Elena was silent, clutching the cart with white knuckles. Her mouth pressed in a tight line as she watched, eyes flicking from face to face.
“I'm Justin...” he trailed, a strange look contorting his face. It reminded me of constipation. “I'm Elena's ex-fianc-”
“Ah,” I breathed, cutting him off and extending a hand of pause, signaling it was time for him to shut the fuck up. I wouldn’t let him get it out, not in front of her. “Well, thank you, bud. Your loss is my gain. Elena is sensational.”
He looked miffed but stayed silent. Apparently, my flash grenade of an entrance into their squabble had knocked him for a loop.
I moved a hand to the small of Elena's back, earning a surprised gasp. I didn't want to touch her, but it had to happen to keep the charade going. I pulled her close to my side for good measure, smiling wider.
Pressed against me, she fit achingly well, each curve soft against my muscles, her body minuscule compared to my frame. I would definitely need to down some Bowmore to burn the feeling from my memory.
“Well, we have a to finish up and a long night ahead of us,” I breathed, lingering over night because I was that immature. “Have a good day, Jared.”
His face twisted in agitation. “It's Justin,” he corrected, crossing his arms.
“Right, I'm sorry.” I nodded a faux apology, turning my attention back to Elena and grinning down at her. “Have a good one, bud.”
She stared up in silence but didn't move a muscle or squirm from my touch. She'd most likely lose her shit once she had the chance, but I couldn't stand by while the jerk cornered her.
Justin stomped off while Elena remained by my side, a mix of emotions washing over her face.
As soon as he was out of sight, I dropped my hand and put some much-needed space between us. I was tingly where our bodies touched, a definite sign it was way too long since I was with a woman. I was reacting like a frisky teenager again.
“Oh my god...” she breathed, staring after where her ex disappeared to.
“I'm sorry to manhandle you. Unfortunately, it was a necessity to look believable.”
I knew deep down I didn't have to touch her. I could have told the guy to fuck off and called it a night. But I didn't. I touched her, and now I had to face the consequences.
She remained quiet, heavy breathing the only noise escaping.
“Since I forged a fake relationship, I guess we have to shop together until he leaves...”
I didn’t want to walk around the store with her, looking damn good still despite the long day. I made too much headway in killing my work boner for her to go tempting the dick devil again.
Jewels had a lot to do with that and would continue to after our date, hopefully.
Elena stayed planted where she stood, and I realized at that moment, she only had one heel on, one purple-painted set of toes dangling above the tile.
“How did you know...?” she trailed, perched on one foot like a flamingo.
“I overheard the conversation.”
Her eyes narrowed, not buying a damn word of it.
I cleared my throat. “And I knew a vague back story courtesy of Croft.”
“Really?” Her expression fell into despair, brows arched and eyes watery.
No one liked to be a sob story. I understood that. I hated when people pitied me.
“Nothing super personal. Just the basics. I hope I didn't infringe...”
It was the truth. I didn't know much about it, but I knew enough to know the guy was a douche. Anyone that left their fiancee right before their wedding was a major asshole.
“You did.”
Shit. I fucked up again.
“I'm sorry.”
“No!” She sounded panicked, reaching out and grabbing my arm before jerking back as if I burned her. “Thank you. I appreciate the infringement. You helped me.”
“You're welcome, Elena.”
She glanced back up at a tub of detergent far above her head. I grabbed it without being asked and stuck it in her cart.
“Thank you, s-err...” Her eyes dropped briefly before meeting mine. “Jason.”
“Anytime, Elena.” I glanced back down at her bared foot. “Now put your shoe on, flamingo. We have some shopping to do.”
She blessed me with a smile and obeyed, sliding the heel back on and standing tall.
“Need anything else?” I asked, allowing her to lead the way.
“Nope.”
I eyed her carefully, seeing she only had detergent in her cart but didn't argue. “I'll run and grab something quick. Stay here. Your feet have to be dying in those things.” I gestured at her sky-high heels.
While sexy as all hell, they were impractical for hiking around a department store.
She nodded in agreement, resting all her weight on one hip to relieve some pressure.
“Be back in a flash.”
I took off like a bat out of hell in a slight jog, not wanting to keep her waiting. On any other day, I would have skipped the razors for the sake of her feet, but I had to get them to be ready for Saturday. Between dinners and meetings, I'd have no other time to grab them. I wasn't going to go on a date with Jewels with a less than stellar shave.
I found the aisle with relative ease, grabbing a fresh pack of blades and tossing them in my basket. The condoms down the row were beckoning me over, and my cock stirred at the prospect, but I knew no amount of shopping basket Tetris could hide them. That wasn't an awkward encounter I was willing to risk.
I bounded back over to Elena, finding her right where I left her. She was relaxed, smiling softly when I returned.
God knows if I ran into my ex, I'd be drenched in sweat and in need a case of beer. But not Elena. She was radiant as ever.
“Ready?”
She nodded, and we made our way towards
