Page 72 of Bargain with the Irish Devil
We’re at a red light. His hand catches mine. “I would like that. It would be a huge help to me to have someone I trust reviewing the books. But I’m not going to ask you. For now, I want you to simply take some time to yourself. Spend the days with no worries beyond what book to read next. Once you’re bored and want to fill your days with something else, we can discuss what you would like to do from there.”
The light turns green and his attention is back on the road. Do I want to become involved in his business? It’s a huge difference from simply accepting it and pretending I don’t see what he does. I don’t know yet…
Declan hasmy hand in his as I trail behind him with my mouth open. I could have sworn they didn’t have fat chick clothes in here. Is there anyone in here? It feels empty.
The thought is barely finished when a pretty woman appears in the middle of the large walkway. I’m relieved she’s my size.
Her smile is wide as she holds her hand out to me. “Hi, I’m Lydia. I have to admit I agreed to this more for me than you. Curiosity over the woman who got this handsome devil to commit was killing me.”
I blush as Declan squeezes my hand. “Lydia, this is Miranda. Miranda, dear Lydia, is the best stylist I’ve ever encountered.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m the only stylist you’ve ever encountered. How is your cousin doing?”
One shoulder goes up, “Aisling is well. I thought she would come to live in Chicago, but she remains in Galway. Perhaps it’s better. There, she has family to help with her daughter since the father was a bastard who ran off at the idea of a child.”
“Men. Before I met my husband, I often wished I was gay.” She shakes her head. “Well, let’s get your closet filled. Declan said you loved the dresses, so I got more styles. I see why he wanted more blues and greens for you. Your eyes are very unique. They’re going to look great on you.”
With a sassy smile at Declan, she orders him into a leather club chair. “There’s a bottle of that god-awful Irish whiskey you love so much. We’ll be back in a few.”
I’m taken into a dressing room that I swear is bigger than my first studio apartment. There’s a mini fridge with water in one corner. A wall of mirrors on one side, a three-angle mirror in the other corner, a long velvet chaise lounge, and a black leather club chair like the one Declan is in. And along one side is a long bar filled with clothes.
“Holy crap, you weren’t kidding about filling my closet.” I gasp at the beautiful clothes.
She chuckles. “Your man was adamant. I thought I was going to kill him when he called so late at night and demanded clothes for you. He thinks the reason I agreed to shop for him was because he made a ridiculous donation to a charity I work with. But it wasn’t. I’ve never heard the man stressed in my life. He’s one of those who is too charming and hot for their own good. Anything they want, they get. Until you. Hearing him all contrite and worried about you is what did it.”
I blush. “I wasn’t trying to stress him out. It’s like you said—he got whatever he wanted. I expected him to shrug off me not going along with him and move on to the next woman who would.”
Her eyes go wide. “Actually, there’s no better way to capture their attention than by making them work for you. Even now that you have him. Don’t be so quick to give in to everything he wants. I mean, don’t go overboard and fight for no reason. When they get too complacent about you, they don’t work as hard.”
I’m opening my mouth to argue that I don’t want to play games in my relationship when I think of Sunday night. And now I understand what she means.
Nodding, “I won’t.”
“Good. Let’s start with these gorgeous maxi dresses.”
Over the next two hours, I have more fun than I thought was possible clothes shopping. I usually hated shopping. I felt fat and humiliated and usually ended up crying at home. But Lydia did all the hard work of finding things in my size and bringing them all to one location for me to try on.
I was shocked that half the clothes weren’t from this store at all. She had started as a shopper with the store when she first moved here from Boston for women who weren’t plus size. Until she had a few clients in a row who were plus size and as frustrated as me. Once she decided to go out on her own, the store loved the business she brought in and allowed her to have appointments in the store—even if that included bringing in clothes they didn’t offer.
She sends me out in a dress I have no doubt Declan won’t like because of how much it shows. And I’m not wrong.
His eyes narrow, and blue flares with heat. He shakes his head. “Absolutely not.”
Lydia rolls her eyes. “Why not? It looks good on her.”
That eyebrow goes up. “It doesn’t look good on her. She’s stunning in it. And her sexy as fuck body is on display. For the safety of other men, she won’t be wearing it.”
Laughing, Lydia shakes her head. “You neanderthal men. Fine.”
I’m changed out of my suit into a teal shirt dress Declan loves. As Declan pays and points out what he wants to take home tonight and the time for the rest to be delivered tomorrow Colm appears carrying a paper bag.
Declan takes it and hands it to Lydia. “Since I’m aware you aren’t able to leave before organizing everything. I didn’t like the idea of you not having dinner until much later. This is the dish you had when you went out with Aisling. I hope it’s still a favorite of yours.”
Taking the bag, she sighs. “It’s so annoying you always manage to make me forgive you for being such a bossy know-it-all. This is still very much a favorite. Thank you, Declan.”
His grin is wicked, flashing a dimple. “You’re welcome. And since it will be late and dark once you’re ready to leave, Colm will remain and see you home.”
“Oh no, there’s no need?—”
