Catherine leaned into me, looking at her daughter. She trailed a finger down her round little cheek and sighed. “I don’t either, but look at her. She’s just fine.”
“You should feed her. Now.”
Her eyes flared. “Yes, I was planning on it. You might have to give her back to me first.”
I did give her back, but it was harder than I ever would have predicted.
“Elliot!”
I looked up from my laptop, not surprised to see Catherine storming into the living room after putting Josephine to bed. She’d been out for a walk with her when the delivery had arrived and obviously hadn’t looked in her closet until now. I guess she’d discovered what I’d done, though she really shouldn’t have been surprised.
She stopped in front of where I was sitting on the couch, her hands flying to her hips. She might have been angry, but I was sidetracked by her thighs, bare in her little shorts and at my eye level.
Catherine’s thighs were milky pale and thick, coming together in a tight press. No light—or man, for that matter—could have escaped from between them. A tattoo that looked like embroidered orange and pink flowers adorned one, and a blooming cactus climbed up the other.
Without thought, which was extremely unlike me, I reached out to touch the cactus. Goose bumps sprouted on her skin along the path of my dragging fingertips. She was as soft as she looked, like smooth cream.
“I like this,” I murmured.
“Thank you.” She exhaled a jagged breath when I moved to the other leg, trailing my fingers along the flowers that looked like they were made of thread, a brilliant illusion created from ink. “They were done by an artist in Mexico.”
“They’re incredibly talented.”
“She is—wait a second.” She stomped her foot, sending a hypnotizing ripple up her leg. “I’m mad at you.”
I finally looked up at her face, not surprised to see her cheeks were flushed. It was difficult to feign being contrite with an erection, so I didn’t try.
“I can’t think of a reason you could be mad at me. Didn’t we have a nice day together?”
Her hands balled tight at her sides. I almost laughed at how pissed she was, but I didn’t think she’d take too kindly to that. Besides, deep down, I was pleased she wasn’t holding back anymore. I’d take her anger over her controlled politeness every day of the week.
“Don’t try to confuse me.” She tossed her arms out. “My closet is full, Elliot. Why is it full?”
“I shouldn’t think that’s too difficult to understand. I told you the clothes you tried on were a yes. I don’t know why you’d think I meant the one shirt you bought for yourself. I meant all of it.”
“You can’t just buy me an entire wardrobe,” she protested.
With a sigh, I set aside my computer and stood so we were toe to toe. I pressed my knuckle beneath her chin, tilting her face back.
“I think you’ll find I can, and I did. I know you liked what you tried on, so what’s the problem?”
“It’s too much, Elliot. I saw the price tags. It’s way, way too much.”
“Hmm. I disagree. You’re my assistant and required to dress professionally. Since I’m your boss, it’s my prerogative to supply you with what you need to do your job effectively. I decided you needed all the clothing you tried on today—”
“And then some. There were definitely pieces I’ve never seen before.”
“And then some.” I took the stubborn pad of her chin between my fingers. “Did you like everything?”
She filled her cheeks with air, then slowly released it, eyes narrowed on me. “You know I did. Nan has impeccable taste.”
“She does, which is why she shops for me as well.”
“It’s too much,” she whispered.
“No, it’s not.” I gave her chin a little shake. “I have all this and want to give you a drop of it. Let me, Catherine. There are no strings or expectations.”
“I don’t know how to accept this.”
“All you have to do is say thank you and wear that green sweater on Monday.”
That finally got a smile out of her. “The green sweater was my favorite.”
I grinned back. “I could tell. You lit up as soon as you stepped out of the dressing room wearing it. But you looked incredible in all of it. I look forward to looking at you in your new clothes every day.”
She curled her fingers around my wrist and jerked herself free of my hold. Then she hugged my arm against her chest, nestling it between her heavy breasts. Unconsciously, I took a step closer.