“Thanks for staying to help. You didn’t have to.”
“I know I didn’t have to. It was a good day. A lot more fun than being at the office.”
“I’m sure you don’t have hundreds of women coming on to you at your office.”
“I wouldn’t say that, but this was definitely more fun than being hit on at the office.”
His lip curled in a smirk. A sexy smirk that made her stomach clench. Maybe she should make her move.
“I’ll help you pack up.”
Of course he would help her pack up, and probably quickly. After spending all day with the type of women he feared the most–those wanting a commitment–Carrie was sure Aleks wanted to run screaming from the building. Weddings and love and the whole forever thing made him queasy.
He helped her pack away her samples into a large Rubbermaid container. “Do you need a ride?”
“No, I have my car. I have to head to the store to close up. Amie worked today while I was here.”
Aleks helped her to her car and once the container was secured in the backseat with the door closed he sidled up to her at the driver’s side.
“Carrie?”
He was so close again. Close enough to kiss. She knew what that kiss would be like if she went for it. She would feel it tingle through her entire body. Instead of a kiss, he hugged her. A strong, full body embrace that had his entire length pressed up against her.
When Aleks pulled away he whispered, “I’ll see you later.”
Before Carrie even had the opportunity to make a move, he walked away and left her second guessing her plan. It was obvious Aleks wasn’t interested. Then she thought about their encounter in the basement. If they hadn’t been interrupted she was sure they would have gone all
the way. Was it a temporary lapse in judgment for him?
She still had time to decide. Carrie had already spent the last eighteen years of her life pining over the man. What was another couple of days?
Chapter 7
Carrie slid the bronze key into the lock and made the two full turns to open the door. She stepped into her store, exhausted but ecstatic that the first day of the bridal show went so well. And she owed it all to Aleks.
“Amie?” She threw her keys and bag on the counter then took off her black blazer and headed toward the change room. “Am–”
Suddenly her friend appeared in the doorway, dressed in nothing but a white thong and white La Perla corset.
“What are you doing?”
“Trying to figure out what I’m going to take as payment.” Amie would never take Carrie’s money. Instead, she agreed to take free lingerie.
“That looks good on you.”
“I know.” Amie shrugged.
“Aren’t you afraid someone is going to walk by and see you through the window?”
“Nope. Besides, maybe that’s how I’ll finally meet my Mr. Right.” Amie turned on her heel and went into the stall not bothering to pull down the heavy curtain. “How’d the day go?”
Carrie leaned against the doorway. “Fantastic! I booked thirty appointments. You’ll never guess who showed up.”
Amie looked over as she undid the clasps of the corset. “Who?”
“Aleks.”
“Turko?”