Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“Tell me about her. Does she have a favorite color? What does she normally enjoy?” Sapphire asked with a smile. She loved matching customers with her creations. Her heart was happy to know her jewelry would go to someone who’d appreciate and wear it.
“Black. She’s one of those teenagers who always wear that black makeup. Gloth, or something, I think is what they call it.”
“Jeans? Shorts? What clothing does she like?” Sapphire didn’t correct her terminology to goth. The woman obviously cared about this person in her life and was interested in finding something special.
“Short skirts with clunky boots.”
“I have just the thing.” Sapphire led her over to a display of chokers and ear cuffs. “These are really popular. Here’s my favorite.”
Picking up the beautiful pink stone on a black mesh band, Sapphire held it up to her throat. “This has a bit of color that makes pale skin gleam. It still has the dark goth allure but with a unique style. Do you think she’d like this?”
The woman reached up to run a finger over the finely smoothed metal. “This is much more comfortable than I expected. I like this.”
“Would you care to try it on?”
The older woman hesitated and then nodded. “Could I?”
“Of course.”
Sapphire adeptly fastened the necklace into place and gestured to the mirror on the wall. “See what you think.” Her smile broadened as the woman turned this way and that, admiring it.
“I adore this. I’ll take it.”
“She’ll love it too. I have some with a gold or silver band instead of the black. Would you like to shop for yourself? Maybe you’d enjoy one as well?”
“I prefer purple.”
“I do, too. How about this silver one with amethyst beads? It’s a little longer. It will sit on your collarbones instead of snug around your neck.” Sapphire pointed out.
“It looks so different. Can I try this one on, too?” the woman asked with a smile.
“Let’s do it,” Sapphire said, enchanted by how much brighter and happier the woman seemed now compared to her appearance when she’d entered.
By the time Sapphire carried one necklace and a matching ear cuff to the cash register, the customer chatted happily as her fingers stroked over the necklace she hadn’t wanted to take off. Sapphire set the items on a piece of velvet and noticed the light grey teddy bear next to the cash register. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Isn’t that adorable? Is he the shop mascot?”
“No. I’ve never seen him before. The previous shop visitor must have left it for me.” Sapphire shared her guess. Her voice must have given away her delight to find the stuffie. Her lingering dejection evaporated at the thought that Blade hadn’t simply disappeared. He’d left her something a Daddy Dom would.
“It sounds like that visitor needs to come back often.”
“I hope he will.” Sapphire rang up the purchases as quickly as possible. All she wanted to do was hug the furry present.
Chapter
Two
She almost felt bad about hiding Silver from Kinsley. Almost. When her sister dropped in to pick up her daughter, Sapphire breathed a sigh of relief. The little girl was an absolute angel when she was around, but it took a lot of energy to anticipate what she would do next in the shop full of precious items.
When The Blue Door was quiet once again, Sapphire picked up the card that she’d found on Silver’s tummy. Blade. No last name. It had a motorcycle garage listed along with the logo of the Shadowridge Guardians MC. Tonight was her short day. It was almost closing time. Should she drive over with some of the designs she’d created between customers to show him? Butterflies barrel raced in her stomach.
Before she could wimp out, Sapphire texted the number.
* * *
Blade. Check these out. If you’ll be at the address on the card you left at five, I’ll stop by, and we can talk.
Her phone buzzed back almost immediately. What’s his name?
She hesitated before answering. Silver.
I like it. I’ll be here. You did good, Little girl.
* * *
Sapphire stared at the phone. Little with a capital. That couldn’t be a mistake. A shiver of excitement ran down her spine. Without thinking, she picked up the stuffie and hugged it close to her chest. “Silver. I’m so scared.” Did she imagine the teddy bear squeezed her back?
The last hour of the day was crazy busy. That kept Sapphire from second-guessing her decision to stop by the Guardians’ shop. It helped keep her from worrying. There were still a few times she waffled back and forth.
Picking Silver up along with a file of the sketches, Sapphire double-checked that she’d locked the front door and fastened the security bars in place for the windows. She set the alarm and listened for it to beep before letting herself out the back door. Once in her car, she placed Silver on the passenger seat. Exhaling a long breath, she started toward the motorcycle repair shop.