Page 60 of The Past

Tommy arched a brow.“Screw basics, Fi.We’re gettin’ you your heart’s desire.Ball gowns, fancy bags, lacy lingerie.”

He waggled his eyebrows and I laughed, shaking my head.“No ball gowns necessary.And since Rory is going to get my stuff, we really don’t have to buy anything.”

“Nonsense,” Tommy said, taking my hand and dragging me down an aisle.“This is an adventure for me since I’ve never bought women’s clothes before.”He glanced back at me, a twinkle in his eyes.“Maybe we should start with lingerie.”

I blushed, but I wasn’t averse to the notion.I mean, if I was going to lead my own life, why shouldn’t I let him buy me silky undergarments?

“Or maybe,” he drawled, changing direction and heading toward shelves that had folded jumpers.“I know it’s still summer, but what about this sweater?”

He pulled out a soft cream-colored one made of lambswool and held it up against me, his lips pursed in thought.“This one’ll bring out those green eyes of yours.Try it.”

I took it, a smile playing at my lips despite myself.It was totally unnecessary, definitely not needed, and yet… I could see that he was doing this not just to make sure I felt secure, but because he loved doing something for me.

He grabbed a few more—one in deep blue, another in soft gray—before dragging me toward the fitting rooms at the back of the shop.

“Go on,” he said, pushing the jumpers into my arms.“I’ll be right here.”

I stepped inside, closing the curtain behind me.As I pulled the first one over my head, I caught my reflection in the mirror.My face was still puffy from crying, my hair a mess, but for the first time in hours, I didn’t feel like I was drowning.I felt… safe.

When I stepped out, Tommy was chatting with an older lady who had a dress in her hand.He turned and took me in, looking me all over, even though the only thing different was the jumper I was wearing.

My hands glided over the soft knitted wool.“What do ye think?”

Tommy grinned, leaning against the fitting room wall with his arms crossed.“Damn, Fi.You look good enough to break hearts.”

The older woman laughed and heat crept into my cheeks.“Ye think so?”

He nodded, stepping closer to run his hands over my arms.“I love it.But,” he added with a smirk, “I think we need to test for snuggliness.Come here.”

I laughed as he pulled me into his arms, wrapping me up in a dramatic bear hug.He gave me an exaggerated sigh.“Yep.Nice and soft.Definitely a winner.”

I rolled my eyes.“Ye’re ridiculous.”

“And you love it,” he shot back, winking.

I loved him.That was for sure.

I tried on a few more things—a handful of blouses, two pairs of jeans, a skirt that Tommy insisted on just because he wanted to “see my legs”—and with each new outfit, he had something to say.

“That one makes you look too fancy.Can’t have you upstaging me.”

“Nah, not that dress.Too much like something your mother would pick out.”

“Jesus, woman, do you have any idea how good you look in that?”

By the time I was on my last set of clothes, my stomach hurt from laughing, and the ache in my chest had loosened, replaced with something warm and light.

I stepped out in the final outfit—a satin-like blouse and a pair of fitted jeans that flared at the bottom.“This is the last one.”

Tommy let out a low whistle.“Damn.That’s the one.”

I smiled, smoothing my hands over the fabric.“I like it.”

He pulled me closer, fingers hooking into my belt loops.“Good.’Cause I’m already picturing you wearin’ it while we’re curled up by a fire somewhere, drinkin’ tea and talkin’ about anything and everything.”

“Really?”I asked in awe.He was so sweet and romantic.

“No, I imagine taking you out of that outfit,” he said with a lecherous grin.“But after, we’d curl up by a fire, drink tea and talk until the wee hours of the morning.”

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