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CHAPTER TEN
It didn’t take long before Gia found a nice pair of wool-lined leather gloves and a striking plaid scarf for her father. She protested their expense and moved on. Since pinching pennies in Neiman’s was counterintuitive, the second she sought the restroom, Jason went back and purchased the gift for her father. Marco Angelotti was his father-in-law, even if the man didn’t know it. Besides, Jason had an ulterior motive.
Bag in hand, he waited for Gia at the end of the hallway outside the restrooms. She came out with fresh lipstick and a smile.
“I was thinking, if we start heading toward my parents’ house, there’s a sporting goods store Dad likes to browse that—” She peered at the bag in his hand. “What did you buy?”
“The items you think your father will enjoy. And don’t say a word. He’s important to you, so he’s important to me. End of conversation.”
She pursed her lips together. “It’s not. There’s no way I can afford those, so he’ll know they didn’t come from me.”
“Take the price tags off and say you got a great deal.” He shrugged. “Of course, you could always tell him the gift is from his daughter and son-in-law.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The first thing they’ll want to know is if you love their little girl. If you can’t say yes and mean it, they won’t be welcoming.”
If they had a drop of practical blood in their veins, they’d realize he could provide for her and any children they had in great style. They might not be thrilled that he’d joined the family, but he’d bet they’d be smart enough not to object.
“Leave that to me. I can be very convincing.” He took her by the elbow.
Gia tensed, and Jason had no doubt she was flustered. Time to take his pretty wife in hand and start persuading her that love was just another four-letter word. She mattered to him. They could enjoy one another and build a solid foundation on which to raise children. And he’d spend every moment they had left together proving it.
“Come with me.” Jason led her toward a section filled with clothing that looked well-made and stylish with a hint of sexy.
“Where are we going?”
“Indulge me for…” He glanced at his watch. “An hour or two. You don’t have to be at the pediatrician’s office for a while.”
She frowned, still agitated about her dad’s gift. “All right.”
He grinned and led her to a rack of sexy black skirts that would hug her ass in the best possible way.
“Can I help you?” a very manicured fifty-something saleswoman asked them.
“No. We’re just browsing,” Gia answered.
“Yes,” he contradicted. “My wife wants to try this skirt on.” He spotted a shimmery blouse in a champagne shade that would look fabulous against her skin. “And that. I’d like to see some casual clothes, too. Classic, but not stuffy. Something age appropriate.”
“Of course.”
“She also needs lingerie and shoes.” He rattled off her sizes.
Gia gaped at him. “Jason!”
He patted her hand. “Don’t worry. We have time.”
Because he wasn’t going to hear a damn word about money. His subtle warning glare should tell her that.
“Will your wife need a purse or two? Any jewelry or cosmetics?” the woman asked.
“Yes. If you’ll bring the purses with the outfits to the dressing room so she can see how everything looks together, I’d appreciate that. Also, we’re going to need this block of dressing rooms to ourselves. My wife is very private, and I respect her modesty.”
“Of course.” The woman bowed her pale head deferentially. “I’ll call some other associates and we’ll be happy to bring you everything you requested.”
“Excellent.” He grabbed Gia’s hand. “We’ll wait for you inside.”
The moment the woman hustled away, no doubt adding up her potential commission, Jason led his shocked bride to the fitting rooms against the far wall.
As soon as they walked into the partitioned area and saw that they were alone, she stopped and gaped at him. “Are you crazy? I don’t need all that. I certainly can’t affor?—”
