She bit her lip. Not that she didn’t want Jarryd to snoop, but the rest of the items were a lot pricier than the dress she’d shown him.
She knew Jarryd wouldn’t have a problem mingling with people who wore outfits costlier than his. Those things didn’t bother him. But she had a feeling he would extend himself for her. While he seemed to be doing well in his business now, she assumed he couldn’t afford to fork out the kind of money her parents’ circle spent on mere clothes. She’d deliberately bought a dress that would go with the black suit and gold tie he’d worn before, so he wouldn’t need to get a new outfit. She hadn’t realised he was planning on going shopping for one anyway.
Jarryd’s eyebrows shot up as he peered inside one of the shopping bags. He must have seen the price tag.
“They were on sale,” she said hurriedly.
Jarryd cocked his head. “Don’t you get discounts since your family owns the shopping centre?”
Marilyn let out a laugh. “No. Although they’d probably give me a good one if they knew who I am.”
“Hey, you could lose that anonymity if you went on Biz Q&A.”
“I know,” she said with a sigh. Jarryd had been subtly discouraging her to appear on the show. He probably didn’t like the idea of being dragged into the spotlight for being her boyfriend.
Fortunately, Patrick was agreeable to her delaying her decision until mid-January. That would be the time the Tramwells would be announcing which offer they’d accepted. There wasn’t much motivation for her to appear on Biz Q&A if they weren’t successful in acquiring Well of Brilliance, which she’d told her parents she would head if Grant Ace became its new owners.
“Wow, look at this,” Jarryd said, whistling as he held up her new Hermès evening bag.
She felt heat rush to her face.
“Are you blushing?”
“Um... well... I don’t usually spend this much money on myself in one day. But I have to go to this function attended by—”
“Hey.” Jarryd reached out for her hand to silence her. “Why are you justifying yourself to me?”
She stared into his eyes. “I don’t want you to think I’m high-maintenance.”
Jarryd frowned. “As if I don’t already know you’re not.”
“I don’t want you thinking that these are the kinds of gifts you have to top to impress me.”
Jarryd exhaled loudly, shaking his head. “Marilyn, please don’t make excuses for the fact that you can afford these things. I don’t care.”
She sighed her relief. “Okay.”
“Good,” Jarryd said, smiling at her with clear desire in his eyes as he stroked her thigh under the table. “Let’s eat so you can pick my gear for your parents’ party, and then we can go back to your place.”
Marilyn licked her lips. This beautiful, perfect man couldn’t wait to be alone with her. And now she couldn’t wait to get the shopping done.
*****
“What do you think?” Jarryd asked, meeting Marilyn’s critical eyes in the mirror as she leaned against the frame of the fitting room door.
She shook her head, wrinkling her nose.
“Really? I thought this was good,” Jarryd said. Then under his breath he added, “I just wanna go home.”
She smirked as she watched him shrug out of the jacket.
The fine-tailored ensemble he’d chosen from the first store he’d spotted did fit him well. But she wanted to buy his new suit for him—from a shop on the ground floor that used exceptional-quality fabric. The cost would be several times the amount of this particular getup, but he’d said not to apologise for what she could afford, hadn’t he?
Jarryd unbuttoned the white dress shirt he’d tried on, letting her get a peek at the muscular torso underneath.
She ogled him openly. “Seriously, you’re so hot.”
She stifled a surprised shriek when Jarryd yanked her inside the fitting room, then locking the door. Goodness, had she really said that out loud?
“I’m hot, alright,” Jarryd murmured, crowding her against the wall. “Hot for you since I left your place on Monday morning. Five fucking days is too fucking long to wait to fuck you again.”
Moisture rushed to her core at his words. She craved him too. “But the salesperson’s just outside,” she whispered.
“So what?”
Marilyn playfully slapped his behind.
“I haven’t had you for five long days,” Jarryd rasped, cupping her breast. “You shouldn’t try my patience by smacking my ass. Let’s just get this suit, then be on our way.”
