If The Shoe Fits

by Laurie LeClair

  Before Dolly could stop her, Charlie made her way around several employees as they offered well wishes. She absently greeted them with a smile pasted on her face. The air buzzed with excitement. Word had traveled fast. The barracuda was out and Charlie was in charge, making sweeping changes for the better.

  “Honey!”

  For once in her life, Charlie ignored Dolly’s call. Time seemed to stop as she slowly made her way up the short number of stairs. Peg, six foot and model thin, fidgeted with the gold-tasseled cord.

  “I’ll take this one,” Charlie said.

  She frowned. “Holy Saint Nick, are you sure?”

  One of the few people to know about the secret romance and attended the private wedding, Peg sensed there could be consequences. She’d said as much earlier when Charlie filled her in on her plans.

  “You know he’s here.”

  Charlie swallowed hard. “I heard.”

  “It could get sticky.”

  “Why do you think I’d rather be here than there?”

  Peg chuckled. “I would, too.” She winced. “Sorry, boss, but for a guy who’s had his whole life on display, no pun intended, he might not be too happy that it’s about to get a whole heck of a lot more personal. And that it’s all at the hands of his—” She stopped herself. “You know.”

  Wife. “Yes, I do know.”

  “I’m right here, honey,” Dolly said, touching her back in comfort.

  “Just like always.” Charlie sent up a prayer of thanks for her friend.

  A short time later, she breathed deeply once, twice, and then a third time as she tugged on the drape cord. It opened smoothly. Charlie blinked several times at the popping light bulbs. Even from inside the building, she heard the oohs and ahhs.

  Standing off to the side, she watched as several people pointed to the scene before them. A couple, in the trendiest clothes the store offered, dined on what appeared to be the deck of a yacht. The scrumptious fare sat upon the best King’s Department Store housewares. The finest linens adorned the beautiful wood dining table.

  The dark-haired, broad-shouldered male leaned close to the dark-haired laughing female. Above them read The Charmings. But below the title, it had starring A King and A Royale. A match?

  Fresh, breezy, hip, young and intriguing rang out. A blossoming romance.

  The crowd outside seemed to part slightly. Alex shouldered his way through. As he faced the display, he stilled. She couldn’t read his expression.

  Trepidation filled her. How would he react?

  As the photographers quickly grasped the situation, they began taking picture after picture of Alex as he took in every detail. Finally, Alex looked at her in the shadows.

  With bated breath and her heart pounding, she walked out of the depths and into the light. Even from where she stood, buffeted by the pane of glass, she caught the gasps of the onlookers.

  “Mr. Royale, do you care to comment?”

  Another person piped up, “Are you and Ms. King dating, sir?”

  Question after question was fired at him. He didn’t say a word. He stared at her, long and lingering. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

  Her heart stilled.

  He bowed his head slightly. She took it as a nod of approval.

  “What’s going on?” Dolly whispered loudly.

  “He’s not mad,” she threw over her shoulder.

  When she looked back, he’d disappeared. The photographers trailed him, still peppering him with questions.

  “The second window.” Charlie rushed back to the steps. “Come on, he’s on the move.”

  “Huh?” Dolly’s question sailed past her as she rushed through the throngs of employees, their claps echoing and bouncing off the marble surrounding them.

  “Thank you,” Charlie said, pressing her way to the other side of the aisle way and to the second display window.

  She met Peg at the landing. “They love it,” her assistant gushed.

  Charlie rushed on and gained the stairs. She searched the crowd outside the window. She didn’t spot Alex. Growing concerned, she stepped closer. More people seemed to have gathered and were now openly chuckling at the smartly dressed couple on King’s best quality, hand-crafted furniture. The male fanned out the bogus deck of cards. The female plucked the middle one. All aces. All hearts.

  She strained to see over the snapping photographers and to the edge of the crowd. He was nowhere in sight.

  “If you’re looking for me, I’m right here.” His softly spoken words came from just behind her.

  Slowly, she turned. She heard the gasps from the growing cluster of people. It seemed as if they then held their collective breaths.

