One Step Closer(63)

“I can help you with the jacket and scarf, but the shoe department is downstairs.”

“Would you mind just picking out the blazer and scarf? Whatever you add will be fine. I just really want to get this over with.”

The woman nodded in understanding and went off to collect Wren’s requests. “Of course. I understand, dear.”

When Caleb caught sight of Wren with the sales woman, he touched Macy on the elbow with his index finger. “Just a minute.” He walked toward Wren when the older woman walked away. She looked stressed and frazzled. “Are you okay? Did you get everything you need?”

“I did find a dress and the clerk is going to find a couple of matching pieces. I still have to get shoes.” She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. “This sucks, Caleb.” She looked up into his concerned face and shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

He pulled her into his arms and against his chest in a tight hug. “For what?” He loved the way she smelled. Everything about her was softer than Macy, even her scent.

He could feel her shoulders rise in a shrug against him, still unwilling to let her out of his embrace.

“Everything?” her voice broke slightly.

Caleb bent to kiss the top of her blonde head, his lips moving against it as he spoke. “It’s going to be okay, Wren.”

“Is it?” Her arms were around his waist now and her fingers curled into his shirt.

“I promise.”

“Are we buying the dress, or what?” Macy’s impatient voice intruded. “I’m starving.”

Wren pulled out of Caleb’s arms, guilt flooding over her. Macy shouldn’t have to witness her falling apart like a baby in Caleb’s arms. She sniffed and smiled at her. “Yes. I’m just waiting for the clerk to come back with a scarf and jacket. I’ll pay the bill here and go find some shoes. Why don’t you two go to the food court while I finish up?”

“An excellent idea,” Macy began, sliding a hand through Caleb’s elbow to start pulling him away.

Caleb had other ideas and was already handing Macy money. “You go. We’ll meet you there.”

“I came to shop, not eat alone.”

Caleb turned to Macy and put his hands on her shoulders. “Then shop. But if you’re hungry, get something to eat and we’ll follow in a few minutes.”

Macy glanced in Wren’s direction. The sales clerk had returned and was helping her try on the jacket by the cash register, and viewing her reflection in the long mirror outside the dressing rooms.

“Look, Caleb. I’m not going to let you brush me off while you hold Wren’s hand. She’s buying shoes, not getting open heart surgery, for God’s sake. She’s not that fragile. I’m getting sick of this pathetic big brother routine. I barely knew she existed before this trip. You can’t be that concerned about her.”

Anger exploded in Caleb’s chest. “I don’t give a f*ck what you’re tired of right now, Macy! Jesus Christ! Get over yourself for ten minutes!” His voice was low, but intense.

He left her standing there, mouth agape and went to pay for the dress against Wren’s objections. When he was finished, Macy was gone and he didn’t even care. If she wasn’t in the food court when they were finished, he’d text her. He was beyond putting up with her unreasonable behavior.

He put his hand over Wren’s as she started to pull her credit card out of her wallet and handed the woman his. “I’ve got this.”

Wren shook her head adamantly. “No Caleb.”

“I’ve got this, Wren.” He put an arm lightly around her waist and nodded at the clerk to run his card. He bent down so he could speak in Wren’s ear. “Rumor has it, I’m about to be loaded.”

“Maybe it’s all going to charity,” she teased. “You might be dead broke.”

He laughed. For the first time feeling light hearted since Macy confronted him in the great room earlier in the afternoon. “Even so, I’m still buying your dress.”

Wren gasped at the total the nice old woman gave after ringing up the purchases. “Maybe just the dress and the scarf,” she began.

“We’re good.” He shook his head at the sales lady. “Ignore her. We’re good with this. Thank you.” Caleb smiled and took hold of the two hangers protruding from the plastic bag and hauled it over the counter. “Have a great day.” He winked at the woman.

“You two are so cute together. Have a nice day.”

He smirked. “Thanks.”

“Caleb, that’s too much.”

“Hear that? We’re cute.”

She punched him hard in the arm, but his muscle was hard and she was sure her hand was the more damaged of the two. “Ow! You don’t need to—”

“Hush.” He took Wren’s hand and threaded her fingers through his, then headed her toward the escalator. “Now we need shoes, right?” He grinned down at her with one raised eyebrow.

“I only have flip flops and Vans. So, yes I do, but I’m buying them.”

“Whatever,” he said, amusement lacing his voice. There was no way in hell he was letting her pay for them.

The shoe department was to the right at the bottom of the escalator and Wren let go of his hand as she started to browse the tables laden with different types of shoes, organized by type. There were fancy heels and pumps, open toed boots, stilettos, and others with chunky or stacked heels. The dress had a simple elegance, and she wanted a shoe that would be as versatile.