Page 60 of Need You
“Do you think they need modifications?”
He pondered it for a bit. “The fit and weight are great, but there are a few things you could do with the pockets that would make them more user-friendly for guides, something more akin to tactical pants.”
“What are tactical pants?”
“They’re close to cargo pants and originally worn by mountain climbers. Cops, soldiers, and firefighters wear them because they’re made specifically to hold their gear, including a heavy gun belt, knives, and cuffs.”
“So more pockets?”
“Maybe not more but configured differently. The pants should have side zips at the bottom of the legs so you can put them on over your crampons and boots.”
“What are crampons?”
“A metal plate with spikes that you put on your boots to walk on ice or rock climb. I’d also include a gusseted crotch for freedom of movement and a little more stretch in the fabric, especially for rock climbers operating in the snow.”
“I never realized how much performance was required from adventure wear. What brands come close to doing all of this?” She’d like to check them out just for the sake of it.
He rattled off a short list. Most of the brands were familiar but she didn’t own anything from the companies.
“It’s a whole different objective than what I do, which is to be fashion forward and flatter the human figure.”
He nodded, then let his eyes roam over her body. His inspection gave her goose bumps.
“You design that?”
She looked down at her white pencil pants and cropped linen jacket. “I did.”
“Then I’d say it’s working, especially the figure part.”
“Was that a compliment on my work or are you flirting with me?”
“I guess both.” The corner of his mouth ticked up.
“Then why did you make such a big point of telling me that you had a hands-off policy when it comes to local women?” She said it with a smile, but he was sending mixed signals.
“Last I looked, I didn’t have my hands on you.”
“You know what I mean.”
He nodded solemnly. “You’re right. My bad, and I apologize.” Colt pointed to the entrance of the Morning Glory. “This is where I get off.”
She went her separate way, wondering what game he was playing. He certainly acted interested for a man who so much as said he wasn’t. Whatever, she told herself. He clearly found her attractive, and if nothing else his compliments gave her a nice boost.
When she got home she went on the Internet to search the brands of pants Colt had told her about. She really should’ve worked on her own stuff but looking at other people’s designs was better than failing at her own. Blowing up a couple of the pictures, she saw what Colt was talking about. The clothes appeared highly functional but definitely lacked in the aesthetics department. Dull colors, boxy fit, and plain old unimaginative. No reason why someone couldn’t be fashionable while climbing the side of a mountain as long as the clothing performed. She got out the pattern she’d used for Colt’s shorts and pants and started to improvise.
Before she knew it, it was dark outside and she had a new pair of pants she thought were better than the first. Only one way to find out. Delaney didn’t want to make the same mistake twice by traipsing over to Colt’s. This time she searched her phone for his number and gave him a jingle.
“Everything okay?” he answered.
“Yes, why wouldn’t it be?”
“I don’t think you’ve ever called me before.” No, she just showed up in the wee hours of the morning, making a fool of herself.
“I made another pair of pants, incorporating some of the elements we talked about.” She waited for him to say something but he didn’t. “I wanted to see what you think.”
“I’m at my parents’ right now for dinner.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll let you go.”
