Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
“There are two pairs. One is black.” He placed that pair of jeans on top of the other one and pulled out a soft blouse. The material stopped just short of being transparent. If she wore a black bra, which he’d included, beneath the light crimson, it would be sexy as hell. There was a black sweater to pair with either of the jeans, which went beautifully with the crimson blouse. There was also an equally soft off-the-shoulder sweater in a dark ash blue. It would also go with either pair of jeans. He could tell by her expression that she’d expected sexy cocktail dresses. That would be coming, but not yet.
“What do you think?”
She touched a sweater. “Beautiful.” She breathed the word in a whisper. “Andrii, you have amazing taste. I love them. Thank you so much.”
“We aren’t quite done. I’m returning your silver dress and shoes, along with the jewelry. You may need those for another evening out. The jeans are for a couple of dates I have planned. I’ll tell you when I’m surprising you, and you can choose what you’d like to wear. I might suggest one or the other, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear what I suggest.”
“Again, thank you, Andrii. I’m sorry I hurt you when I tried to give back the clothing. I’m uncomfortable with you giving me presents. I’m not with you to get anything.”
“Which is why I choose to give you things. It makes me happy. Not only that, Zelie, but it was obvious to me that you had no idea I had money. It feels good to have a woman who wants to be with me for me. Not for what I can give to her.”
He pulled out a royal-blue skirt that fell to the ankles in a series of long ruffles. The matching-colored top was a camisole that came to a V at the waist, hugged her breasts, but again was more sensual than showy. It was a classy outfit. He’d paired it with a soft pair of leather boots in a darker blue. A wave of ruffled leather crept up the back of each boot.
Andrii watched her face as he shook the skirt and camisole out to show her. Her eyes went wide and soft. Her lips parted, her expression showing absolute delight at the clothes. He was grateful he’d taken the time to search for the exact color and style he wanted for her. It had taken an extra day to get them to her, and Lana had helped him find the right boutiques to shop in, but that look was well worth his time.
When he pulled out the boots, she shook her head, covered her face and burst into tears. It wasn’t exactly the reaction he was going for, but he’d take it. Setting the boots aside, he lifted her into his lap and pressed her face into his chest.
“What is it, Solnyshkuh? Talk to me. Let me make this right.” He kept his voice low and soothing as he brushed kisses into the thick mass of wild hair.
She struggled to pull herself together. He liked the way her fists gripped his tee. He rubbed her back and massaged the nape of her neck, waiting patiently for her to stop crying. It didn’t take long. Her lashes were wet and spiky surrounding her liquid-filled eyes, changing the color to a deeper blue.
“No one has ever done anything like this for me, Andrii. It’s too much. Too overwhelming. I don’t know why you’re being so kind to me.”
“Baby,” he objected.
“No, you don’t understand. I don’t know what to do to thank you. Or to even things between us. I don’t have a clue how to give you this amazing feeling you’ve given me.”
He bent his head and rubbed the bristles of his short beard along her wet cheek. “I told you, Zelie, giving you gifts and watching your face to see if you like what I chose for you makes me happy. I’d know if I got it wrong. A large part of our relationship will be about trust, communication and my ability to read you.”
Her long lashes fluttered and then he was looking directly into her eyes. “Why would it be necessary for you to read me?”
“I told you, babe, we’re going to have a unique, intense relationship, and I’ll need to know instantly when you’re not happy with anything I ask of you.”
Her eyes moved over his face, studying him carefully. She had a way of looking at him with a little bit of hero worship. There was no doubt that she was attracted to him. She didn’t bother to try to hide it, although he knew it embarrassed her that she was so open with him. That was a good part of her personality that he loved.