Page 103 of Blood and Bonbons

I shushed him and pulled him away from the salesman’s judgmental stare.

Cross glanced at a few shirts. “They have the scent of other men on them.”

“People are allowed to try them on before they buy.”

He crinkled his nose. “It’s distasteful.”

“Stop being a snob and try something. But keep in mind that nearly everything in this store will have to be dry cleaned.” Before he could ask what that meant, I pointed to a mannequin wearing a crisp suit. “What about something like that?”

“I admire the cut. And…” He sniffed it. “It hasn’t been worn yet. It could work.”

I paused my browsing to look at him. This wasn’t the first time his nose had provided him with useful information. He’d smelled Anchor. He’d smelled his ex-girlfriend. Now, he was sorting through clothes.

“Just how powerful is your sense of smell?”

“Powerful enough to know who you’ve been around. Who touches you. I can smell if you are bleeding or on your womanly flow.”

I snorted while he continued, “I know the shampoo and body wash you use. Your feminine products.”

I held up my hand to stop him. “I get it. So, if I brought you somewhere, would you also be able to tell me what type of creatures had been there last?”

“If the scents aren’t too old, perhaps.”

Absently lifting my hand to wave over the salesman, I considered what Cross might find at Miles’ apartment. Knowing the species that took Miles would help narrow down the list.

“Can I help you?” the salesman said again.

“My friend would like to try on a suit, please. And these shirts.” I indicated the two that Cross had selected.

“What type of suit are you looking for?” the salesman asked Cross.

“Something comfortable, not like these coarse jeans.”

The distaste on Cross’ face was almost comical, but it was like his words had touched the salesman’s soul.

The guy smiled at Cross and indicated another section of the store. This one had comfy-looking chairs and a half-body mannequin.

“I’m certain we can fit you with the perfect suit. Come this way.”

Cross and I were seated and sipping tea within minutes while the salesman laid out some cloth swatches for Cross to feel.

“Considering your coloring, I kept with the blues.”

Cross touched several but went back to a deep blue one.

“What do you think of this one, Everly?”

I glanced from the cloth to him.

“I think it’s going to look great on you. But it might be a bit dressy for everyday wear.”

The salesman was already shaking his head. “Not in the capitol.”

“Right. He’ll fit in where the businessmen are, but what about nightclubs and the grocery store?”

The salesman gave Cross a considering look. “I think I have the perfect solution.”

It took another hour for the guy to find Cross the right “casual” pants, several shirt-and-tie options that Cross liked, and measurements for two suits. The suits wouldn’t be ready for a week, and the pants would need to be altered but would be ready the next day. However, Cross could take home the shirts and ties.

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