Page 13 of Tempted To Be Mine

“Alaska,” she repeated, her smile widening. “How exciting. Let me show you what we have.”

What they had was overwhelming. Parkas lined with fur. Puffy jackets in every color. Wool coats that looked soft and warm. The saleswoman led us through the store like a tour guide, pointing out features and fabrics while I tried not to look at the price tags.

“This one would be stunning on you,” she said, pulling out a sleek white coat with silver buttons. “It’s lightweight but incredibly warm. Down-filled with a water-resistant shell.”

I reached out to touch it. I could already picture myself wearing it, looking like one of those women in a winter perfume ad.

Then I saw the price tag. Four thousand dollars. For a coat. I lived in California. Was I really supposed to spend that kind of money on something I would wear once or twice?

“It’s beautiful,” I said, pulling my hand back. “Maybe something a little more practical?”

Jeremy appeared at my elbow. “Try it on.”

“I’m good.”

“Try it on.” He took the coat from the saleswoman and held it open for me. “That’s the whole point of today. Try stuff on. See what works.”

I sighed but slipped my arms into the sleeves. I turned to look in the mirror and had to admit it looked good. The white made my blonde hair pop, and the cut was flattering without being too tight.

“Spin,” Jeremy commanded. “Let me see the back.”

I rolled my eyes but did a half-hearted turn.

“Eh.” Jeremy tilted his head, studying me with a critical eye. “It’s nice, but it washes you out a little. The white’s too bright for your skin tone.”

“Excuse me?”

“You need something warmer. Like a cream or an ivory. Or go bold. Navy would look amazing on you.”

I stared at him. “Since when are you a fashion expert?”

He gave me a dry look. Duh. He might not be a designer, but the man had worn everything. He knew what looked good. “I’ve been staring at clothes for a living for a decade. I’ve picked up a few things.”

The saleswoman nodded approvingly. “He’s not wrong. Let me grab a few alternatives.”

She disappeared into the racks, leaving me standing in the four-thousand-dollar coat that apparently washed me out.

“Take it off,” Jeremy said. “We’ll find something better.”

I shrugged out of the coat and handed it back to him. The saleswoman returned with an armful of options. Navy, like Jeremy suggested. A deep wine-colored one that felt very festive. A gorgeous green that made me think of Christmas trees.

“Try the green one first,” Jeremy said.

I took it from her and slipped it on.

“It’s too short,” I said, tugging at the hem. “If I’m going to be trudging through snow, I need something that covers more of me.”

“Fair point.” Jeremy nodded. “Next.”

The wine made me feel like I was actually swimming in a barrel of wine. The navy was perfect in color but the fit was weird around the shoulders. An ivory puffer made me look like a marshmallow.

“I look like I’m being eaten by a sleeping bag,” I said, staring at my reflection.

Jeremy laughed. “Yeah, that one’s a no.”

“Thanks for the honesty.”

“Always.”