“Turning forty is a very big deal.” He winks at me. “Tam hadso much fun, her words for today.”
My smile isn’t huge but genuine when I say, “I had fun too. She’s really sweet . . . and very eight.”
He laughs with understanding.
“May I ask you something?” While I’m enjoying our little customer and clerk role play, I need answers. He nods and I continue. “Whydidyou let me meet Tam?”
Zebb tilts his head questioning my question.
“Marnie might have mentioned how you’re rather protective of Tam and who she meets.”
“Ah, but Marnie doesn’t have a problem sharing my personal life.” His laugh is bitter but not upset. “When you mentioned how you gave up your holiday for a soup kitchen, I knew you wouldn’t judge.”
I’m stunned. “Wouldn’t judge? What’s to judge Zebb? She’s beautiful.”
“I think so too, but people can be cruel.”
“People, in general, are assholes. Case in point, this holiday.” I wave around at the excess of toys we stock for this time of year.
“So I’m thinking this lady friend, who I owe a birthday present to, might appreciate something more adult. Where is the sex toy section?” He glances around before looking back at me.
“Ashford’s is a respectable family store, sir. We don’t carry those types of products here. And I’m certain your lady friend doesn’t want to feel like gift-giving is an obligation.” After all, that’s how many people view the holidays. They must give a physical gift instead of something more important, like time.
“I don’t feel obligated. I want to give her things.” Zebb reaches out and swipes his thumb along my cheek.
“What did you have in mind?”
“Something that shows I’m groveling after ten days of not seeing her.”
I roll my lips inward, fighting a grin. “I could suggest the women’s department on level two. Or we have makeup on the first floor. Maybe an accessory, like a handbag. Although I’ve been told jewelry is good for groveling. Personally, I might prefer shoes.”
“Shoes?’
“Who doesn’t like a good pair of high heels?”
Zebb’s gaze falls to my feet, taking in the shoes I’ve been wearing all day that are more for fashion than comfort and currently sending shards of agony through my feet and legs.
“Who indeed?” he appraises again, scanning up my legs, and climbing my body. Then he suggests, “Let’s try the women’s department.”
I tip my head, implying he should follow me, and lead him out of the toy section. While we have an elevator that zips up and down our seven shopping floors all day and night, Zebb leads me to an escalator. As I step on, he steps onto the same moving stair and catches me around the waist, so I don’t fall. Pressed into his body, he whispers at my ear. “By women’s department, I meant lingerie.”
My eyes close for a second, but quickly open again on the moving staircase. When we reach the women’s floor, I’m leading him to the intimate apparel department before I consider what I’m doing.
As we near the section, the first outfit Zebb sees he pulls from the rack. “Respectable family store, huh?” He eyes the peek-a-boo red material with only a slip of black ribbon to be tied at the chest. A strip of white fur lines the two panels of flimsy fabric and wraps around the collar.
“Santa’s naughty helper is more like it,” I joke.
“Put it on.” He holds out the hanger to me.
“What? Here?” I glance around us, but the department is empty of customers.
“You have fitting rooms.”
“I thought you said you wanted to grovel.” I hitch my hips, cross my arms, and stare back at him as he holds the outfit out to me.
“I intend to grovel. On my knees.” His dark eyes sparkle. “Or if you want, I can put it on, and you can get down on yours.”
As he holds the outfit against his body, I anxiously laugh, stirring up the sexual vibration between us.