Page 53 of The October Arrangement

“Bella.”

“I’m serious, Simon.”

“So am I.”

“I have dresses,” I sighed.

“Formal dresses?” His brow arched.

“Yes.” I nodded.

“For a black-tie charity event?”

I opened my mouth and then closed it.

“I am not going into some ridiculously expensive store and charging thousands of dollars to your credit card,” I said.

“Why not?” His brows furrowed.

“Because it’s weird.”

“What exactly is weird about it, Bella? Enlighten me.”

“You handing me your credit card and telling me to go shopping.”

“Would cash make you more comfortable?” he asked.

My jaw dropped as I stared at him.

“You’re making this far more complicated than it needs to be.” He laughed. “Just take the damn card and go shopping.”

“How much?” I asked.

“How much what?”

“Can I spend?” I replied.

“Whatever the dress and shoes cost.”

“That’s not an answer, Simon.”

“It’s the only one you’re getting, Bella.” He walked over to the sink, rinsed out his mug, and placed it in the dishwasher.

“What if I find one that’s five thousand dollars?”

“Buy it.”

“Ten thousand?” My brow arched.

“Buy it.”

“Twenty?” My eyes narrowed.

“If you find a dress you love that costs twenty thousand dollars, Bella, buy the damn dress.”

“You’re insane, Simon Montclair.” I stared at him.

“Possibly.”