AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But not one worth getting to know. Greg had dumped her after three months because she wouldn’t sleep with him.
“I checked on our table.” Simon came to her rescue, standing close enough to be considered territorial. “It’s ready.”
Although he didn’t touch her, Caroline’s pulse gave a little start of pleasure. She didn’t bother to introduce the two men. The way Simon stared at John told her such pleasantries would be a waste of time.
“Excuse us.” Simon spanned his fingers over her waist and drew her away. “Ex-boyfriend?”
“Ex-boyfriend’s friend.”
“Some friend. Why the hell was he touching you like that?”
His fierce concern thrilled her. She hadn’t had anyone looking out for her since her mother died. “Because I’ve never been good at handling myself when it comes to aggressive men.”
“Just tell them to back off.”
Caroline slipped into the seat he held out for her and sighed. The run-in with John left her unsettled and embarrassed. “Being assertive is not something I do well. Mostly I avoid the ones who make me uncomfortable.”
Simon unfolded his napkin and dropped it into his lap, his gaze never leaving her face. His expression was grim as he said, “Well, stay as far away from that one as you can. He’s bad news.”
“I know.” She couldn’t stop the smile she felt coming on. Being protected by him gave her a sense of security she’d never known with a man. “And thank you for coming to my rescue.”
“You’re welcome.” He picked up his menu. “I recommend we start by trying the fried green tomato appetizer with goat cheese and tomato chutney.”
The unpleasant encounter was buried beneath a delightful main course of shrimp and oyster gumbo with Andouille sausage, rice and corn bread, followed by cheesecake for dessert.
“How am I supposed to fit into any dresses after all that food?” she complained as they entered a small boutique.
“I suggest you inhale.”
Caroline pulled a face at him.
Simon prowled about the store, radiating impatience, and selected item after item that the saleswoman placed in a huge dressing room. Caroline had been right to worry that he wouldn’t listen to her about the clothes and decided she might not have a say in what he bought, but she could at least choose what she tried on.
Caroline browsed the racks, running the tips of her fingers along the expensive fabrics and surreptitiously checking the price tags. She had occasionally considered what it would be like to remake herself, but she’d never had the finances or the need. Now she had both and refused to let Simon rush her transformation.
“Stop shopping and try something on.” Without her notice, he had come up behind her. His voice flowed over her like the silk blouse she held. “Why are you resisting?”
“Because everything is too expensive.” Caroline turned and found him closer than she’d expected. His subtle, masculine cologne embraced her.
“Stop looking at the price tags.”
“I can’t. I’ve never paid full price for anything before.”
“And you’re not now. I’m paying.”
“Simon—”
He shook his head. “It’s too late to back out now. Find something in your size and try it on.”
He reached out, aiming for a dress just beyond her. His arm grazed her breasts. Caroline caught her breath in a sharp inhalation that he stood close enough to pick up on. While she prayed he hadn’t noticed, Simon switched his attention from the dress to her. Their eyes met and locked. Her knees quivered.
“It’s not my color.”
He held the dress beneath her chin and grunted. “Then pick something else. We have a lot more shopping to do.”
“You could make yourself scarce and leave me to it.”
“No.” The charmer had become a brusque businessman with a mission. “I want to make certain you get the right things. The dressing room is full. Go try something on.”
