Page 14

“Oh, okay then.”
I blew out a breath of relief when she went back into the fitting room.
The next one was pure perfection for me.
“I think…” she skimmed her hands over the shimmering fabric. It was midnight blue, strapless, figure hugging and hit her about mid-thigh, so not too short for her modesty, but short enough to be sexy as fuck. “I think I like this one. Love it, actually.”
“It’s perfect,” I agreed.
“Not too short?” She pulled at the hem, hastily slapping her hand onto the neckline before she flashed me her breasts.
Shifting in the armchair, I crossed my ankle over my knee to hide my body’s response. “No, it’s not too short, as long as you don’t keep playing with it.” If she was older, more sophisticated, I’d make a joke about her bending over for me so I could see exactly how short the dress was. But she wasn’t, so I didn’t. “No, it’s not too short,” I repeated.
Barbara stepped in. “It actually has structure in the lining so that it won’t fall down, or ride up, as long as you leave it as is.”
“That’s amazing.” Esme looked to me.
“We’ll take it, thanks, Barbara.”
Still, she hesitated, looking from me to the mirror and back again, biting her lip. “I’ll give it back.”
“Don’t be stupid. It wouldn’t fit me.” That got a giggle out of her, which made me smile. “Get changed so we can choose your shoes and a purse.” I glanced down at my watch, doing some quick math for how much time we had. “We’ve got another appointment.”
With her hands on her hips, she said, “What appointment?”
“Go with the flow, Esme.”
Even though she rolled her eyes, she went and got changed.
Thirty minutes later, Barbara helped Esme choose silver strappy sandals and a small purse to go with the dress. We left the shop and headed down the street. With Esme’s shopping bag slung over my arm, I steered her into a jewelry shop. She stopped dead in the doorway. “You never mentioned jewelry.”
I shrugged in reply, putting my hand on the small of her back to push her gently inside. “It’s your birthday present.”
“It’s all my birthday present!”
“Yup.”
I should have known better than to do what I did next, since I’d had enough evidence by now to know that Esme was struggling with having money spent on her. But just in case I thought it was for show, she soon set me right. I chose a three-strand diamond necklace with a sapphire pendant that I knew would look great with her blue dress. “Here, try this on.”
She eyed me uncertainly but stood still long enough for the attendant to put it on and secure the clasp. Turning to look in the mirror, she surveyed the necklace, a blank expression on her face. Without looking at me, she said to the attendant, “How much is it?”
The guy visibly balked, turning terror struck eyes to me before turning back to Esme. “It’s a lovely, timeless piece that pairs well with day or evening wear—”
“How much is it?”
The poor guy gazed at me imploringly, sweat beading on his brow. I nodded permission. Swallowing heavily, he said, “Ninety-two thousand dollars.”
Esme’s eyes rounded in sheer horror. “Take it off!”
“Esme…”
“Take it off!” She went to reach for it but pulled back, too afraid to touch it now that she knew its value.
The attendant stepped forward hastily and undid the clasp for her. The minute it was off her skin, her shoulders sagged in relief. Rubbing at her neck, she turned to me, her eyes filled with distress. “Please don’t do that. It’s too much.”
I felt a dick and I wasn’t sure I could make it right. “If I say I’ll buy you the cheapest diamond necklace here, will you refrain from asking the price?”
She hesitated, rubbing her lips together. It had somehow become very important to me to be allowed to give her this gift. “Please, Esme.”