“No, not this one. Also, I think we should get you a new pair of shoes. We can’t go home until I’m fully satisfied.”
“Ah, why didn’t you say so?” Jarryd pressed her flush against him as he ran a hand underneath her skirt. “I’ll be more than happy to satisfy you right here.”
She giggled as she tried to push him away. Weakly. How could she strongly resist when his burgeoning erection was digging into her belly?
A sound of a throat being cleared came from outside their door, followed by some knocking. “Can I help you in there?” the salesman asked.
“No, thank you. I can manage by myself,” Jarryd called out, his naughty fingers reaching her underwear. He groaned softly in her ear when he found her moist.
“Jarryd!” she said in a fervent whisper, squirming to get out of his embrace. This was getting out of hand.
Jarryd nuzzled her neck, his breath hot on her skin as his fingers continued their delicious rubbing against her panties.
Oh, God, Jarryd was losing control—and she wasn’t far behind.
“Okay, we won’t buy you new shoes,” she said, desperately hanging on to a thread of restraint. “Let’s go to the shop I have in mind and we’ll be done in fifteen minutes, if they have your size. And since you’re not buying from here, you really have to get out of these.” She tugged at the trousers he was still wearing.
Bad choice of words.
Jarryd quickly took them off and left her gawking at the big bulge covered by his briefs. Well, not completely covered because the thick head of his erection was poking out from the top of the waistband.
Marilyn swallowed, getting more soaked.
Knock, knock, knock. “Do you need a different size? A different style?” the salesman asked loudly.
“No, thanks,” she answered, shutting her eyes to regain her self-control.
“Fifteen minutes at the next shop and that’s it,” Jarryd murmured authoritatively, putting on his jeans and adjusting himself.
Thank heavens.
Before she got tempted again, she left the change room and let Jarryd get dressed.
She walked outside the store to avoid the sales guy, who must have heard her and Jarryd. Two minutes later, Jarryd was by her side, sliding an arm around her waist.
“Are you sure we need to get my suit today?”
“Yes,” she said reluctantly, wanting nothing more than to be in her bed with him. But if she was going to pay, it had to be today.
She took his hand and led him downstairs.
“This is it,” she said, stopping in front of one of the best suit shops in Sydney. “Tristan said they’re really good.”
“Okay,” Jarryd said in surprise—or was that dismay?
She was about to ask him not to worry about the cost when Jarryd opened the door and led her inside with a hand on the small of her back.
“Hello,” a fifty-something gentleman said cheerfully. “How can I help you?”
“Hi,” Jarryd answered. “My girlfriend said that I’m to get my suit here. Apparently, you’re highly recommended by her cousin.”
The man gave Marilyn a big smile. “Great! May I ask who this cousin is?”
“Tristan Grant.”
“Ah, yes, Mr. Grant. He was last here two months ago, I think. I’m Taylor, the tailor.”
“Ah, so you’re the famous Taylor the Tailor,” Marilyn said with a grin. “I’m Marilyn and this is Jarryd.”
“Good to meet you both. Are you looking for a bespoke?” Taylor asked Jarryd.
“I actually need one before Christmas Eve, so I don’t think there’s enough time for that?” Jarryd said.
Taylor put on an apologetic face. “No, one month is our current turnaround time for a bespoke. But we have superbly crafted ready-to-wear suits here. We can make the necessary alterations and have it ready for you by Friday.”
“That’ll be perfect. Do you want to choose for me, honey?”
Marilyn happily nodded and followed Taylor to the racks of luxurious men’s suits. She focused on those that felt lightweight and supple—perfect for summer—and found Jarryd a light grey one to try on. She also chose a white dress shirt and a navy-blue grenadine tie to go with it.
“Come with me inside,” Jarryd whispered as Taylor took the items to the fitting room.
“No, or we might not finish here in fifteen minutes.”
Jarryd pouted, trudging to the change room.
