At noon, Kristoff was at my desk. “Let’s go.”

I clicked save, closed the spreadsheet I was working on, and grabbed my handbag.

“Okay, I’m not ready but I have a feeling that’s not what matters here,” I mumbled irritably to him.

“Sounds like you are complaining.” He was making fun of me, but I decided to ignore it and I walked past him.

He caught up, put his hand on my lower back, and guided me to the elevator. We walked side by side until we arrived at a store I'd never heard of. His hand never left my lower back, and I didn’t like how comforting it felt having it there.I need distance, not his hand on me!

A saleslady came to meet us from the back of the store, and as soon as she saw Kristoff, a seductive smile spread across her face. I stepped away from Kristoff, not wanting to give a wrong impression. He frowned and put his hands in his pants’ pockets.

“Hello, Mr. Baldwin! Lovely to see you again!”

She doesn’t even spare me a glance. Now I wished I stayed close to him instead of putting space between us. I found that I disliked the feeling of being ignored, and even more, I disliked that she was batting her eyelashes at him.

His answer was all business. “We’ll need your cocktail dress selection and business wear.”

The saleslady looked me over and answered, “Of course. I am sure I can find something.”

I looked at Kristoff and rolled my eyes. The clothes shopping hadn't even started and I was already fed up with it. I knew I was being irrational, and it wasn’t Kristoff’s fault that woman was falling all over herself to get noticed by him.

“Will you be needing anything for yourself, Mr. Baldwin?” Her voice sounded like she was offering herself to him. I just met the woman and I already couldn’t stand her. I was so tempted to wrap my hands around his large biceps and press my body against his to show this woman that Kristoff was unavailable.

What am I thinking? Gemma, get your mind out of the gutter!

“No, thank you.” He sounded bored. When she walked away, I looked at him, and I just couldn’t resist letting a huff pass my lips.

“Great.” The lady turned around and extended her hand toward the back of the store. “Right this way.”

As we walked, Kristoff’s hand was again on my lower back.

“Do you need anything, Mr. Baldwin?” I whispered sarcastically towards him, as I patted my lashes.

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