“Not really my best trait.”
He couldn’t disagree. Patience was not one of her virtues.
She laughed. “You just can’t placate me, can you?”
“Nope.” Aleks didn’t feel the need to lie or charm her like every other woman he encountered.
He knew no matter what, Carrie would always be there. She was the only woman he felt that connection with.
“What are you doing here, Aleks?”
“I have something for you.” He could have sworn he saw a lick of heat flutter in her dark eyes, but she shook it off quickly.
“A present?”
He hefted a plastic bag on the counter in front of her. “I was window shopping, and I saw this on the shelf. I immediately thought of you. Think of it as my peace offering for not taking a bigger interest in your store.”
Aleks watched her open the bag and pull out the box. At first Carrie wasn’t sure what was inside, but her eyes widened when she realized she was staring at the new HP Touch Smart notebook. A computer specifically customized with fashion designers in mind.
“Aleks! Is this–”
“I hear it’s all the rage in the design world. Well, the girl at the store told me it’s all the rage.” “Aleks. You bought this for me? I can’t accept this.”
“When have you ever turned down a present?”
“But–”
“You deserve this. I see how hard you’re working.” She had no idea how much she deserved it. He considered it payment for the hundreds of smiles she’d given him that brightened his day. And she didn’t even know it. “Besides, you should get something for having to put up with my annoying presence in your home.”
“Are you sure? This isn’t cheap.”
“It’s not like I’m paying rent.”
She chuckled and hugged the box against her chest. “I think this is the most thoughtful and best present I’ve ever received.”
Aleks beamed. “I thought maybe being able to brainstorm on the fly and show those brides on the spot what they would be getting would be a good idea.”
Carrie ripped open the box and hacked away at the Styrofoam and wrappings, finally getting
to the good stuff. “I think I should hire you to be my business manager.”
Aleks wasn’t entirely sure of his intentions with this gift but he thought it might be a first step in changing the direction of their relationship, but Carrie kept the conversation all business. “I wouldn’t turn you down.” He wasn’t above using fancy gadgets to win her love. He would do anything just to stay close to her.
She laid the computer on the counter and cocked her head to the side. “How is it you always know exactly what I need?”
His skin tingled with desire. It sparked like steel against flint. He knew what she needed all right. But in the interest of friendship, Aleks shrugged. “It was just a guess.”
Aleks looked around the store. The small space was cozy, a little girly, but then again, it did cater to the girly type. Racks upon racks hung on the side wall displaying bras and matching panties. On the floor, display units were set up with various nightgowns and frilly things.
“Have you done a lot to the place since you took over?”
“Nothing major. Some painting, a new computer system, new furniture in the dressing room.” Aleks should know the differences.
“I don’t think you’ve been here since I took over.”
“I haven’t. I’m sorry.”
“No sorries. A lingerie store isn’t exactly a man’s favorite hangout.”