Next To You Read Online Free PDF Page B

people who look the most conservative usually tell the filthiest jokes.’
    ‘Then your jokes must be absolutely vile.’
    His hand came out of his pockets and he looked down at himself, running fingers down the along the front edges of his jacket. ‘You think I’m dressed conservatively? You told me I wore this suit beautifully.’
    ‘I think you’re dressed magnificently. You see so few men wear ties these days. I like your little conservative holdover.’
    ‘I’m willing to let you guide me in another direction. You are, after all the professional here and I’m just the man-nequin.’
    She winced. ‘Oh, that was bad.’
    ‘You didn’t like the pun?’
    ‘No, but I like your tie. And your cufflinks. How did Norelle assist you, William?’ She leaned over the desk for her iPad and scrolled through it, searching for his name in the client list. ‘Was she your stylist, or did she assist you with your general shopping, gift shopping, or was it only when you had something particular in mind, like a specific designer, and wanted her to find sizes for you?’
    ‘A little of everything. I’m here today because I need a new raincoat. Also I’m retiring my old tuxedo, so I’ll need a new one soon. Maybe we could have coffee and get to know one another a little better, since we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.’
    Caroline stopped reading. Well, shit. She’d misread the social cues and been too enthusiastic in trying to grab life by the balls. She’d kept the veneer professional and friendly—at least, she thought she’d been professional, flattering, and friendly, but he thought flattery was flirty. Had she flirted? Warmth crept up her neck as she glanced up at him and tried to determine exactly what he thought and what he meant by have coffee . ‘Umm, well … would you like regular brewed coffee or a cappuccino, or espresso? I’ll have some sent up from the coffee shop downstairs.’
    ‘No, no, I’m good for now. To be honest, I’m a little pressed for time so may I suggest we get together this weekend?’
    The rabbi she’d worked for had tried too, and while it was always unexpected, it wasn’t the first time a client had asked her out. She needed to circumvent the suggestion. She needed to head off this man politely, instead of tripping over her feet in a dash to get away from unwanted attention. ‘I’m sorry, you’re very kind to ask, but store policy frowns on socializing with clients. I can make a note of what kind of coffee you like. The next time you come in I can have one sent up for you. Shall I show you some raincoats now? There’s a nice lightweight navy one with a zip-out lining. I think it will look smart on you.’ She set the iPad on the desk beside his hat, and the warmth hit her face.
    Will was strangely flattered by her blushing. ‘I beg your pardon. I see that came out oddly. I must apologize if it seemed as if I was asking you out.’
    ‘You weren’t?’
    ‘No, but you handled it most politely and professionally.’
    ‘Thank you.’ Pink-cheeked, she looked at him, a half-smiled, puzzled frown forming, dimming her blush slightly. ‘It’s not déjà vu. We’ve met before, haven’t we?’
    ‘It’s good I made some impression, but usually it’s for an altogether different reason and not my misinterpreted geniality.’
    ‘What reason is that?’
    ‘I tend to stand out in a crowd.’
    She stared at him now. She had pretty hazel eyes. ‘Do you?’ she said.
    ‘As you see, I am rather fair-skinned.’
    ‘Yes, you are, but that’s not it. I know you from someplace.’
    ‘Come on, Caroline.’ He waited a moment for her to connect the dots. When she didn’t, he drew a line in the air with his finger. ‘I live across the landing from you.’
    ‘You do?’
    He chuckled. ‘I delivered an envelope to you last Saturday.’
    Her frown collapsed, she shook her head. ‘That … was you ?’
    ‘Yes. You were a little … flustered. Popcorn burned, the smoke alarm was