She chuckled, tempted to pinch his tight ass, but refrained. Taylor knew members of her family, so she better be on her best behaviour.
The suit, incredibly enough, was a perfect fit for Jarryd. Even Taylor, with his exacting standards, was happy not to make a single alteration.
“This looks pretty good, hey, babe?” Jarryd said, checking himself from different angles.
“Yes. You look so handsome,” she said with a swooning sigh.
Jarryd grinned.
“And I know just the dress to wear with this,” she said. “It’s navy blue like your tie, with a light grey sash belt. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’ve already tried it on earlier, so I’ll only need to pay for it.” That navy-blue number had been her first choice. But since Jarryd was bound to see the price tag, she hadn’t bought it.
“So why didn’t you get it earlier?”
“Because... I like the black-and-gold dress too. But that other dress would match this ensemble better. We can look like a cute couple who planned our get-ups together.”
“Hm, I like the sound of that. Okay. Two minutes to get that dress, then.”
“Five. We have to go back up. And depends on how busy they are.” She giggled as her super-hot boyfriend rolled his eyes.
Jarryd got changed and she whispered to Taylor. “I want to get Jarryd’s outfit as a gift for him. Can I pay now while he’s getting ready?”
“Of course.”
Marilyn took a deep breath, hoping Jarryd wouldn’t mind.
She’d just finished paying when Jarryd came out of the fitting room. Taylor took the garments from him and went to pack them.
“Hey.” She wrapped her arms around Jarryd’s waist. “This is my Christmas gift to you.”
Jarryd frowned.
“I already paid for it,” she said, flashing him an impish smile and hoping it would make him accept her present without a fuss.
Jarryd stared at her for a long moment before letting out a harsh sigh. “Are you doing this because you don’t think I can pay for it? And did you drag me here because the other guests at your parents’ party will be dressed in expensive threads and you want me to blend in with them?”
Oh, no. The last thing she wanted was for Jarryd to feel he wasn’t good enough as he was.
CHAPTER TEN
Guilt hit Jarryd at the anxiety that had sprung into Marilyn’s eyes. He wasn’t angry at her for giving him a gift, but he was annoyed that she wasn’t up front in saying that the suit he’d originally chosen wasn’t suitable for her folks’ party—that she wanted him to wear one that cost several thousand dollars. Skirting around the issue just made him feel small, even though he could easily manage to pay for it himself.
But did he have the right to make her feel bad when he couldn’t divulge to her the truth about his financial status?
Marilyn gave him a peck on the lips, her gaze pleading. “You told me not to apologise for what I can afford. I want to buy this for you, so don’t go backing away from your words now. And for the record, I think you’d look good amongst my parents’ guests whatever you wear.”
“So if I decide to wear that black suit I wore at Carter and Cassie’s wedding, you won’t mind?”
“Not at all,” Marilyn said without hesitation. “The gold tie you wore with it matches my new black-and-gold dress.”
Jarryd cocked his head, frowning. “Wait. Is that why you bought that dress and not the navy-blue one you were just gushing about?”
“Yes. I assumed you weren’t planning on buying a new outfit just for my parents’ party.”
He sighed. How could he remain mad at her when she was so sweet?
Marilyn ran her hands on his chest, her lashes fluttering. “But I do love that navy-blue dress and I do love shopping for you. So please accept this gift? Wholeheartedly?”
Ah, how could he resist her? He kissed her lips and squeezed her tight. “Okay. Thank you. I do appreciate it very much.”
Marilyn grinned at him happily.
His own lips tugged upwards. He could stare at her all day, especially when joy was painted all over her beautiful face. But he wanted to touch her all over too, and they needed to be home for that. He released her to grab all their shopping bags. “Let’s go get your dress.”
Marilyn led him back to the level that was the domain of high-end designer brands, and she went straight for the shop and the particular rack where the dress she wanted was hanging.
“Hi, I’m back,” she said to the saleslady, checking the sizes of the garments and grabbing one. “I’m getting this navy blue.”
