She could have declined—it would have been the logical thing to do. But logic didn’t stop the faint smile from tugging at her lips.
Because Debra Allen had booked in again.
And that meant Billie hadn’t imagined it. The connection, the charge, the rare, frightening feeling of being moved.
She locked her phone, lowered herself into a chair, and let the silence close in around her.
Whatever Wednesday brought, she needed her composure back.
She finished her drink, the taste of oak and smoke settling on her tongue, and told herself that she would be professional the next time she met with Debra. That whatever had happened in her heart today had been an exception. A…kindness, maybe a moment of weakness she could fold neatly away.
But as she walked towards the bedroom, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue, she knew the truth she wouldn’t say out loud.
Debra Allen was already under her skin…and control had never felt so fragile.
Chapter Five
Having arrived at Brown& Co. earlier than she’d meant to, Debra stood outside the door for a moment and steadied herself. She wasn’t nervous. Today was simply another appointment and another step towards reclaiming herself, but the truth pulsed deep in her chest. Shewantedto see Billie. Shewantedto understand what their last encounter had been. And quite frankly, she wanted to feel that way all over again.
The bell chimed as she stepped inside. The shop floor was as calm as it had been the first time she’d arrived here. That muted lighting, the elegance of the place, the subtle scent she now associated with Billie’s hands lingering on fabrics…and other places.
And then Billie appeared at the end of the hallway in those dark suit pants and her sleeves rolled up. Her eyes softened when she saw Debra, but only for a fraction of a second. It was quickly replaced by the tailored professionalism she wore like another layer of clothing.
“Good morning,” Billie said.
Her voice, just like last time, did something to Debra’s pulse.
“Hi. I hope I’m not too early.”
“You’re right on time.” Billie turned on her heel and strolled down the corridor. “Come through.”
Debra stepped past her, the heat from Billie’s body brushing her sleeve. It amazed her how even that small contact made her suddenly aware of every place she existed.
“There are no measurements today.” Billie dropped the curtain into place behind them and turned to Debra. “Just you, and how you feel in the fabric.”
Debra nodded when she spotted the robe from yesterday folded neatly on the couch. She slipped behind the screen to change, her hands trembling as she unbuttoned her blouse. It was ridiculous for a fifty-two-year-old woman to experience, to feel so nervous, but she knew exactly why she felt this way.
She knew what Billie Brown was capable of.
When she stepped out, Billie was already in front of the mirror, adjusting a few swatches so the lighting caught them at the right angle. “Ready…”
“Come here,” Billie said as she tipped her head to the space in front of the mirror.
Debra approached, and her reflection immediately came into view. Brighter eyes, soft curves, and a fragile confidence she wasn’t so terrified of seeing now.
Billie stepped up behind her. “You seem…less afraid today.”
“I’m trying to just go with it.”
Billie’s fingertips brushed her elbow. “Trying counts.”
The robe loosened beneath Billie’s hands, delicately and with intention.
As Debra looked up and met Billie’s eyes in the mirror, she whispered, “What do you want me to see today?”
Billie held her gaze and smiled as something unguarded flickered across her expression. “I want you to see the woman who walked out of here last time. Not the one who initially walked in.”
Debra swallowed. “And who is she?”
