Three steps and I was in front of the unlocked case and opening it. One reach and the cuffs were in my hand. I turned around with a rueful smile on my face. “I’d like to purchase these.”
She gave me a contemplative look and bit her lip. “Sorry, I’ve already closed out the drawer.”
I took the one long stride that separated us and closed the distance. “Surely, there must be a way I can pay for these.” I dangled them in the air.
A weary aspect had entered her eyes but I tried to push her past it.
“We could barter.”
Another smile prodded my lips. “Barter, as in trade?”
She breathed very close to my mouth. “That’s what the early traders intended the word to mean.”
Amused, I replied, “I’ll bite. What are you looking to receive in return for the goods in question?”
“Funny you should ask, because we also just got these.” She turned on her heels and opened the glass case. On one of the shelves there was a stack of silk pieces of cloth in different colors. She picked up the red one and held it in her fingers. “Control.”
I raised a brow. “Control?”
She gave me a slow nod. “Control.”
I laughed, almost sardonically. “Christ. I don’t think I can do that.”
Elle gave me an impassive shrug and took the cuffs from my hands. “Okay then.”
Just as she was putting both items in the case, the click-clack of high heels told me either Rachel or Peyton was coming up the stairs.
I snatched them from her fingers quickly and searched for her purse. It was where it always was, under the cash register. I shoved them inside.
“Do we have a deal?” she asked.
“I’ll think about it.”
Again the impassive shrug and I had to admit, my cock twitched. She was turning me on and I hadn’t even agreed.
Peyton was standing at the top of the steps just as I tucked Elle’s bag back in place. Her coat was on, her purse was on her arm, and I thought maybe, just maybe, the conversation about my new look would be bypassed. But in case it wasn’t, I had my story down. After all, I did have to recite it with my pop’s friends and my clients numerous times throughout the day.
As soon as she hit the main floor her jaw dropped. “Logan, your hair!” Peyton exclaimed in shock. Today her own hair was tinged blue, which matched one of the shades in her multicolored coat and earrings. She looked a little Smurf-like, but what did I know about fashion?
With one hand tightly gripping Elle’s, I rubbed my head with the other. Declan hadn’t informed Peyton about anything that was going on. It was safer for her that way. “I lost a bet,” I said with a slight forced grin.
“You look like Jax Teller when he got out of jail.”
If only she knew how close she was. Still, I had no idea who she was talking about, and I gave her a puzzled look. “Sorry, Peyton, but I’m not sure who he is.”
“Charlie Hunnam from Sons of Anarchy.”
My look remained the same.
She shot a glance toward Elle, who also shrugged.
“Never mind. I guess neither of you are a fan,” she said, almost exasperated.
A mirror was on the counter near me and Peyton pulled out her lipstick and came a little closer. “Oh my God, Logan, your eye. What happened?”
Elle squeezed my hand and then turned around to finish counting. I knew she didn’t like lying to Peyton, even if it was for her own good. “A boxing gym mishap. Nothing to worry about. I’m fine,” I told her.
“Same day you made the bet?”
“Yep.” I kept it short.
“Looks like you lost all the way around.”
I said nothing, just grinned.
Beep. Beep.
“That’s my mother. We’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress.”
“Wedding dress?”
“Her mother’s getting married,” Elle laughed.
And if that news didn’t make me feel completely out of it! I knew I had disconnected over the last couple of weeks, but I hadn’t realized just how much.
“In like two weeks,” Peyton said, rolling her eyes. “Nothing like short notice, but when love hits there’s no denying it.” She shifted her gaze to Elle, who was done counting the day’s receipts. “Isn’t that right?” She winked.
Elle actually blushed, which I found adorable.
Beep. Beep.
“I’m coming. I’m coming! She’s so impatient. I have to run. Have a good night, you two.”
“You, too,” I said.
“See you tomorrow,” Elle called.
Like a flash, Peyton opened the door and was gone.
“Are you ready to go eat?” I asked, rubbing my stomach. I was starving.
Just then the bells chimed and a young man wearing a news cap came in carrying a bouquet of roses. “Delivery for Elle Sterling.”
“That’s me.” She smiled, and I could tell she thought they were from me.
They weren’t.
The kid walked over to her and handed them off. “Sorry I’m so late. You’re the last delivery of the day. Have a great night.”
“You, too,” she said still smiling.