From His Invisible Wife to the World's Icon novel Chapter 46

His hand slipped from hers, leaving behind a lingering trace of warmth.

She let out a breath, feeling like she had just survived a disaster, only to look up and see his ice-cold expression. "Mr. Ford, thank you for saving my new outfit."

Wesley closed the umbrella and stood respectfully to the side. "Boss, your pants are ruined."

She finally snapped out of her daze, her eyes scanning him from head to toe.

"Boss, the mall is right across the street," Wesley pointed out.

An idea sparked in her mind. "Mr. Ford, let me buy you a new pair of pants. What do you think?"

"Consider it a thank-you gift for saving me so many times."

He shot her a glance and started walking toward the restaurant. "That won't be necessary, Ms. Sterling."

Meeting his fiercely guarded gaze, she felt a surge of frustration.

Why was he so convinced she was trying to seduce him?

Did he think she was some desperate groupie who lost her mind the second she saw a handsome man?

She wasn't!

"Boss, wearing wet clothes will make you sick," Wesley chimed in.

Hearing that, she hurried after him. "Mr. Ford, the spring chill in Averton is brutal. That's exactly how I got sick. Just let me buy you a pair."

She didn't want to keep owing him until she couldn't pay it back.

With Wesley urging him on as well, the man's rigid expression finally cracked a fraction. "I apologize for the expense, Ms. Sterling."

"Please, it's the least I can do."

Seeing he finally agreed, she happily led the way across the street.

Inside a luxury boutique.

"These look pretty similar to the ones you're wearing. Does this brand work for you?" She stared at him, suddenly realizing he had an incredible physique, much like Frederick's. The name popped into her head instinctively, and she angrily pushed it away.

"Sure," he replied flatly.

"Ma'am, your husband has an absolutely stunning figure. He's a perfect clothes hanger! Why not have him try on a full suit?" A saleswoman approached with a sickly-sweet smile.

Lydia immediately waved her hands. "You're mistaken. He's not my husband."

She glanced sideways and saw his face instantly darken.

He probably thought she hired the saleswoman to say that.

She wanted to scream.

The saleswoman gave her a knowing wink. Left with no choice, Lydia turned to the terrifyingly quiet Xavier. "Maybe... just try the whole suit on?"

"Frederick, do you want to check out this store?"

A painfully familiar voice cut them off.

Lydia looked up, her eyes locking onto Frederick and Sierra walking through the doors. She immediately looked away and practically sprinted into the nearest empty fitting room.

Wesley suddenly clutched his stomach. "Ms. Sterling, my stomach is killing me. Could you please hand the clothes to my boss?"

"Sure."

She nodded.

From the fitting room next door, Sierra's sickeningly sweet voice drifted over. "Frederick, your body is perfect. You look amazing in everything."

"Is the tie hard to do? The saleswoman is busy, let me help you."

A memory violently slammed into Lydia. They had been out shopping once, and he demanded she tie his tie. He had leaned down, his nose brushing affectionately against her forehead. The tie was never finished, but her legs had turned to jelly.

A sudden, suggestive giggle pierced the air. "Frederick, that tickles..."

Her hands, resting at her sides, twisted violently together. Suddenly, a pair of freezing hands gently covered hers.

Just as she tried to pull away, the man's fingers slid between hers, untangling her grip, and effortlessly lifted the suit jacket from her hands.

She looked up at him. The crisp white shirt and tailored black trousers elevated his naturally commanding presence. She smiled, though she knew the tears pooling in her eyes probably ruined the look. "Mr. Ford, this suit looks amazing on you. I'm going to run to the restroom real quick."