Page 97 of Tainted Romance

I was scanning suit jackets when her sweet voice scared the hell out of me.

"Special occasion?" Allie asked, standing behind me.

How had I not noticed her scent or pick up on her being here!

"Um, no." I scratched the back of my neck feeling awkward. "I, um, ran out of clothes but I’m just not finding anything that, umm, suits my style."

She grinned. "Maybe that has something to do with you being on the wrong floor." She gestured to the formal fitting sign that hung behind the counter. "I think level five will be where you find what you want."

"Thanks," I stumbled out, feeling even more awkward due to her kindness. She stood there wide-eyed and with friendly advice, and I couldn't think of anything to say to her because everything Iwantedto say I couldn't.

"Well, um, I’ll leave you then." Her eyes dropped, and she turned to walk away.

"Can you show me where it is?" I blurted, stopping her from walking away from meagain.

She swung around with an expression of shock. "Of course, I can.”

We walked to the elevators, and I hit the button for it. It wasn’t until it opened and I was inside with her in a small space that I realized my mistake.

I pressed the fifth floor at the same time as her small tiny finger did.

One touch.

One simple touch.

That was all I needed for the wolf in me to know he was near his mate.

He wanted her.

Hell, I wanted her.

"Sorry," I apologized, making sure to use a softer tone, which, by her facial reaction, she noticed. Being a jerk to her wasn't working because I didn't want to.

It went against every muscle and everything within me to be mean to her or cause her pain so, when the elevator chimed five, and the doors opened, I knew I couldn't keep the icy front up.

Chapter Forty-two

ALLIE

Was it stupid that I had directed him tomy floor?When the elevator door slid open, I stepped out.

"You got some men’s shopping to do as well?"

I spun on my heel, swallowing sharply. Why did he always turn me into a sudden stumbling mess?

I pulled my key pass out. "I, um, work here."

He arched his eyebrows. "Since when did you get a part-time job?"

I placed a hand on my hip, tilting my head to the side. "Since when did you care if I had a job?"

Uneasiness passed across his face before he returned to his blank expression. I wanted him to say something else. I wanted to talk to him.

Instead, he stepped around me and headed over to the t-shirt rack.

Well, at least there were two things I've learned about Zane. One, he can actually have a conversation, and two; the guy had money, especially if he was shopping here.

Watching his strong back stride away from me, I just couldn't give up this opportunity.

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