Cryssie was amazed—and aghast—at the man’s cheek…and at his influence! He’d not only told her and everyone else that she needed a new coat, he’d automatically assumed that she was incapable of choosing one for herself! But, even though this fact irritated her, she could hardly blame the man. Any dress sense she might once have possessed had been swallowed up with the passing of time.
She followed the woman to the changing room, and eventually a beautiful fine woollen coat of an Italian design and fabric was decided on, in a deep aubergine, with a cosy collar that could be pulled up around the face and neck. Cryssie knew it suited her as soon as she put it on. Lastly, she was told that a pair of black high-heeled leather boots were an absolute must. Surveying herself in the long mirror, Cryssie had to admit that she’d never looked as good in anything in her life.
Jed’s quick appreciative glance at her as she went back said it all, and he reached for his wallet immediately—much to Cryssie’s embarrassment. She didn’t want him settling her debts—especially as he’d told her that she would soon have plenty of money of her own in the bank!
Cryssie’s jacket and sensible shoes had been put into a large bag, it having been assumed that the new purchases were to be worn straight away, and together Jed and Cryssie left the shop. Cryssie’s head was in a complete whirl. Someone else was suddenly in control of her life, she thought. It wasn’t an unpleasant change to be looked after for once, but she felt anxious and concerned. Who knew where all this was going?
Outside, she hesitated. ‘Could we find a toy shop?’ she asked, looking up at Jed. ‘I’d like to take something back for Milo.’
‘Good idea!’ Jed replied at once. ‘There’s a place just around the corner.’
They spent longer in the shop than they’d intended, as Jed kept finding things to amuse him. Cryssie had already paid for the puzzle and book she’d chosen when he joined her at the counter with a computerized toy that made loud squeaks and buzzes every time he pressed the brightly coloured buttons.
‘I haven’t seen any of these in our stock,’ he said, ‘but I think Milo will like it, don’t you?’
‘Oh, yes…but you shouldn’t, Jed. I think you’ve spent quite enough on us today.’
‘Well, let’s just say that I like giving people things,’ he said casually.
‘Well, all that tells me is that if you ever have a family of your own they’ll be ruined!’
He smiled darkly at her. ‘That’s a possibility,’ he agreed, thinking how well the new coat suited Cryssie’s figure. It fitted provocatively over the hips, and the gently flared hem skimming her slim calves was seductive. And the colour—the colour was just perfect for her, he thought.
She glanced up and saw him staring at her. ‘What’s wrong?’ she asked.
‘Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. Why should there be?’
She shrugged. ‘I thought perhaps you were regretting buying me this coat…for which many thanks, by the way.’ She paused. ‘There was no need, Jed. I’ll be able to treat myself, now, won’t I?’ She patted her side. ‘It’s got lovely deep pockets as well. In fact…it’s probably the nicest thing I’ve ever possessed…’
He smiled down into her eyes, which were sparkling like a child’s. He wanted to say that it was money well spent—but he didn’t dare. He thought of her sense of pride and self-sufficiency. She’d probably had to grit her teeth, accepting such a gift from him!
Just before lunch they arrived at the large, imposing hotel, and Jed swept into the car park at the side. Quickly releasing her seat belt, Cryssie slipped off the new coat and boots and reached for the bag containing her own things, which she’d thrown onto the back seat.
‘What are you doing?’ Jed asked
‘Oh, I never wear anything new straight away,’ Cryssie said. ‘I like to leave it on a hanger in my wardrobe, getting used to the idea of owning it, saving up the pleasure. It’s just one of my many foibles,’ she murmured.
He shrugged, plainly mystified, and presently they entered the building, to be greeted by a middle-aged man with gelled hair to whom Cryssie, for some reason, took an instant dislike. Jed introduced him as Kevin, ‘My indispensable manager, who runs the place like a military operation. And this is Ms Rowe, Kevin—one of my new assistants,’ he added.
‘Mr Hunter—you should have told us you were coming!’ the manager protested, and Cryssie realised at once that Jed had deliberately not given notice of his arrival.