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“All right, then,” he conceded with renewed determination as he glanced back out over the cityscape—a world full of possibilities yet constrained by reality.
Jaxon slapped him on the back before making his way to the door, already pulling out his phone to undoubtedly begin arrangements for their upcoming retreat.
As he watched Jaxon leave, full of plans and schemes designed to delight and entice Delcy into their fold once more, Colton felt a curious blend of anxiety and anticipation stir within him.
This game they were about to play had higher stakes than any before; not just money or pride hung in the balance but hearts—Delcy's and their own—poised on the edge of revelation or ruin.
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Jaxon rapped his knuckles against the solid wood of Lou's apartment door, a rhythmic pattern they'd shared since childhood. Beside him, Colton shifted his weight, impatience etched into the lines of his tall frame. The door swung open, revealing Lou with her hair swept into a ponytail, eyes alight with the thrill of impending retail escapades. She was practically bouncing on her heels.
“I'm all ready! Lou reporting for duty.” Her voice carried the cadence of excitement, her grin infectious. She caught sight of them both and let out a delighted shriek. “I can't believe you're already taking Delcy on a vacation, and it's two whole weeks! We'll need to get her a ton of things.”
Jaxon returned her smile with one of his own, albeit tinged with the pressure of making everything perfect for Delcy.
“That's why we need your expertise,” he said.
She turned to Jaxon eagerly. “Have you booked her a beauty treatment yet?”
Jaxon shook his head, knowing he should have thought of that.
Lou gave an exaggerated eye roll. “Seriously? How could you forget? Every woman needs a spa day before a trip.” She admonished him with a wagging finger. “You should get her the whole package, from a full-body treatment to a hairdo, along with all the cosmetics she'll need. I have the perfect spot in mind. Let me handle the reservation for you this instant.”
Jaxon nodded in agreement, trusting his sister's expertise in pampering and feminine luxuries. The idea of spoiling Delcy with a relaxing spa experience before their getaway pleased him.
With plans cementing, they descended to Jaxon's car and soon they were on their way to Sterling Galleria.
As Jaxon navigated through traffic, his thoughts were with Delcy—their Delcy—for she had woven herself into their lives with quiet determination and an allure that neither he nor Colton could resist. The car hummed beneath him as he considered their plan: two weeks to win her over completely, to pave the way for something lasting.
Sterling Galleria rose before them like a modern-day palace of commerce and luxury. They entered its grand halls, bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting that made marble floors gleam and storefronts beckon.
Lou led the charge, her steps brisk and purposeful as they entered Bella Donna, a boutique known for its exclusive designs and impeccable taste under the Sterling Enterprises' Fashion House. The air was perfumed with a subtle blend of lavender and vanilla, and soft music floated through the elegant space.
“Trust me, this place has everything Delcy could dream of,” Lou said, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the hunt.
Jaxon nodded, his gaze sweeping across the boutique's lavish interior. Colton trailed behind.
A poised woman approached them, her name tag declaring her as Bianca, the store manager.
“Louise, darling! So good to see you again. I've got everything ready. The models are on standby.”
Lou beamed at Bianca. “Well done.”
Bianca clapped her hands together as she greeted Colton and Jaxon.
“Mr. Sterlings, welcome. How wonderful it is to have you grace our store.”
Jaxon grinned and Colton nodded.
“Now then, shall we?” Bianca said and then led them to a secluded area of the boutique where three models stood poised, their resemblance to Delcy in stature and build uncanny.
“This is Hannah, Mia, and Zoe,” Bianca introduced. “They'll be trying on selections for your approval.”
Lou circled them with pursed lips before nodding in satisfaction.
“Ladies, you're the perfect stand-ins. Let's get to work!” She clapped her hands twice, spurring the models into action.
As the models were at the back getting changed into outfits, Colton and Jaxon settled onto the couch, Jaxon folding one leg over the other while Colton leaned his elbow against the armrest. Lou walked back and forth, anticipation for their private fashion show shimmering within her. The world of haute couture always sent a thrill through her veins.
