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“I was teasing.” She hip-bumped him.

“Guessed that.” He rubbed the bottom of her waist-length Moomin shirt between his thumb and forefinger. “You don’t wear synthetics either. At least not visibly. And no, I haven’t snooped through your lingerie laundry.”

“It’s fairly plain.” She dropped her chin, but Cas had caught the slight look of confusion in her gaze.

Easing her embarrassment, even at the expense of his, had him blurting out a memory he’d shared with no one. “You were wearing the jacket you wore yesterday the first time I saw you. I’ve seen it a few times over the years.”

Her head lifted. “I wear most of my clothes lots of times. Me”—she pointed at herself—“queen of the budget.”

“I call it your tiger jacket. Looks handmade, a vintage design with a grey base.”

The garment’s unexpectedness among the adamantly pushy marketing crowd had caught Cas’s attention. What dreams did an admirer of tigers have? Thanks to their little misunderstanding over Anna’s apartment, he had a better idea.

“It’s got zebras as well and kantha embroidery. I wear it occasionally for casual functions.”

“That first time was an outdoor event. Supposedly a spring fair, but there was a chilly breeze. It stood out. You stood out. You always do. I like what you wear, Beatriz. I like what it says about you as a person. I especially liked that soft, flowing kaftan you were wearing when I interrupted you that first night.”

Her mouth curved in pleasure at his compliment. “I picked it up at a market.”

“It looked like a traditional Malaysian design.” He stepped back. Rather than keep stroking the fabric of her shirt, he’d rather be caressing Beatriz’s skin. He had dreams about caressing her skin.

The coffee machine did its job, spat out a coffee, and the moment was broken. She handed him the mug.

“Back to the books.” Cas gave a half smile.

Setting the coffee on his desk, he pulled up the document he’d been working through.

What’s your budget?

What’s the best location for your premises?

Proximity of your suppliers to the location? Buyers?

His father and Hunter could answer those questions without pausing for breath. They’d been assessing properties for years and probably already knew the prime location for Cas’s business. Hunt had mentioned specific properties over the years, including shortly before Cas handed over his savings to his father. Another missed opportunity?

Raed Hariri had needed fast cash.

Deep in his stubborn soul, Cas had decided the fabric printing business had to be solely his. A down payment on the disappointment he’d caused his father with his declaration at ten years of age that he’d never join the family business, then again over the Monique episode. Giving his father cash was the least he could do, when he might have prevented the whole disaster if he’d been closer, if he’d been part of his father’s business.

He wasn’t making promises to the suppliers he’d been sounding out. Not yet. And he wouldn’t, until the funds were in his bank account. Cas didn’t ask for a date, had assumed his father’s recent abstraction meant there was a hitch with settlement on the properties being sold. He’d wait, work more on his plans and be ready to act when his dad gave the all-clear.

He should have listened more. He’d ask questions next time he got the chance. “I bet Maha knows every single answer. Al’ama.”

“Night, Casildo. I’ve finished in the bathroom.”

Want me to rub moisturizer into your skin? Tuck you into bed?

What does the delectable Beatriz Gomez wear to bed?

Can I kiss you goodnight?

Get a grip. You’ve got three and a half more weeks sharing with her.

That’s if she agrees to extend past next weekend. Maybe they could have a fling? Right, and pigs might fly. Firstly, he’d have to tell her why it could only be a brief affair. He only did brief affairs because until he established his own business, all his creative and emotional energy had to be directed to the business. Secondly, she’d probably geld him for his presumption, then Hunt would exile him for messing with Anna’s friend.

Might be worth it.

“Did you say something?” She was outside his door.