  “Alex.” His name came out in a hurry. The rush of blood pounded in her ears.

  He drew closer. “Is that all you’re going to say?”

  His expression remained neutral. Beyond him, she heard her staff’s whispers of speculation.

  “Do you like it?” she asked, too anxious to wait another moment.

  He laughed, breaking the trance of the spellbound crowd gathered outside. The flashes went off as he cupped her face in his hands. “Brilliant,” he murmured, “absolutely brilliant.”

  Relief washed over her. Giddiness seemed to follow. “Are you talking about you or me?”

  “Both of us, my love, both of us.”

  Chapter 15

  “Dexter’s coming,” Dolly hissed as Charlie, followed by Alex, descended the display window stairs.

  Panic gnawed at her middle. “Dex?!” Her voice rose an octave.

  Her staff applauded again, yet somehow the celebration seemed a little less happy with the prospect of what she would soon encounter.

  Suddenly, the crowd seemed to grow quiet as they slowly parted.

  With all the nerve she could muster, Charlie began to walk. Nearly ten more feet and she halted at the sight.

  Fair-haired and with thick, dark-framed glasses, Dexter glared at her. His set jaw and clenched lips spoke volumes. Even in his white, lab coat he couldn’t mask the disheveled air about him. The shaggy hair, the slight stubble, and wrinkled jacket all bore the fact that Dexter Snodgrass never gave a hoot about appearances.

  Charlie cringed. That could definitely be a problem. She sensed he’d block out their audience and would launch into a heated discussion right then and there.

  The strong presence at her back and steadying hand on her arm had Charlie releasing her pent-up breath.

  ***

  Alex took in the man standing before his wife. A twinge of compassion hit him. It could easily have been him in that position, jilted. “Dexter, I take it?”

  The man nearly gaped at him. “You!” He turned back to Charlie. “It’s true, then? How could you?”

  Within seconds, Alex realized this would become a spectacle and, most likely, make the papers. Highly aware of the photographers racing into the building and flashbulbs going off all around him, he steered Charlie away. Next, he said, “Snodgrass, follow us.”

  Thankfully, the other man didn’t question him and soon was close on his heels. At the bank of executive elevators, one of the doors opened instantly. “Thank you,” Alex muttered to no one in particular.

  Once Charlie, Dexter, and he were in the confining space, Alex pressed the button to close the door, blocking them from the curious onlookers.

  Silence reined. Tension grew.

  Alex looked from the seething man to his chagrined wife. Neither spoke. Neither seemed capable of beginning.

  “Charlie,” he prompted softly.

  Turning to him, she looked like a deer caught in headlights.

  “You can do this.”

  She blew out a heavy breath. Looking back at the scientist, she said, “Dexter, I’m sorry—”

  “Sorry? Sorry?! Is that all you can say?” He thumped a fist against his chest. “I worked night and day on anything you needed. Lately, all I’ve done is sleep, eat, and dream about your stupid perfume. I thought we had somet
hing. A connection. What a fool I’ve been. You never gave a damn about me, did you? All you wanted was to save this godforsaken business at any cost. You used me.”

  Alex winced at the anger directed at Charlie. She stood there, taking it. God, he admired her so much.

  “You’re wrong,” she replied quietly once he’d stopped to draw in a breath. She swiped away a fast falling tear. “I never meant to hurt you.”

  That had Dexter jerking back. He sighed wearily, whipping off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. The truth must have sunk in. “How could you? I poured everything into this place. I got so caught up in your enthusiasm for your dream of bringing back this store.”

  “I never promised you more—”

  “Then friends?” he snared. “Just friends.”

  “You wanted something I couldn’t give you. And yes, you are my friend.”

  He snorted.

  With the door still firmly shut, Alex crossed his arms over his chest. “Hey, buddy, give her a chance.”

  The man glanced over at him. “Funny, I don’t think you’d be as charitable if you were in my place.”

  Alex nodded in understanding. “Point taken.”

