Chapter 5
FIVE
GIGI
The soft strands of classical music playing over the shop’s speakers are interrupted by a few thuds and a grunt from inside the dressing room where Justin is trying on the suit I picked for him.
When I’d offered to help Justin find an outfit for the wedding, I think he was under the impression we’d be shopping out of his closet. But with my connections at a menswear store in Fairbanks, we went on a field trip instead.
He has… not been the most patient of shoppers.
I bite back a grin. “Everything okay in there?”
There’s another thud, followed by a mumbled expletive. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“I said I’m fine. I just need to figure out these damn suspenders.”
I cover my laugh with a cough. “Would you like my help?”
There’s a drawn silence before Justin sighs. “Do you mind?”
“I mean, I did offer.”
I pull open the curtain and freeze. There, looking like he’s about to walk the runway in a bridal show, is Aaron. He even has the fierce scowl that’s a signature for many male models.
“What?” he asks, catching my stare in the mirror. “I look ridiculous in this. Don’t I?”
I take a shaky breath, giving myself a chance to fully appreciate the look. A white, button-up shirt stretches across his broad shoulders. The top buttons, as well as the cuffs, are undone, and his thick brown hair is messy. He looks disheveled and delicious.
Moistening my lips, I shake my head. “You look perfect.”
He gives me a stern look. “Yeah, I’m sure. I’m only half dressed.”
“Well, what you’re wearing, you’re wearing well.”
“Gee, thanks.” He sighs, apparently not believing my compliment. “Now, would you please help me with these?”
He dangles the suspenders in front of my face. I blink a couple of times before my senses return and I take hold of them.
Taking him by the shoulders, I pretend not to feel the muscles bunch under my fingers as I turn him back toward the mirror. Swallowing hard, I snap the bottom clasp into place at the center of his waist.
His narrow, but undoubtedly covered in muscles waist.
“So…” I take a few shallow breaths to steady my racing pulse. I need to make some conversation to distract myself. Otherwise, I might be more tempted to help him out of his suit than to get him into it. “You know all about my hopes and dreams for the future?—”
“I do?”
“Yeeessss,” I draw out. “You know that I want to have my own fashion line.”
“But you haven’t told me what kind of clothing you want to design.” He wiggles his eyebrows, a sure sign that his irritated mood from before is gone.
“I want to make beautiful clothes for women like me.” I select one of the ties I had pulled for him and drape it around his neck. At this distance, I’m painfully aware of the amber and pine musk drifting off him. I clench my thighs together, ignoring the dampness pooling between them. “Most fashion houses don’t take plus-size women into account when they design clothes. They just make their designs in a bigger pattern.”
“Which means the clothes don’t really celebrate the person wearing them.”
“That’s right.” My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Are you a secret Project Runway fan or what?”
“Not exactly.” He chuckles lightly, and the sound resonates in my chest, sending a fresh jolt of desire through me. “I did a little research.”
“You did fashion research?”
“Well, yeah. I did some Googling. I checked out a couple of issues of Vogue .” He shrugs, and I grip his shoulders to keep him steady while I continue to tie the half-Windsor knot around his neck. “It’s your life and your livelihood. I figured I should have a basic understanding of what it was all about.”
I gape at him. “Do you realize I’ve been in long-term relationships with men who couldn’t be bothered to even look at my sketches?”
“That was their mistake.” He straightens his neck, testing the feel of the tie. Based on the way he keeps twisting and flexing, I’d guess he isn’t a fan. Though, he’s not complaining. More evidence that there’s a gentleman under his rugged exterior. “I’d love to see your sketches.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really.” He covers my hands against his chest. “They’re yours.”
“Well, thank you.” I’m finding it harder to draw a full breath. “I’d love to see more of your carpentry.”
He gives me a smoldering look. “I’ll show you anything you like.”
It’s a wonder I don’t melt into a puddle right here on the dressing room floor.
“Well, good. It sounds like a date. Until then.” I help him into the suit jacket. “How about you take a look at this stud?”
Stepping out of the way, I move behind Justin to admire his appearance from over his shoulder. His mouth falls open and his eyes grow wide.
“Hell, Gigi. You’re good at what you do.”
“Thanks. It’s easy when I’m working with a hunk like you.”
He scoffs, but the back of his neck turns pink. The man really can’t take a compliment. It’s so… sweet. So much about him is endearing. And admirable.
And he’s starting to make me feel things I really shouldn’t have for someone I’m only fake dating.
The reminder is like a cold shower. “You should wear this suit the next time you go on a first date.”
“About that.” Justin turns and takes my hands in his. “I was wondering?—”
“Knock knock,” the sales associate calls out. “Is anyone in there?”
Before we answer, the curtain slides open. Justin and I turn in unison. I move so quickly, that I’d fall over if he didn’t slide his arm around my waist to hold me steady.
We’re greeted by a stunned sales associate and a super-pissed-looking Brad.
“Gigi,” he all but hisses. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I… I…” I take a deep breath and stand taller. “I’m just helping my man pick out a suit for the wedding.” I turn and give Justin an adoring look that’s only partially forced. “He’s going to be the hottest guy there.”
“Aww, thanks, sweetheart.” Justin pulls me back against his chest and nuzzles the side of my neck. My eyelids flutter for a second before I remember myself. “It’s only fitting since I’ll be there with the most gorgeous woman.”
Brad just shakes his head. “But what are the two of you doing in here? Together. Alone.”
I arch an eyebrow. Someone is awfully suspicious considering he has no right to know anything about who I am with and what I’m doing with them.
Maybe I should poke the bear a little more to drive that point home.
“Well, jeez, Brad.” I embrace Justin’s arms closer to me. “Do you really want me to give you a play-by-play, or can you use your imagination?”
“Unbelievable.” He shakes his head. “You never used to be like this.”
“Never used to be like what? Blissfully happy? Satisfied?”
“You never used to act like such a slut.”
I suck in a breath as if he’s hit me.
“Hey!” Justin releases his hold on me and takes a menacing step toward him. “You don’t talk about her like that.”
Brad ignores him. “It must be this guy’s influence. You always were the kind of guy trouble followed around.”
“Trouble? Is that your nickname or something?” Justin asks. “If so, it’s fucking stupid.”
“You want to talk stupid, how about?—”
“Okay,” the sales associate steps in between the men. “Sorry to interrupt, but we really need to do your final tux fitting.” He flashes an apologetic look our way. “We’ll find an empty room.”
The associate all but drags a fuming Brad away. Once we’re alone, I turn to Justin. “Are you okay?”
“I…” He shakes his head and gives me a half grin. “I don’t know about you, but I could go for a drink.”
Taking the hint that he doesn’t want to talk about Brad anymore for the moment, I return the smile. “I’m thirsty.”