Chapter 32: Their Date

Noah didn't exactly know how to respond to Hailey's words. He hadn't expected her to pay for it, but he also didn't want to disrespect her. He waved a hand. "That isn't a concern."

"It is a concern," she said.

At least there was no one else in the boutique. He assumed that Hailey would be embarrassed. He rose and crossed to her. He took her face in his hands because he'd been wanting to do that for the longest time. "This is for me. I will pay for it and several others. You'll need them for events in the future."

Her eyes studied him, but she didn't resist his touch. They were making progress. Why didn't he want to stop touching her? She was getting under his skin. Maybe not a good thing so he stepped away. "Please let me do this. I know that you're a proud woman, but you are playing a role right now."

She flinched and Noah knew he hadn't chosen his words carefully.

"Would you do this for just any girlfriend?"

Noah looked around, but the saleswoman had left them alone. "If I wanted t