His reward was a beaming smile and sparkling eyes—worth any amount of waiting outside changing rooms or carrying umpteen promotional bags. The single experience he’d had accompanying a female shopper had left him disinclined for a repeat, but this was for Alina.
‘You mean it?’
He ran his finger down her cheek. ‘I told you—I take care of what’s mine.’
She was on her feet in an instant, grabbing a towel on the way to the door. He followed, hoisting himself from the water, giving himself a quick dry-off before retrieving his clothes.
* * *
It wasn’t working. Ethan felt way out of his depth, wished he’d offered to find someone else to help her. He knew when a woman looked chic, understood the way it transformed her inner attitude. The selected clothes weren’t having that effect on Alina. They were in the third boutique, and she’d modelled the tenth outfit.
The assistants had been helpful, yet there was an edge to their attitude he couldn’t fathom. Was it him? His obvious antipathy to this environment? Was it sweet, shy Alina, who hadn’t looked comfortable at all, posing awkwardly as if she’d rather be anywhere else?
If she lifted her chin, held her shoulders back and stood proud, the effect would be so much better. He groaned inside. He’d promised to help her—failure wasn’t an option.
‘This isn’t working, is it?
Her voice echoed his thoughts as she came up behind him, wearing the dress she’d left home in. He swung round, ready to protest.
Alina stopped his words with two fingers on his lips, ignoring the tingles her action generated.
‘You’re uncomfortable with it all, and I’m as helpful as seagulls at a beach picnic. I can tell what clothes aren’t right on me. Others...’ She shrugged. ‘I have pictures in my head of women attending special events, can’t put myself there. Maybe if you lend me some of your confidence it’ll solve the problem.’
He gave her a crooked grin and took her hand. ‘Not such a good suggestion, huh? I overestimated my expertise with all this. Louise was never a fashion slave, she—’
His eyes lit up, and his smile turned into a heart-stopping grin.
‘I’m an idiot. Though, in my defence, I’ve had a few distractions.’ He brushed his lips over hers. ‘You being number one. Wait here.’
He was back in a few moments, after talking to the head saleswoman. As they left he pulled his mobile from his inside pocket.
‘Got your notepad and pen?’
By the time she’d found them, his call had been answered.
‘Thanks, Tanya...we’re getting there. How are you? Definitely—we’ll make it soon. Right now, I need the names of a couple of boutiques Louise patronised. It’s for someone special who’s recently moved to Sydney.’
He repeated three names and numbers for Alina to write down, promised to arrange a foursome dinner soon, then said goodbye.
‘Don’t know why I didn’t think of her earlier.’ He gently flicked her chin. ‘Like I said—distractions. She recommends the first one, says the woman there has an uncanny knack of finding the perfect outfit for her customers. Let’s ring—find out if she can see us today.’
* * *
Maralena’s displays were simple, yet very effective, with one model in an appropriate setting in each window. Alina’s fingers gripped Ethan’s as they entered. She had no doubt how she’d be perceived, how the sales staff would wonder what he saw in her, why he was with her. She received an encouraging squeeze. What she needed was a little of his innate self-assurance.
Inside, there was room to move easily around the minimal racks of clothing, or along the walls containing full-length gowns. The blonde woman who came to meet them was everything Alina wished she was: poised and perfectly groomed, yet clearly approachable. She dispelled any fears with her genuine smile.
‘Welcome to Maralena’s.’ She held out her hand to Ethan. ‘Mr James, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Louise always brightened our day when she came shopping, whether she purchased or not.’
‘Thank you, she’s very much missed. Please, call me Ethan.’ He drew Alina forward. ‘This is Alina Fletcher, her friend from Spain.’
‘I’m Marlena—I tweaked the name a little for business. I’m pleased to meet you, Alina.’
She shook hands, then stood back, giving her new customer a quick and thorough appraisal. Unlike Sophia’s critical gaze, it was a professional assessment which didn’t bother her at all. To her surprise, the eyes that met hers were approving.
‘It will be a pleasure to help you, Alina. Do you have any particular style in mind? Any colour preferences?’
All doubt dissipated, as if Alina’s whole body gave a sigh of relief. She’d found the help she so desperately needed.
‘I have a list of what I think I need.’ She sensed Ethan’s lips curling. Was tempted to nudge him in the ribs with her elbow. ‘I’ve been backpacking through Europe for a long time, so I’m out of touch with what’s in fashion.’
‘What suits you is more important. Do you have a time limit today?’
‘No.’ Emphatic from Ethan. ‘Take all the time you want.’
A few minutes ago Alina might have begged him to stay. Now she had no qualms about placing herself in Marlena’s hands.
She put her hand on his arm, drew him aside. ‘Thank you, Ethan, this is just what I’ve been hoping to find. You can go back to your office now. I’ll be fine.’
His eyes narrowed. He didn’t seem convinced.
‘Did you leave work unfinished and come home because you thought I was upset?’
‘No, because I knew you were.’
‘I’m not now. The quicker you get back, the earlier you’ll come home.’
He grinned. ‘Can’t fight feminine logic. Okay, I’ll go. Call the hire car when you’ve finished.’
‘I promise.’
He kissed her, slow and tender, seemingly oblivious to anyone else in the shop. Her fingers tightened on the strap of her bag, her other hand lifted to cradle his neck. Her lips moved in unison with his.
She felt his muscles tense. Wasn’t this a kiss for show? To her it seemed the perfect place. Maybe he didn’t, so she broke away.
‘I’ll see you later.’
‘Mmm...’ He blinked and his head jerked. Still holding her, he nodded to Marlena. ‘Take care of her.’ With a final squeeze of her hand, and a husky, ‘Tonight...’ he walked away.
‘Okay, Alina, let’s see your list.’
She was escorted into a dressing room. Within minutes she’d confided her lack of success and doubts of her fashion abilities to an empathetic Marlena.
* * *
Ethan’s mobile rang as he walked into the apartment building a few minutes before seven. Things were settling into place, with the agenda set for a breakfast meeting with his new management team in the morning. Once they were clear on their roles he’d be able to reorganise his working hours.
‘Good evening, Father.’
‘Ethan. I believe you have a new girlfriend?’
‘Yes.’ He wondered what spin his mother had put on today’s events.
‘We’d like to meet her. Does dinner on Saturday night suit you?’
‘I’ll check