Page 85 of To Tango, with Desire

He kissed me, pressing my naked body against his, and something inside of me let go. When he pulled away, sweeping me up in his arms, I tried not to romanticize it.

But my heart, my traitorous heart, flip-flopped in my chest anyway.

TWENTY-THREE

AMIRA

The last person I expected to see walked through my doors at the end of what had been a long day. Given she was a paying customer, I couldn’t exactly kick her smug ass out the door. Tempting as though that might have been.

“Kiki. Hello.”

“Amira, so good to see you.” She unbuttoned her cream coat. “This place is even more glamorous than the last time I was here.”

“It is.”

Thanks to Isabella’s vision, I’d designed my dream decor, installing a front desk, clothing racks, and even a lounge area for clients who came in for fittings. We’d converted the far end of the store to create two changing rooms and had installed a few mirrors along both walls. It left the room feeling bright, even in the depths of winter.

Eventually, I would have more off-the rack lines ready to go for those casually strolling past, but right now I could only focus on the basics.

The place looked stylish and chic, without being ostentatious. My store had a warmth to it that I hope made customers feel both pampered and at ease.

But I knew it hadn’t been possible without the help of Deidre, my amazing seamstress who’d agreed to work part-time at the store. Thanks to her experience, we were processing more orders than ever before. Business was booming and moving at a faster pace than I expected.

“Is there something the matter with the dress?”

A few weeks ago, I’d created a custom-made tango outfit for Kiki, even though I hadn’t wanted to. Given the woman was at every milonga, it made sense to do so. As Tilda had reminded me, the Russian was practically a walking advertisement.

“I wanted it altered.”

“Oh, okay. Sure.”

I led Kiki into the changing room, pulling across the curtain to afford her some privacy. “Let me know when you’re done.”

When she stepped out in the dress, I couldn’t begrudge her wearing it. The fabric hugged her body, showcasing her toned physique in a way that flattered every part of her. She was a small woman and didn’t need lots of frills. Simple, elegant designs suited her. And I had to hand it to myself that the outfit was flattering.

Kiki stepped on the stool.

“I’m not sure I’m seeing the issue.” I looked at her in the reflection of the mirror. “It fits perfectly.”

“It’s the length. I think a bit shorter would do.”

“Shorter?”

“Yes. Just an inch or two.”

I bit my tongue, not wanting to argue with a customer. “Sure. Let me get my things.”

I started to pin the hem, engaging in small talk even though I wanted her gone.

“I hear business is doing well.”

Instinct told me that she was leading to something.

“Tilda and Alejandro have been amazing advertising it. I feel like every second person tells me that they recommended my clothes.”

“Oh, I meant Zane. He spoke highly of what you’re doing.”

“Zane?”