28 A Surprising Encounter with Mr. Sinclair
His large hand engulfed mine, warm and strong. “Likewise, Ms. Shaw.”
“Sebastian should have a new suit for my birthday celebration,” Mrs. Sinclair declared suddenly. “Don’t you think, Ms. Shaw?”
I withdrew my hand, ignoring the lingering
to design it.”
“If Mr. Sinclair would like one, I’d be happy
Sebastian raised an eyebrow at his mother. “Are you volunteering my time, Mother?”
“Don’t be difficult,” she chided. “You need a new suit anyway.”
I watched their interaction, fascinated. Despite his imposing presence, Sebastian treated his
mother with obvious affection.
ジ
“Would you have time to include me in your schedule?” he asked me directly.
His consideration caught me off guard. Alistair had always demanded my time without question.
“I’m quite busy with your mother’s commission and several others,” I admitted.
“Of course,” he nodded. “There’s no rush for mine.”
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Another surprise. I’d expected entitlement from someone of his position.
“I can fit you in,” I found myself saying. “Perhaps next week?”
“Perfect.” The slight curve of his lips wasn’t quite a smile, but it softened his serious face.
Mrs. Sinclair watched our exchange with evident satisfaction. “Sebastian, why don’t you show Ms. Shaw around while I speak with the aunties?”
“That’s not necessary,” I protested quickly. “I should measure the other ladies while I’m here.”
Sebastian inclined his head. “After you’ve finished with them, then.”
The next hour passed in a blur as I measured Mrs. Sinclair’s sisters–in–law and two cousins. I felt Sebastian’s eyes on me occasionally, though whenever I glanced his way, he was engaged in
conversation with someone else.
“You’re quite talented,” remarked one of the aunties as I finished noting her measurements. “And
very pretty too.”
“Thank you,” I replied, used to such comments from clients.
“Single, I hear, she continued with a meaningful look toward Sebastian.
My cheeks warmed. “I’m focusing on my career.”
“A woman can have both,” she countered. “The right man supports his wife’s ambitions.”
Before I could respond, Sebastian approached us. “Auntie Lin, are you interrogating Ms. Shaw?”
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28 A Surprising Encounter with Mr. Sinclair
The older woman laughed. “Just getting to know her better.”
“I apologize for my aunt,” he said to me after she walked away.
“No need,” I assured him. “I’m used to personal questions in this line of work.”
His dark eyes studied me. “Still, you’re here as a professional, not a subject for their matchmaking schemes.”
The blunt acknowledgment made me laugh despite myself. “Is that what was happening?”
A hint of amusement crossed his face. “They’re rather transparent.”
I tucked my notebook into my bag. “Well, I’ve measured everyone except you.”
“Is it my turn now?” he asked, his deep voice dropping slightly.
The simple question shouldn’t have affected me, but something in his tone made my pulse quicken. I nodded, trying to maintain my professional demeanor.
“Let’s move somewhere quieter,” he suggested, gesturing toward a side room. “Away from prying eyes.”
I followed him into what appeared to be a study, painfully aware of the meaningful glances exchanged behind us. The room was masculine and elegant–leather–bound books lining the walls, a massive desk of dark wood dominating one corner.
“Will this do?” Sebastian asked, closing the door partway–enough for propriety, but offering
privacy.
“Yes, thank you.” I removed my measuring tape from my bag. “If you could stand here, please.”
He moved to the center of the room, tall and imposing. Up close, I noticed details I’d missed before–the faint lines at the corners of his eyes suggesting he smiled more than he let on, the slight scar along his jawline.
“I’ll need to measure your shoulders first,” I explained, approaching him.
As I reached up to place the tape across his broad shoulders, he stood perfectly still. The faint scent of his cologne–sandalwood and something uniquely him–filled my senses.
“I’ve heard a great deal about you, Ms. Shaw,” he said quietly.
My hands paused briefly. “All bad, I imagine, considering the scandal.”
“Actually, no.” His voice rumbled near my ear as I measured across his back. “I form my own opinions.”
I moved to face him, measuring from shoulder to wrist. “That’s refreshing. Most people believe what they read.”
“I’m not most people. The simple statement rang with truth.
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28 A Surprising Encounter with Mr. Sinclair
As I worked, the silence between us felt charged yet comfortable. When I knelt to measure his inseam, I kept my eyes fixed on the tape numbers, hyperaware of our proximity.
“You’re very efficient,” he commented.
“Years of practice,” I replied, standing again. “I need your chest measurement now.”
I reached around him to measure, almost like an embrace. His steady heartbeat thumped against my hands.
“Could I ask you something, Ms. Shaw?”
I met his eyes, struck again by their intensity. “Of course.”
“Would you be comfortable calling me Sebastian? Mr. Sinclair makes me feel like my father.”
The request surprised me. “I usually maintain formality with clients.”
“And is that all I am to you? A client?” Something in his tone suggested the question held more weight than it should.
I stepped back, measuring tape still in hand. “For now, that’s all you can be.”
Instead of offense, I saw understanding in his expression. “For now,” he echoed, making the words sound like a promise.
The air between us seemed to thicken. I busied myself with noting his measurements, unsure why my hands trembled slightly.
“I’ve made you uncomfortable,” he observed. “I apologize.”
“No,” I said quickly, too quickly. “I’m just… surprised. You’re not what I expected.”
“What did you expect?”
I hesitated, not wanting to admit I’d heard about him from Alistair. “Someone more…”
“Arrogant? Cold? Ruthless?” His lips curved slightly. “My business reputation precedes me.”
“Something like that,” I admitted.
Sebastian stepped closer, close enough that I had to tilt my head to maintain eye contact. “Perhaps you’ll discover I’m full of surprises, Hazel.”
My name on his lips sent an unexpected thrill through me, What was happening? I’d sworn off men after Alistair’s betrayal, especially powerful, wealthy men.
“Your measurements are complete, Mr. Sinclair,” I said, retreating behind professionalism.
His eyes flickered with something–disappointment? Amusement? “Thank you, Ms. Shaw.”
As I packed away my measuring tape, his hand lightly touched my arm. “One last thing”
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28 A Surprising Encounter with Mr. Sinclair
I looked up, questioning.
“The suit you’re making–make it something worthy of standing beside your own creations.”
The compliment, delivered so matter–of–factly, warmed me more than flowery praise would have. “I will.”
As we returned to the main room, I caught Mrs. Sinclair watching us with undisguised interest. What had started as a simple business appointment had somehow shifted into something I couldn’t quite define.
And for the first time since Alistair’s betrayal, I found myself looking forward to seeing a client again–though deep down, I knew Sebastian Sinclair might be becoming something more than just a client to me.
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