  “You’re a lot nicer than I thought you’d be.”

  Charlie chuckled. “Me, too.”

  “Hey,” Alex said, frowning at her.

  She looked at him with her eyebrows raised. “Nice. Sincere. You know, not cheesy.”

  He grinned. “Or fake.” He recalled the words she’d flung at him only a few short weeks ago.

  She giggled. Heat stole over him. Her eyes darkened and her cheeks flushed. The ache inside him grew.

  Someone cleared their throat. “Ah, excuse me, but I’m still here.” Dexter’s voice pulled Alex out of his thoughts.

  Guilt stained Charlie’s skin now. She bit her lip. Alex longed to kiss it and make it better.

  “It’s true.” Resignation echoed in Dexter’s voice.

  “Yes,” Alex answered. “We’re—”

  Charlie turned sharply to glare at him.

  “Friends. Close friends,” he amended, highly aware she wanted to keep their marriage a secret for a little bit longer.

  “Engaged, secretly, weeks ago,” she corrected, briefly waving the diamond-circled ring she wore on her right hand.

  “Damn,” the mad scientist muttered. The color drained from his face. “And double damn.”

  Alex sympathized. “I’d be saying a lot worse if I were in your shoes.”

  “What is it about you and the shoes?” Charlie asked with a smile in her voice.

  Alex chuckled, and then shrugged. “What can I say?”

  Looking at him, she raised an eyebrow. “Shoe fetish, perhaps?”

  “Hey, hey, hey,” Dexter interrupted. “No fetishes, please. Don’t worry, I get it, all right? You and him.” He shivered noticeably. “This is getting too much for me. Let me outta here.”

  “Gladly.” Alex moved to open the door.

  Charlie’s hand covered his. “Wait.” She turned to the other man. “You’ll still work for King’s, still finish the perfume, still be the creative genius you’ve always been?”

  He sighed heavily. “I’ll finish the perfume. I can’t promise anything else right now.” The hurt echoed in his voice.

  “Understood,” Charlie said softly. “I’m sorry, Dex.”

  “Me too, Charlie, me too.”

  Once Dexter exited, Alex waved for Charlie to precede him. She drew near and then reached over and pressed the close door button.

  He sucked in a sharp breath. They were alone. “Did you forget something?” His voice came out low and husky.

  Stepping into his arms, she quivered. “A hug?” He pulled her close. When she sank into him, his heart picked up tempo.

  “Are there cameras in here?” he asked as he nibbled her earlobe.

  “Unfortunately,” she murmured. “Just a kiss. A soft, lingering, deep kiss? A kiss won’t hurt, will it?”

  ***

  Alex took one last admiring look at the window displays. “The Charmings. What will she think of next?” he asked as he settled in the back seat of his car.

  Edward scratched his head. “Your guess is as good as mine, sir.”

  “We’ll just have to wait and see, my friend.”

  “Or I could try to loosen up Dolly’s tongue and have her spill it to me.” Edward seemed to like the idea too much.

  Alex chuckled. “I can’t seem to erase that visual, so I’d rather not have any more. I’ll just wait and see. I never knew I liked surprises so much.”

  “Never did before.”

  “Strange, isn’t it? How much a person doesn’t even know themselves,” he wondered aloud.

  “Women!” Edward muttered and then laughed.

  ***

  Once away from the comfort of the car, darkness surrounded Charlotte as she, with Edward at her side, made her way to the lone spotlight at the back door of Alex’s house. Warm, buttery light poured out of the kitchen windows, like a welcome sign. Her heart hitched at the sight. “Thanks, Edward, for picking me up tonight and having a car waiting for me every night this last week.”

  “No problem, Miss, or should I say Mrs.?”

  She glanced over at him. In the shadows, she made out the grin that flashed across his face. “Charlie will do just fine.”

  “Sure thing. Mr. Alex wanted to make sure you got home safe and sound.”

  A spark of tenderness warmed her middle. “That’s so sweet,” she said more to herself than to him.

