Page 31 of A Touch of Sapphire

I blink up at Elijah. The conviction in his voice takes me by surprise. “Why would you–for me–I mean–”

“First, because I’m a good man, and I’d never allow another man to harm a woman in my presence.” Oh. Right. It’s not me he wants to protect, it’s all women. That's admirable. “Second, and most importantly, because you are important to me, and I don’t like the look of terror in your eyes when you speak of him. Shall I track him down and kick his ass?”

I can’t help it. I start giggling. That is such a high school thing to say.

“I’m serious. I’ll kick his ass all over the street. You doubt me?” He mocks the offense, and I just giggle harder. “Here, let me help you.” Elijah takes the box from my hands and pulls the bracelet out.

“Thank you.” As he closes the clasp, he runs his thumb across my wrist, just under the book charm. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, lifting my wrist, and admiring the way the silver looks against my skin.

“Almost as beautiful as the woman wearing it,” Elijah says, and I blush.

“Oh, stop. Come on, let's do what we can tonight. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

I use the key Elijah gave me and head inside the bookstore. There’s a storm coming this weekend, and the air is icy this morning. Hopefully, the sun rising will bring the temp up to a more bearable degree.

“Sapphire?” Jer pokes his head through the front door half an hour later, and I rush to greet him. I’m about to give him a hug when I pause.

“Please tell me Zach is wearing one, too?” I laugh, covering my mouth, as Jer grins like a demon and takes a step back as I exit the store. He opens his arms wide and does a spin.

“I would have worn the sexier version, but it’s colder than a witch's tit out here,” he complains. “Which is why I brought those.” He gestures to a space behind me, but my eyes are glued to Jer. Head to toe green. Except for the candy cane striped pants. The pointed green hat with a jingle bell is my undoing. I double over, laughing so hard I’m struggling to gasp for air.

“You…” gasp, “look,” gasp, “ridiculous!”

“You owe me for this.” I hear a dark growl from behind Jer. When Zach steps out from behind his truck and into view, my eyes go wide. I take in the identical elves and have to excuse myself, so I can escape into the bookstore.

“Hey! There’s one for you, too!” Jer shouts, but it’s Zach who follows me into the store.

“Stop, I can’t!” I wave him away, refusing to look at him again. I make it to the back room and flop down into the desk chair. I desperately try to compose myself, but it’s basically impossible. The look on Zach’s face? The grumpy elf!

“You’re just asking to have your ass paddled, bluebird…” Zach growls from the doorway, and I cover my eyes but face him.

“I’m sorry! You just look…priceless!” I’m still giggling, but the gasping has died down.

“I agreed to one hour. For the kids. Then I’m changing.”

I take a peak between my fingers, immediately cackling like an unhinged lunatic.

“Should I demand payment now?” The heat in his voice makes me pause, and I peek up at him again.

“Are you sure this outfit is meant to entertain the kids and not horny housewives?” I smirk, and Zach lifts his brow. When he doesn’t respond, I just smile. “Fine. How much do I owe you for this? Cash or check?” but Zach shakes his head.

“Oh, no, bluebird. I don’t want money. No, you don’t have enough money in your account to make up for this.” His grin is wicked, and my body responds. “I want a date.”

“Okay.” I shrug.

“Jer and I will see you tomorrow night then.”

“What–” but he’s already walking away. Jeez, those tights are criminally form fitting.

The morning moves quickly as we all rush around trying to get everything set up. At ten, everything is ready, and I grin when Anton and Isaiah walk through the door.

“Welcome!” I wink.

“It looks amazing, Sapphire,” Anton’s compliment feels good.

“Thank you. We worked really hard.”

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