“Can I see it on you first, babe?” Jarryd asked.
Marilyn glanced at him in surprise. “I thought you were in a hurry to get home.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see you in it.”
“Okay,” Marilyn said, squinting her eyes at him as a warning not to follow her into the fitting room.
He gave her a cheery wave, staying where he was near the counter. When she disappeared behind one of the doors, he went to the saleslady. “Hi. I’d like to pay for that dress now, please.”
“Oh, sure.” The shop assistant took one from the rack and scanned the tag.
His brows rose when the helpful lady told him the price. It was over four thousand dollars. For one dress. Wow. He hadn’t even noticed any crystals on it.
He handed his credit card, his brain joining the dots. He could see it clearly now. Marilyn had bought herself the much cheaper black-and-gold dress to go with the black suit and gold tie he already owned. There wasn’t anything wrong with that suit whatsoever. But he supposed those in the know could easily tell how much a suit cost just from looking at the fabric.
Marilyn didn’t want to outshine him at the party. She planned to dress down for him, not caring what her parents’ guests might think.
He bet that as the Grants’ daughter, she was usually among the best-dressed people at her folks’ events. And yet she wouldn’t care if her garb for this coming one was not as high-fashion as per her usual—so that they could be a cute couple who wore “matching” outfits.
God, he loved her.
Yes. He did.
He stilled as the realisation hit him squarely in the chest.
The saleslady finalised the purchase and a full smile formed on his face.
He’d already fallen.
He was already in love with Marilyn.
And damn, he was happy about that.
Jarryd placed his credit card back in his wallet along with the receipt and went to stand outside Marilyn’s fitting room, just as she was opening the door.
His mouth hung open. His girlfriend—the woman he loved—was gorgeous in the form-fitting strapless dress. The blue did seem as navy as his tie, and the colour of the sash was close to the light grey shade of his suit.
“I guess that means you like it,” Marilyn said, pleased by his expression.
“You look stunning, babe.” He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I can’t wait to strip it of
f you.”
“Not until after my parents’ Christmas Eve party,” Marilyn quipped, patting his cheek.
He slipped an arm around her waist. “Can’t you leave it on today? I promise to be careful when I take it off you when we get to your place.”
Marilyn shook her head. “I know what you’re like when you’re excited. You’ll ruin this dress.”
“I’ll buy you another one.”
Marilyn chuckled, still shaking her head as she started to close the door of the change room. Then she froze, looking up at him with suspicious eyes. “What do you mean you’ll buy me another one?”
“If I ruin it, I’ll get you another one.”
“But you’re not buying this one.” It was a statement, not a question.
“Too late,” he said with a bright smile.
“Jarryd.” Dismay dripped from Marilyn’s tone.
He cupped her face, all serious now. “Hey, I wholeheartedly accepted your gift. I want you to wholeheartedly accept mine now.”
Her brows furrowed as her eyes moistened. “You’re trying to pay me back.”
Oh, hell. Tears? She wasn’t playing fair.
“I’m not trying to pay you back. I’m just... wanting to give you an early Christmas present too.”
“I shouldn’t have bought you that suit,” Marilyn muttered.
“I love that suit! Come on. Don’t be like this.”
“This is too much, Jarryd,” she said in a fierce whisper.
“And the suit wasn’t?” he asked dryly.
“You know what I mean.”
He slowly let out a sigh. “This dress comes in black too and would have matched my black suit at home. Why did you get the black-and-gold dress instead of the black version of this?”
Marilyn huffed. “I don’t want money to come between us, so what does it matter?”
“Exactly. I don’t want money to come between us either. And I can afford this, so please don’t worry.”
“You don’t need to buy me this kind of stuff to please me.”
“I know. But it pleases me to buy you this kind of stuff.”
“That’s not good use of your money,” Marilyn said insistently.
“And it’s good use of your money to buy me what you just bought me?”
The Unknown Billionaire (Captured by Love Book 6) Page 8