  “I’ll tell him you said so, ma’am,” the driver said with a smile in his voice.

  “Never been called that before, has he?”

  “Nope, not a once that I can recall.”

  Her interest piqued. “How long have you known him, Edward?”

  “Years.” The word was short and to the point, but she sensed the kinship behind it.

  “Close, huh?”

  “Just like you and Dolly, ma’am.”

  She sighed. “That’s nice to know. I’m glad he had someone all these years.”

  Now at the door, he got out his key.

  “Coming in?”

  He pulled back slightly, as if surprised.

  “Join us. Dolly always has something delicious waiting for me. I could use a dinner mate.”

  The grin was back, wider than before. She was certain it had more to do with Dolly than anything else.

  As he opened the door and let her precede him, she asked, “Edward, what exactly are your intentions with Dolly anyway?”

  He must have heard the laughter in her voice; he chuckled. “Ma’am?”

  She swatted his arm. “Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me.”

  Just then, Charlie sensed, rather than heard, movement in the kitchen. Going into the big, modern room with all the latest stainless-steel appliances, she stopped short at the sight before her.

  Edward nearly ran into her.

  Standing at the stove, in jeans and with his sleeves rolled up, Alex stirred whatever was in the medium-sized pot.

  “That’s it, Mr. R., don’t let that burn,” Dolly directed as she rinsed off a spoon at the sink.

  Charlie suppressed a giggle. Behind her, Edward began to chuckle. In unison, Alex and Dolly turned to the noise.

  Alex shrugged self-consciously.

  Moving into the room, Charlie went to Dolly, kissing her on the cheek. “You are a miracle worker, my friend,” she said quietly.

  “Aw shucks.”

  “Hey,” Alex called out, “don’t I get one of those, too? Isn’t it kiss the cook day or something?”

  She giggled. “If it isn’t, we’ll make it so.” Once she was beside him, she stood on tip toe, placing a tender kiss on his cheek. “Yummy, apples and cinnamon.”

  “That’s the ice-cream flavor, not him,” Dolly chastised. “Apple pie ice cream, you like?”

  “I like,” Edward said.

  “Hey, you forgetting something?” she teased.
/>   The driver looked perplexed.

  “A kiss. You know, for the cook.”

  He actually blushed, but went over and gave her a light peck on the cheek.

  “More later, Eddie?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He turned to Alex, looking uncomfortable. “You want one too, sir?”

  Charlie laughed and the others joined in.

  Hours later, Charlie glanced around at the three people sitting with her at the kitchen table. In one hand, they all held the cards they were dealt, while in the other they held a spoon to dip into the newest ice cream concoction Dolly and Alex had created. It felt like home.

  Dolly splayed out another winning hand.

  “Card shark,” Eddie muttered as he tossed down his cards and went back to the bowl in front of him.

  “Always have been,” Dolly said, raking in the pot, the metal jingling. The pile of coins in front of her kept growing.

  “Always will be,” Charlie pointed out.

  She caught Alex’s glance. He winked. Heat stole over her cheeks.

  All evening she’d watched as his smile came often. Easy banter flowed among them. Thankfully, gone were all signs of the stuffy businessman and in its place was a very sexy, very down-to-earth man. Now, this was the husband she never knew she wanted.

  In the back of her mind, she wondered if she could hold onto this forever.

  ***

  A week later, Alex shuffled the papers on his desk in his study. He checked his watch once again. “After ten,” he muttered. “Where could she be?” He didn’t need a psychic to answer that one. Work.

  He leaned back in his chair and rested his feet on the edge of the desk, ankles crossed. “A work widower.”

  He closed his eyes and pictured her. Her enthusiasm was contagious. Each morning she’d sit across from him at breakfast and beam. Her eyes sparkled and her smile came even easier than usual. He especially adored her playfulness.

  And, when he popped in to see her at her work, he respected her air of confidence and quick decision-making skills. But, most of all, he admired the way she treated the people who worked for her. Correction, worked with her, as Charlie pointed out time and time again.