Page 68 of The Perfect Spiral
“Why? Because my mother raised me to be a gentleman, especially for special ladies,” he retorted, winking at me as he slung my bag over his shoulder. I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics.
“Yeah, okay, Knox. Because I’m soooo special,” I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. He responded with a rapid nod, his warm hand resting on the small of my back as he guided me towards the shop’s entrance.
The streets were deserted as we walked. He held the door open for me, and as I stepped inside, I lifted my sunglasses from my eyes. I was greeted by a doorman—or perhaps a security guard—and five sleek-looking women, all dressed in black.
They reminded me of flight attendants, looking so prim and proper. I offered them a warm smile, only to realize they weren’t looking at me at all.
Their gazes were fixed on the man they perceived as a Greek god standing behind me.
“Is there anything we can assist you with, Sir?” The red-headed woman purred, her eyes locked on Knox, who looked utterly out of his element.
He turned to me, clearly seeking help. She sauntered closer to him, taking in the sight before her. Here we go, I thought.
“Um, we’re looking for a Christmas present,” he informed her. She clasped her manicured hands in front of her, pushing her breasts together in a rather obvious attempt at seduction. Classy.
I wandered off to peruse the season’s bag display. Delilah would be thrilled with any of these. A Birkin Hermes bag is a coveteditem for nearly every woman on the planet, myself included. But that’s a purchase I’d make with my first paycheck someday.
“Oh, is it for anyone in particular?” She was fishing for information, trying to determine if he was shopping for a girlfriend. Judging by her tone, I doubted that would deter her from making a move.
I snorted under my breath at her blatant attempt, picking up a small bag from a dimly lit shelf.
“Um, yeah, my mother,” he responded. Hearing him, I turned around to find him standing much closer than I’d realized. I jumped a little, surprised by his proximity. He smiled at my reaction.
Ever since our little ‘incident’ this morning, I’d been on edge around him. I could hear the commotion outside the glass doors.
Glancing over his shoulder, I saw a crowd gathering outside, camera flashes sporadically illuminating the scene. I groaned aloud, and he stepped closer to me.
“It’s alright, just continue with what you’re doing. I’ll be right behind you, baby doll,” he reassured me. Nodding, I turned back to face the woman who had been blatantly ignoring me.
“We were thinking of getting her a bag, maybe a Birkin?” I asked. She pointed me in the direction of the bags. They were even more stunning in person.
I picked up a dark tan one—simple yet elegant. It seemed to scream Delilah. I held it up for Knox to see.
He shrugged. “Damn, baby doll, you’ve got expensive taste. It’s nice, but a bit boring.” I laughed in shock at his comment. Alright, Knox.
“Alright, I didn’t realize you were such a fashion expert!” I teased him. I walked past him to get a better look at the other options.
His hand found its way to the small of my back again. I turnedto look up at him, finding him studying the bags. A small grin began to replace the bored expression he’d been wearing.
He was doing this on purpose. I stepped forward, hoping his hand would drop, but he simply followed, keeping it there.
Feeling the warmth of his hand through my clothes, I couldn’t help but find comfort in his touch. It probably means nothing, Alex, I reminded myself.
“What about that one?” He pointed to an orange and blue bag. That is gorgeous, I thought. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it. I turned back to him, impressed with his choice. “Wow, I’m a litt—”
“Excellent choice, Sir. Obviously, you have great taste!” The saleswoman interrupted, strutting over to him and stroking his arm. He thanked her with a smile. Here we go, I thought again.
I left them to their conversation, unable to tolerate the saleswoman’s helium-infused voice any longer.
I wandered over to the other Birkin bags on display, picking up a gray and mint green one. This is just so stunning, I thought, smiling down at it. I held it up to the mirror, imagining myself with it. Damn, this is so pretty. It kind of reminds me of the ocean.
“Get it,” Knox’s voice startled me, causing me to squeal and jump back.
“Jesus, Knox! Stop sneaking up on me like that. You scared the crap out of me,” I scolded, placing the bag back on the shelf.
He reached over and grabbed it. “Get it, baby doll,” he repeated, offering the bag to me. I hesitated.
“What? No, are you crazy? I can’t afford that, Knox!” I laughed, taking the bag from him and returning it to its place.
