“I dinna know what to choose.” He stood in front of a display of different colored tee shirts, his eyes wide.
She tightened her ponytail and took charge, pulling out various shirts and styles of jeans for him to try on.
“So many?” The stack came up to his nose.
“They fit differently.” She held up a pair of khaki shorts. “How about these?”
At his scowl, she put them back with a smile. Before she could tease him about the pastel polo shirts, a perky blonde clerk approached them, looking Callan up and down, drinking him in like he was an oasis in the desert and she hadn’t had water in a week.
“Finding everything, okay?” She asked with a dazzling smile aimed directly at him, completely ignoring Daisy. “I’m Tiffany. Let me know if you need anything at all. And I meananything.”
Daisy narrowed her eyes at Tiffany’s over the top flirting. She stepped closer to Callan, almost possessively. “We’re good, thanks,” she said curtly.
But perfect little Tiffany wasn’t so easily warned off. She stood there waiting until Callan emerged from the fitting room in a pair of faded jeans and a snug pale blue tee that made his eyes pop. Daisy thought Tiffany was going to slobber all over him.
“Those look amazing on you,” she gushed, openly ogling Callan.
“You must work out, like all the time. What’s your secret?”
Callan held up a black tee. “Weel, I dinna have much choice. Sword-fighting and riding keep a man from running to fat.”
Tiffany giggled as if he’d said something adorably funny. “With arms like those, I’m sure you’re good with your hands.” She winked suggestively.
Red filled her vision, and without thinking, Daisy grabbed Callan’s arm, pulling him to her side, ignoring his grin.
“He’s taken,” she said, glaring daggers at Tiffany. “So back off, Barbie.”
Tiffany held up her hands in mock surrender, an amused smirk on her face.
“Sorry, didn’t realize he was your boyfriend. You do know he’s way out of your league, right?” With that parting jab, she sauntered away.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Callan turned to Daisy, a huge grin on his face. “Boyfriend? I thought ye said ye did not wish me to be yer man.”
Daisy flushed, releasing his arm abruptly.
“I just wanted her to stop drooling all over you. It was totally unprofessional,” she sniffed, avoiding his gaze.
A masculine, low rumbling laugh made her scowl. When she looked at him, a slow, lazy smile spread across his face.
“Ye weren’t jealous, were ye, lass? Ye know, I only have eyes for one lass, and it isn’t that one with hair like straw.”
Instead of answering, Daisy busied herself gathering up the clothes, trying to act nonchalant.
When she didn’t answer, he leaned in close, his breath tickling her neck.
“Do ye want me, lass? Say the word, and I am yours.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Let’s just pay for these and get out of here before Tiffany drowns you in a pool of drool.”
With a laugh, he took the pile of clothes from her, carrying them to the register. As they made their way across the store, Daisy couldn’t help sneaking glances at him. Maybe she had gotten a little carried away with Tiffany, but the thought of any other woman putting her hands on Callan made her see green. She told herself it was just friendly concern, nothing more.
As they exited the clothing store, arms laden with shopping bags, Daisy turned to Callan.
“I don’t know about you, but after all that shopping, I’m hungry. How about we head over to Quincy Market for some lunch?”
Callan’s stomach rumbled in response, making them both laugh. “Aye, lead the way, lass.”
They stowed the purchases in the car and made the short drive to the bustling market. Seeing her city through his eyes made her happy, taking away the pain of her best friend moving away, and erasing the loss of Shawn.
