I frowned at him and put my hands on my hips.“It was barely an hour and a half.”
Stefan shot back an exasperated look.
“Fine,” I huffed and walked in front of him as he opened the door for me.
“Ah, Francesca.”A beautiful woman, maybe five or ten years older than me came walking up.“Antonia just called.Come with me.I know exactly what you'll love.”
12
Francesca
Ispent probably two hours in Giulia’s store.Antonia was right—I loved her style and designs.She had everything from flowy to sleek and simple.
And nothing itched.Or scratched.
Or felt weird on.
There were several items she pinned, promising to get them tailored as soon as possible.And when we were done—there were five more bags for Stefan to carry.I'd offered to help—but once again got “the look.”
I fell asleep on the way home.I hadn't shopped a total of that many hours in the last five years.I was always in and out of the charity shops and secondhand stores as fast as possible.
When we got home, Stefan woke me with a kiss on my temple.“We're home, Francesca.”Then I walked inside while he and the driver brought in all the bags.I wandered up the big staircase.“I'm going to have a quick shower.”I yawned, still not fully awake.
“I'll run you a bath.”
I smiled to myself.“That sounds nice.”My feet agreed with me.They could use a good soak.
Stefan followed me into the bedroom, but he headed for the closet.To dump the bags off, I assumed.
When he came back out into the bedroom, he glanced at me briefly.I was taking off my sundress and putting my hair up.After that, I wandered into the bathroom where Stefan was pouring something into the bath water.
“What is that?”
His eyes caught sight of my entirely naked body.His eyes floated down to my feet and then back up again.“Lavender Epsom salt.It'll help your sore feet.”
I walked up to him as he set the jar of salts down.“How do you know that my feet hurt?”I asked and wrapped my arms around his torso.He felt warm.And strong.And he smelled good.
“Because I pay attention.”His arms circled me.And that felt nice, too.
“Thank you for the clothes.And underthings.”
Stefan let out a very, very, very long sigh and kissed the top of my head.“You don't have to thank me for clothes, Francesca.You need them.But even if you didn't, you can still buy whatever clothes and lingerie you want.”
That was kind of him to say.Even though I didn't believe a word.
He pulled me closer.“Get your gorgeous ass into the tub.Come downstairs when you're done.I'll go start supper.”
I smiled and rose up on my tiptoes to kiss him.“Okay.But how can I thank you?”
He kissed me back and said, “Wear something that you bought today down for supper.”
I let out a small laugh.“Deal.”
And with that—he left me to my bath.
13
Francesca
