Page 41 of Obsessed Mr. O’Brian

Lola glances down the hallway to the changing rooms.

“Ah, it must be hiding through that corridor.” I point to the back and send silent looks askance to the attendant.

She motions us onward. I mouth a thank you to her, but she waves me off.

The hall opens to a circular waiting area with a round display in the middle and plush loveseats facing outward toward the doors of the changing rooms. With mirrors strategically placed throughout the space, it feels much larger than it is, and each section holds an air of intimacy since the display blocks the view of the other areas.

We check each of the changing rooms and find nothing. The worst of the tension drains from Lola, but even though her eyes droop in exhaustion, she refuses to lay her head on her dad’s shoulder.

She points toward the front of the shop, so Artur and I head that way without a word. When her gaze wanders to the front windows even as Artur does another round through the racks, I meet his eyes.

He reaches into his pocket and slips a card into my hand with a chin tilt to the young attendant. I nod and meet her at the counter.

“May we have a private shopping experience? Just for a few minutes? Maybe an hour tops?”

Her eyes widen when I slide the card across the counter.

I don’t realize Artur handed me his black card until she hesitates to take it.

“Are you serious?” she whispers.

I shrug. She nods but leaves the card on the counter before ducking back into the office and returning a few seconds later.

“I think the princess dropped her treasure,” the attendant announces as she crosses the shop toward them.

She offers the shop key to Lola who, to all of our surprise, releases Artur’s collar and takes it straight from her palm.

With impressive patience, Artur helps Lola lock the front door as the attendant flips the sign to closed and lowers the blinds.

I stop her on her way back behind the counter.

“You’re not going to get in trouble, are you?”

She shakes her head.

“Let me make a quick phone call, and then I’ll come back there to help,” she says.

I nod and join Lola and Artur in ensuring the door is locked.

Satisfied no dragon—or evil witch—is going to pop out and hurt her, Lola lays her head on her father’s shoulder. I pat her back and rise onto tiptoe to kiss her cheek.

“Where’s mine?” Artur mumbles.

I lift a brow in amusement, but the moment my eyes meet his, all thoughts drain from my head. I land a quick peck on his chin and back away before he can grab me.

The grin on his sexy face empowers me, and I lead the way to the changing room.

“When do we need to go back and get ready for the conference?” I ask.

When he doesn’t respond, I look over my shoulder and find him staring at my ass. A blush creeps up my throat, but I count us even since I openly ogled him on the street. I clear my throat. He doesn’t even have the decency to act ashamed when he lifts his eyes to mine.

His smirk makes me weak in the knees.

“We have enough time for you to try on a few things,” he says.

“What about you and Lola?” I ask.

“My baby has a full custom-made wardrobe, and I brought my suits. You’re the only one in need of clothes, angel,” he says.