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  He pressed his lips together. So, the woman had found her words. Such a sweet voice.

  It’s not hers.

  Didn’t mean she was available. Not that it changed anything. He was grateful for the bench between them.

  ‘You work here?’ he said. She nodded. He let out a breath. At least they didn’t have to worry about waiting for someone else to finish their fitting. But where the hell was Libby? He tapped his hand on the bench. ‘I’m here for a ten o’clock.’

  She squinted, her lips pursed, supple. Then she shook her head, her hair flicking against her chin as she moved. ‘No, you’re not. You must have the wrong place.’

  The wench didn’t even check her appointment book. He pressed his fingers into the bench and glanced down at the book. ‘Libby Ballin, see? Ten o’clock.’

  She slammed the book shut. ‘Yes, but you are not Libby Ballin. I spoke to Libby Ballin and she sounded very much more feminine than you do. Now, if you’ll excuse me.’ She started shuffling towards the back room.

  His eyes fell to her full ass, watching as she wobbled awkwardly. That dress looked rather restricting. How did anyone move in it? He didn’t care. He tore his gaze away from her and took a deep controlling breath. He had to get this over with.

  ‘Is she here?’ he called after her.

  She turned slightly—only her head, he noticed. ‘Who?’

  ‘Libby.’

  She squinted again, pressing her lips together. ‘No.’

  He watched her shuffle through the curtain separating the rooms and turned back to examine the front of the store. So, Libby was late. Damn it. She knew he had meetings all afternoon. A long five minutes must have passed before the woman wandered back out to the front room, halting when she saw him. She’d changed from the wedding dress into a black pencil skirt, black heels, and a tucked-in white satin shirt. It was clear this woman meant business.

  ‘You’re still here,’ she said.

  He opened his mouth to retort when the door opened and Libby came flying in ungracefully. ‘Oh, God, I am so sorry,’ Libby said, her breathing rushed. She glanced briefly at him and smiled. ‘You made it.’ Before waiting for a response, she focused back on the woman. ‘I didn’t realise how late I was. I haven’t missed it have I?’

  The woman’s countenance seemed to change immediately. Appealing to the target audience, he supposed. After all, Libby was her customer. ‘Of course not,’ the woman said, taking Libby’s coat and indicating towards the back room. ‘I’m Andie.’ Andie. ‘Come this way, Miss Ballin. We keep the gowns out the back—makes it more private. This is all about you, after all. Can I get you some champagne?’

  He was sure Libby blushed. ‘Oh, my,’ Libby said. ‘Champagne. Of course I’ll have a glass.’

  ‘Just the one?’ Andie said, her eyes sparkling. His teeth clenched. This was why he’d opted to come with Libby. He couldn’t have anyone taking advantage of her and charging more than they should. Especially since he was the one paying for it. ‘Are your bridesmaids joining you, Miss Ballin?’

  ‘Please, call me Libby,’ Libby said, laughing awkwardly. ‘I’m sure it’s not what you’re used to, but I don’t want to show my bridesmaids until I’ve made a decision. I didn’t want to encumber them with telling me lies about a dress they don’t like but think I like, you know?’

  Encumber? Hell, even being in a classier environment seemed to make Libby sound more sophisticated.

  ‘I understand,’ Andie said, ushering her towards the back room. Her voice was silky smooth. Tay didn’t trust her. He followed. ‘Well, don’t you worry. We will find the perfect gown for your day.’ Andie turned towards him once Libby was safely through the curtain. ‘Most men aren’t allowed in the back room,’ she said defiantly.

  He shrugged his suit jacket off and draped it over her arm—the one holding Libby’s coat—and flashed her a smile. She glared at him. ‘I’m not most men.’

  He made a move for the back room, but she stepped between him and the curtain. Her eyes shot daggers. He could smell her, since there was little space between them. Something sweet, light, but not overpowering—her perfume—and something womanly, intoxicating. Her. He could feel the warmth of her body and felt it shoot to his core.

  ‘I don’t know who you are—’ she started.

  ‘I’m the money,’ he said, matter-of-factly. She squinted. He made another move for the curtain, but she stepped in front of him again. Her body was practically pressed against his.

  ‘It’s bad luck for you to see the wedding dress before the day.’

  Clearly, she was clutching at straws. Despite barely coming to his shoulders, she looked up at him defiantly, her jaw set. It was … cute. Alluring. Damn it. ‘I’ll take my chances.’ She didn’t budge. He bent lower, bringing his face closer to hers. ‘Move aside, Andie, unless you would like us to take our business elsewhere.’

  Leaning that close was a bad idea. He hadn’t realised just how intoxicating she was until it was too late. He dropped his gaze to her lips and wondered if she tasted as sweet as she smelled. Her mouth twitched. Her lips were set in a fine line. He’d like to kiss that stubbornness away. She swallowed, then stepped aside, pulling the curtain back for him.

  He straightened, taking a deep breath to steady himself. ‘Good choice,’ he said. ‘I’ll have some of that champagne, too. Can’t let Libby have all the fun.’

  She hesitated, her eyes following him as he moved to sit himself in one of the plush chairs. He could feel her gaze on his back and wondered if he should be worried that she might start throwing real daggers at him.

  Thanks for reading this sample of Save the Date by R. J. Groves. Find it here.

  ISBN: 9781867223924

  Title: BE MY VALENTINE

  Copyright © 2021 by R. J. Groves

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