56 An Encounter with a Shameless Patron
## Hazel’s POV
“That’s not my name,” I told the woman firmly, my heart still racing. “You must be confusing me with someone else.”
Her eyes narrowed, confusion crossing her face. Before she could respond, Chloe linked her arm through mine and steered me away.
“Come on,
we’ll be late for our appointment,” Chloe said loudly, practically dragging me
toward the mall exit.
Once we were safely outside, I exhaled shakily. “That was close.”
“Too close,” Chloe agreed. “But she’s gone now, and we have shopping to finish.”
I nodded, grateful for the change of subject. “Where to next?”
“There’s this new boutique down the street. Stella, my yoga instructor, works there part-time. She’s always raving about their dresses.”
We walked two blocks to a small but elegant store with minimalist displays. As we pushed open the door, a bell tinkled softly.
“Chloe!” A tall, willowy brunette in her thirties rushed over. “I was hoping you’d visit!”
“Stella!” Chloe hugged her. “This is my best friend, Hazel.”
“Welcome to Enchant,” Stella said warmly. “We just got a new shipment this morning.
Come see!”
Before I could protest, Stella was ushering us through racks of clothing. The store was tasteful but not pretentious, with prices that made me wince slightly.
“I’m just looking today,” I whispered to Chloe.
“No, you’re not,” Chloe hissed back. “After that incident at the mall, you need
something that makes you feel powerful.”
Stella pulled out a vibrant red dress from a nearby rack. “This would look stunning on you, Hazel.”
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56 An Encounter with a Shameless Patron
The dress was gorgeous-short but not too revealing, with delicate straps and a fitted bodice that flared slightly at the waist.
“It’s beautiful, but-” I started.
“No buts!” Chloe interrupted. “Try it on. For me?”
I sighed, taking the dress from Stella. “Fine. Just to try.”
The fitting room was spacious, with flattering lighting and a full-length mirror. I slipped out of my clothes and into the red dress. The fabric felt luxurious against my skin, hugging my curves perfectly. I turned, watching how it moved with me.
For a moment, I saw a glimpse of the woman I’d been at the masquerade ball years ago -confident, alluring, carefree. Before life got complicated.
“Hazel? Are you done?” Chloe called impatiently.
I stepped out, feeling suddenly shy under their scrutiny.
“Oh my goodness,” Stella breathed, clasping her hands together.
“Holy shit,” Chloe whispered. “You look incredible.”
“Really?” I smoothed the fabric self-consciously.
“See for yourself.” Stella guided me to a three-panel mirror near the dressing rooms.
The woman looking back at me was someone I barely recognized. Strong. Beautiful. The dress made my green eyes seem more vibrant, my dark hair more striking against the red fabric.
“I’d buy it if I were you,” a deep male voice drawled from behind us.
I whirled around to find Adrian Cole leaning against a display, his eyes roaming over me with undisguised appreciation.
“Mr. Cole!” Chloe exclaimed, surprised.
“Please, it’s Adrian when we’re not at the office,” he said smoothly, sauntering closer. “And who’s your gorgeous friend?”
“This is Hazel Vance,” Chloe introduced me. “Hazel, this is Adrian Cole, my boss.”
“Liam Sterling’s friend,” I added, remembering Chloe mentioning him.
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Something flickered in Adrian’s eyes. “Ah, so you’re the infamous Hazel. Liam’s mentioned you.”
Heat crept into my cheeks. “Has he?”
“Mmm,” Adrian nodded, circling me slowly. “Though his descriptions didn’t do you justice. That dress is absolutely made for you.
“Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling exposed under his gaze.
“Liam’s been quite desperate to get you back, you know,” Adrian continued casually. “Won’t shut up about it.”
My stomach fluttered. “I didn’t realize.”
“Oh yes,” Adrian smirked. “Though seeing you in this, I understand his fixation.” He turned to Chloe. “You should try something on too. My treat.”
“That’s really not necessary, Chloe protested.
“I insist.” Adrian’s tone left no room for argument. He surveyed the racks briefly before selecting a deep blue dress. “This one.”
Chloe glanced at me helplessly before taking the dress and disappearing into the changing room.
“So, Adrian said, moving closer to me. “You’re the one who’s gotten under Liam’s skin.”
“We work together,” I said carefully. “It’s complicated.”
Adrian laughed. “With Liam, it always is.”
Before I could respond, Chloe emerged in the blue dress, looking stunning.
“Perfect,” Adrian declared, clapping his hands together. “Stella, we’ll take both dresses. And pick something for yourself too.”
“Mr. Cole-Adrian-we can’t accept that,” I protested.
“Sure you can,” he countered easily. “Consider it a bonus for dealing with Liam’s moods these past weeks.
*But-*
“No arguments.” Adrian cut me off with a wave of his hand. “Stella, wrap them up, and
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pick something nice for yourself.”
Stella hesitated, looking at us.
“It’s really okay,” Adrian assured her. “Consider it a thank you for taking such good care of my friends.”
While Stella selected a dress for herself, Chloe and I changed back into our clothes, exchanging bewildered glances.
“Is he always like this?” I whispered.
“Pretty much,” Chloe confirmed. “Flamboyant, pushy, but weirdly generous.”
When we emerged, Adrian was already at the register, handing over his credit card.
“Adrian, this is too much,” I tried again.
He waved dismissively. “It’s nothing. Besides, you both look hot in those dresses. The
world deserves to see that.”
Stella handed him the receipt with a dazzling smile. “Thank you so much, Mr. Cole.”
“Adrian,” he corrected, taking her business card from the counter. “I’ll be in touch about some personal shopping.”
The transaction complete, Adrian gathered his own shopping bags from where he’d set them by the door.
“Well, ladies, it’s been a pleasure,” he said, then unexpectedly handed his bags to Chloe. “Be a dear and drop these at my office later.”
Before either of us could respond, he leaned in and kissed my cheek, then Chloe’s. “Wear those dresses to my party next weekend. You’ll both receive invitations
tomorrow.”
With that, he sauntered out, leaving Stella staring after him dreamily.
The moment the door closed behind him, Chloe and I looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Did that just happen?” I gasped between giggles.
“Adrian Cole in all his shameless glory,” Chloe confirmed, shaking her head as she
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56 An Encounter with a shameless FallIT
juggled his bags along with our purchases. “And now, apparently, we’re going to his
party.”
“I can’t believe he bought these dresses,” I marveled, looking at the elegant bag Stella
had handed me.
“That’s Adrian for you. Generous but calculating. Nothing comes without strings.”
As we left the store, I couldn’t help wondering what Liam would think of me in that red dress-and if what Adrian said about him was true.
