He glanced at the logo and the chairs. “Then why not just do what hesaid?”
She pressed her lips together. “Because this is my channel. It’s my name and my brand. I’m pushing out of my comfort zone by being here, but I’m not willing to compromise or change who I am just to fit in with these guys. I want this, Beck, don’t get me wrong. But I’m not willing to sell myself to getit.”
Beckett’s hands dropped to his side, and then he slowly brought them up to rub her arms just as she had a moment ago. While she’d had to rub briskly to work up heat, he was able to create fire with a brush of his fingertips. Her body wanted to lean towards him, lean into him, to settle into his arms and just stay there for a while. This whole situation pushed her beyond the confines of her in-home studio. She hated that she felt vulnerable. Sure, she’d put on a tough face for Mr. Hayes, but in reality, she was just doing her best in a newsituation.
Instead of falling into Beckett, she rocked back on her heels. “I’m going to scout a newlocation.”
He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “I’ll hang out here in case the suit comesback.”
Daisy ran her hand over her curls, making sure they hadn’t fallen out when her cheeks steamed. “It’s notallhis fault, Beck. He’s trying his best at his job, just like I’m trying my best atmine.”
Beckettfrowned.
“What?”
“You’re toonice.”
Her soul lifted at the compliment that wasn’t meant as a compliment. “There’s no such thing,” she said before making her way around the store. There were a few shoppers, all men, who zeroed in on what they wanted, checked size, and headed for the cashier. Oh, that shopping were thatsimple.
Most of the guys had a decent understanding of how to dress to impress, but there was one man who came in wearing a shirt that fit like a tent. He was heavier, but he didn’t need to wear a larger garment. His tall forehead shone with sweat. He glanced between two mannequins, his frustration evident in the slope of hisshoulders.
Daisy headed his direction, ready to take her mind of her own problems and maybe get some insight into the male shopper. “Hello.”
He threw up a hand to stop her from getting any closer. “I’mfine.”
Daisy paused for a moment, unsure how to respond. She cleared her throat. “Are you looking for ashirt?”
He ignored her as he fumbled to hang a button-up shirt back on the rack. The metal clanked and clicked loudly in the mutedatmosphere.
Daisy picked up an extra-large in baby blue. “This color would do amazing things with your eyes.” She held it under his chin and he didn’t back away. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you have the deepest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Like a clear summer day.” They weren’t at all like Beckett’s blue eyes. His were ice blue with soft flecks of gray and seemed to hold the whole world inside. When she looked into Beckett’s eyes, she felt all warm and chocolatey mixed with the sensation of falling off acliff.
“I-I don’t mind.” He folded his arms and then dropped them and then folded themagain.
“Are you shopping for a specialoccasion?”
“Jobinterview.”
“Oh, in that case, you’ll want to get the navy shirt.” She switched out the baby blue for the darker blue. “Navy is linked to intelligence and wisdom, and as a bonus, it will make your eyespop.”
He offered a small smile. “You thinkso?”
“I knowso.”
The stranger lifted his chest. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to buy thisshirt.”
“Wonderful.” Daisy grinned at his exuberance. That was exactly why she loved helping people feel confident. Maybe the guy would get the job and improve his life. Maybe he wouldn’t—but for this moment, he felt good about who he was, and that was pretty darncool.
“Miss Covington?” Mr. Hayes approached slowly. He looked back and forth between her and the customer. “May I have aword?”
“Of course.” Daisy smiled at the newly confident shopper. “Good luck with yourinterview.”
He held up the shirt. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She followed Mr. Hayes into the racks of pants, where hestopped.
“It appears I was misinformed.” He cleared his throat, clearly not used to having to apologize. “You’re welcome to film anywhere youlike.”
Daisy checked her grin. “Thank you. I’m quite taken with the green wall near the changing rooms.” Green was a color of safety. She pressed her palm against her belly button. Her stomach still hadn’t settled into taking her channel on the road. And then there was Beckett. He was worse to shop with than Quinton. At least Quin trusted her judgment. Beck acted like she was the devil trying to tempt him into a fiery furnace. She wondered if he could learn to trust her or if this whole makeover was going to be abattle.
